Columbia Records re-issued The First Songs with all-new cover art (featuring a rose illustration) in 1973.

Nyro signed a contract with Verve Folkways after she gained recognition when Peter Paul and Mary recorded her song "And When I Die" in 1966.

As a result, pianist Stan Free was hired, and Nyro was encouraged to play the guitar instead, which she rejected.

For the single version of "Stoney End", Nyro was forced to rework some of the lyrics that referred to the Bible, because Verve felt it would cause too much controversy.

Blood, Sweat & Tears scored with "And When I Die" (US #2), the 5th Dimension with "Wedding Bell Blues" (US #1) and "Blowin' Away" (US #21), and Barbra Streisand with "Stoney End" (US #6) and "Flim Flam Man" (US #82).