4 Facts About Ewan MacColl’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’

Written for Peggy Seeger Ewan MacColl wrote the song in 1957 specifically for folk singer Peggy Seeger, who later became his wife.

A personal gift The lyrics were inspired by MacColl’s own feelings for Seeger, making it a deeply personal love song.

First performed by Seeger Peggy Seeger was the first to perform the song publicly, introducing it to folk audiences.

Later a global hit Roberta Flack’s 1972 cover became a number-one hit and won the Grammy for Record of the Year.