First Take

Album Title: First Take
Artist: Roberta Flack

Meta Information: "First Take" is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Roberta Flack, released in 1969. The album is a soulful and introspective collection of songs that showcase Flack's rich and emotive vocals, accompanied primarily by her own piano playing. With its intimate atmosphere and heartfelt performances, "First Take" established Flack as a formidable talent in the realms of soul, jazz, and folk music, laying the foundation for her illustrious career.

Three Interesting Facts:

1. "First Take" features Flack's iconic rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", a song that would become one of her signature tracks and earn her widespread acclaim. Originally written by British folk musician Ewan MacColl, Flack's interpretation of the song propelled her to international stardom, topping the charts and winning her the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
2. Despite its critical and commercial success, "First Take" initially struggled to find an audience upon its release, with Flack's record label hesitant to promote the album due to its unconventional blend of genres. However, through word-of-mouth praise and growing recognition of Flack's talent, the album gradually gained traction and went on to become a classic of its era.
3. In addition to "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "First Take" includes a diverse selection of songs ranging from jazz standards to original compositions penned by Flack herself. The album's varied repertoire highlights Flack's versatility as a songwriter and interpreter, as well as her ability to infuse each track with her own unique style and emotional depth.