5 Facts About Roberta Flack’s Debut Album First Take

Joel Dorn produced the album at Atlantic Recording Studios in New York. The sessions took place in November 1968.

The album was recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs. Flack sang while accompanied by a small jazz ensemble.

First Take includes Flack’s signature song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It became a number-one hit in 1972 after being featured in the film Play Misty for Me.

The album blends folk, jazz, and soul influences. This mix helped define Flack’s distinctive sound.

First Take was Flack’s debut album and established her as a major artist. It reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart.