Comment by PhilMH:
Per
wikipedia,the first recorded version was by
Bonnie Dobson in 1960. Other pre-Lightfoot versions were recorded by
Joe and Eddie in 1963, and
The Chad Mitchell Trio in 1964.
Comment by PhilMH:
And Ewan MacColl's mistress, later wife, Peggy Seeger, preceded everyone by being the first person to perform it (if not record it), because it was written for her.
Comment by W.B.lbl:
The Kingston Trio, in 1963, preceded both Mr. Lightfoot and Ms. Flack on "The First Time . . . "