I remember this from 1973 - I was in high school in San Bernardino CA and heard it on the two Top 40 stations on the air in town at that time (KMEN 1290 and KFXM 590). Not a big hit ( it went to #70 on the Billboard Hot 100) but I've always liked this version best. Years later I found a copy of the single (on the A&M label) at a Orange County record store - and I still have it!!
This is the Original version. others like Leonal Lewis, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, and Sheryl Crow cannot sing this song like Keith Hampshire. He has a lot of power in his vocal cords that makes the listener feel the emotions of the words.
Without a doubt, and with all due respect to the author (sorry Cat, Yusuf, whatever), this is THE BEST version of this lovely song. When it came out in 1973 I found out that my godfather was murdered in a brutal, horrific way, and this song was the melancholic anthem of that sad, sad period of my life. Sigh....
Best version of this song ever! Cat and Rod's versions are ok, but this one has more feeling, more soul and it's Canadian!!! Sadly Keith's version was not a hit here in the U.S. back in the 70s, but it sure is great to hear it here.
@nostalgiahistoria67 It wasn't a big hit here in the States but it was played on a number of stations - including the one I worked for. Fans from that era still consider it the best cover.
This is the first version of this song I ever heard when it came out in 73....much better than Cat Stevens and Sheryl Crow's versions...not quite as good as Rod Stewart's version in my opinion
Gee I thought I was going to have to go down in the basement and dig out my old vynil L.P. this song came on. Thanks madbloodydog for posting what is surely ( not Sheryly) the best cover version of a great Cat Stevens song. Thanks again!!!
someone did not like the Sheryl Crow version... Strange to me..as I really like her version a lot.. it's my second choice.. Keith Hamshire's version though is the definitive version of this song and I agree cannot be touched... No other versions required :O) .. Rod Stewart should be satisfied with Maggie May or Mandolin Wind..
I was given a copy of this version for my birthday. I played the 45-rpm record for years until I almost wore it out! Great job, Keith Hampshire, and great job of posting this song, madbloodydog! Woohoo!
I've come back numerous times because this is the penultimate version of this song, however I just watched the 2000 version of Keith singing this (in Oakville) and wanted to compare. He hasn't lost his voice, or his charm. If he ever checks this, THANK YOU KEITH.
i agree 100% that this is the best and keith like us all we lose voice body shape whatever as we age , but we can all remember with the old versions as this is
When this song hit in the spring of '73 I was a 12 year old from the Ottawa Valley playing in a pee wee hockey tournament in Ottawa. The rink was full of pubescent freshed faced 12 year old girls who came to flirt and watch us play. This and Edward Bears Close Your Eyes played all weekend long. We saw the Godfather at the Place De Ville. I wish life was that simple today. It was great growing up Canadian,
I firmly believe that Keiths version of this song is untouchable.
The song was written by Cat Stevens and has been recorded by many artists; however, Keith by far, conveys the pain through his wonderful voice and convinces the listener that he is personally suffering.
There is another video clip here on Youtube in which Keith Hamphire acknowledges recording this song after hearing it in Europe during his days as DJ on pirate radio ships. In the summer of 2007, Keith participated in a reunion of pirate radio DJ's organized by BBC Radio Essex. Also, I recommend viewing the videos here on Youtube of P.P. Arnold performing this song in 1967. While the music video has terrible sound, another video has a clean dub of the record from a '45.
I love this song. I remember hearing it on the radio and watching Keith Hamphire perform it on either Wayne and Shuster or Music Machine on the CBC in the early 1970s (I was a child). His version is by far the better one-- more melodious and better vocals.
No cj, Canada isn't a tough market to earn a living. It was much harder back then.
I was almost 15 when this song was a hit in the summer of '73. I was a Canadian boy growing up in town that bordered Michingan. I had always thought that Keith Hampshire wrote the song but it is indeed Cat Stevens who wrote it. I remember hearing it on CKLW AM radio, back before FM took over and back when AM radio could still be a little 'cool' and CKLW broadcast itself over most parts of North America, especially at night.
I began my radio career in the early 70s, and heard this song and fell in LOVE with it! Other versions (Sheryl Crow et al) always PALED in comparison because of the manificent music arrangement, and Hampshire's INCREDIBLE vocal. America didn't know what it was missing by not embracing this artist. I wore out this and "Big Time Operator", which were serviced to American stations as I recall on A&M. Thanks for the song...I've missed this one since I let my singles collection go some time ago.
Yes, this is the best version of this song; I was about 11 when it came out...I had just made a "1st cut" (that of course, didn't last! [lol])and I remember how this song helped get me through, even at that young age. Truly a timeless song, written by Cat Stevens, I believe...
I'm so, so glad that you posted this, because there is no other version that has ever touched Keith's version. The only other singer that could have approached the delivery was David Clayton Thomas. Even then, I don't think Thomas could have done it as well, but I don't know whether Keith could have done Spinning Wheel as well as Thomas. It would be an interesting experiment if possible. REgardless, they were both terrific singers and it's a shame that the younger folks have never heard them.
I wan't aware that he was working in TO, however, he was working on a Barrie station, cause I tuned in via internet. Then he suddenly disappeared and last I heard he was living in Florida? Such a loss, if that is true. Clayton Thomas is still going strong, and Keith was just as talented, but perhaps not as connectd.
By far the greatest version of this song. In fact in my opinion it should be a crime to try to cover this song. When you have the best(as Keith has done)there is nothing else to be said. The only possible reason people buy other versions is that they have never heard Keith Hampshire sing his. Thanks for posting
I know another reason: to collect the different covers. That's what I do. It's a shame I only have this version as an MP3-file. I agree this one is the best. I even have Sheryl Crow's version on CD which is the worst in my opinion.
yes vista806 you are correct ,this is from a promo cd that was for DJs to play ,it was all 70s music unavailable to purchase , i had never nor since heard this version except on this cd that i have
I remember this from 1973 - I was in high school in San Bernardino CA and heard it on the two Top 40 stations on the air in town at that time (KMEN 1290 and KFXM 590). Not a big hit ( it went to #70 on the Billboard Hot 100) but I've always liked this version best. Years later I found a copy of the single (on the A&M label) at a Orange County record store - and I still have it!!
KTA0806 4 weeks ago
The first cut is the deepest. It might help if I stopped rubbing coarse salt into the wound to remind myself, though.
cmc36905 1 month ago
This is indeed the best.
Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow - yuck. Neither can sing.
sprocket1942 4 months ago
Thanks madbloodydog. Actually I hear this played fairly often on one of our local rock stattions - just heard it today, in fact.
sprocket1942 6 months ago
This is the Original version. others like Leonal Lewis, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, and Sheryl Crow cannot sing this song like Keith Hampshire. He has a lot of power in his vocal cords that makes the listener feel the emotions of the words.
roadglide21 7 months ago
Without a doubt, and with all due respect to the author (sorry Cat, Yusuf, whatever), this is THE BEST version of this lovely song. When it came out in 1973 I found out that my godfather was murdered in a brutal, horrific way, and this song was the melancholic anthem of that sad, sad period of my life. Sigh....
pincheborracho7 8 months ago
by far the BEST VERSION THIS SONG --DEEP CLEAR GREAT SOUND
monteblue7 1 year ago
Best version of this song ever! Cat and Rod's versions are ok, but this one has more feeling, more soul and it's Canadian!!! Sadly Keith's version was not a hit here in the U.S. back in the 70s, but it sure is great to hear it here.
nostalgiahistoria67 1 year ago
@nostalgiahistoria67 It wasn't a big hit here in the States but it was played on a number of stations - including the one I worked for. Fans from that era still consider it the best cover.
dllewiszz 8 months ago
This is the first version of this song I ever heard when it came out in 73....much better than Cat Stevens and Sheryl Crow's versions...not quite as good as Rod Stewart's version in my opinion
thewillismon 1 year ago
Love this version and song. Thanks for posting!
pacificprospector 1 year ago
This the GREATEST Version of The First Cut is the Deepest.
Aiken95086 1 year ago 2
yup calgary alberta,s own-he had many hits in the early 70,s saw him in concert a few times too
sobuliak 1 year ago
Gee I thought I was going to have to go down in the basement and dig out my old vynil L.P. this song came on. Thanks madbloodydog for posting what is surely ( not Sheryly) the best cover version of a great Cat Stevens song. Thanks again!!!
SuperCanuckguy 1 year ago
My favourite version of the song :)
bankslayer 1 year ago
someone did not like the Sheryl Crow version... Strange to me..as I really like her version a lot.. it's my second choice.. Keith Hamshire's version though is the definitive version of this song and I agree cannot be touched... No other versions required :O) .. Rod Stewart should be satisfied with Maggie May or Mandolin Wind..
CuteandCuddlyCanadia 1 year ago
There are alot of versions of this song but I like this the best!
futureseven 1 year ago
I was given a copy of this version for my birthday. I played the 45-rpm record for years until I almost wore it out! Great job, Keith Hampshire, and great job of posting this song, madbloodydog! Woohoo!
chicotower 2 years ago
I've come back numerous times because this is the penultimate version of this song, however I just watched the 2000 version of Keith singing this (in Oakville) and wanted to compare. He hasn't lost his voice, or his charm. If he ever checks this, THANK YOU KEITH.
and again, thank you Madbd for posting this.
Ryhela 2 years ago 4
i agree 100% that this is the best and keith like us all we lose voice body shape whatever as we age , but we can all remember with the old versions as this is
madbloodydog 2 years ago
Keith's version is the best. this is the version I remember listening to when in grade 10.
lorraine2393 2 years ago
Thanks for posting! I always thought his version was the best and had not heard this in years!
TnJen0313 2 years ago
Hmmmmm I was born in 59. Guess I was either a little older or my year is out. Maybe it was bantam not pee wee. Things get fuzzy when you hit 50..
nitemoovs 2 years ago
hmmmmmmmmm . . . .memories!
beckymanyheads 2 years ago
When this song hit in the spring of '73 I was a 12 year old from the Ottawa Valley playing in a pee wee hockey tournament in Ottawa. The rink was full of pubescent freshed faced 12 year old girls who came to flirt and watch us play. This and Edward Bears Close Your Eyes played all weekend long. We saw the Godfather at the Place De Ville. I wish life was that simple today. It was great growing up Canadian,
nitemoovs 2 years ago 4
i will always love this version the most!
beckymanyheads 2 years ago 3
I firmly believe that Keiths version of this song is untouchable.
The song was written by Cat Stevens and has been recorded by many artists; however, Keith by far, conveys the pain through his wonderful voice and convinces the listener that he is personally suffering.
I love the horns as well!
poltallach 2 years ago 21
Hampshire's version has THE ARRANGEMENT! Stewart and Crow's were simpering by comparison.
nickellodeon55 2 years ago 7
P. P. Arnold does a wonderful version of this song.
I loved listening to Keith while growing up, and this version is great as well. I remember where I was the first time I heard it.
HolyDioDiver 3 years ago
Classic Canadian Music!! The horns and strings send chills down my spine!
NOBODY does this song better than Keith!!
Rickster1027 3 years ago 8
When it comes to Rod Stewart he's cursed.
When it comes to Sheryl Crow she's the worst.
But when it comes to Keith Hampshire he's the FIRST!
nanajanamike 3 years ago 39
@nanajanamike LOL! Couldn't have said it any better myself!!!!!
triactorpat 1 year ago
There is another video clip here on Youtube in which Keith Hamphire acknowledges recording this song after hearing it in Europe during his days as DJ on pirate radio ships. In the summer of 2007, Keith participated in a reunion of pirate radio DJ's organized by BBC Radio Essex. Also, I recommend viewing the videos here on Youtube of P.P. Arnold performing this song in 1967. While the music video has terrible sound, another video has a clean dub of the record from a '45.
continental317c 3 years ago 3
sheryl crow has a beautiful voice, but this is the only good version of this song.
jhs517 3 years ago 6
I love this song. I remember hearing it on the radio and watching Keith Hamphire perform it on either Wayne and Shuster or Music Machine on the CBC in the early 1970s (I was a child). His version is by far the better one-- more melodious and better vocals.
No cj, Canada isn't a tough market to earn a living. It was much harder back then.
Tartarus1969 3 years ago 6
I was almost 15 when this song was a hit in the summer of '73. I was a Canadian boy growing up in town that bordered Michingan. I had always thought that Keith Hampshire wrote the song but it is indeed Cat Stevens who wrote it. I remember hearing it on CKLW AM radio, back before FM took over and back when AM radio could still be a little 'cool' and CKLW broadcast itself over most parts of North America, especially at night.
Lambtonboy 3 years ago 4
Does any have the original video clip of Keith singing this song , please post it
sunshinehuskies 3 years ago
One of the greatest songs of our times! nobody could sing this song with the passion it deserves like Keith.
lakings13 3 years ago
I use to watch him on Wayne and Schuster, then on The Music Machine. Love him!
bsdtector 3 years ago
I began my radio career in the early 70s, and heard this song and fell in LOVE with it! Other versions (Sheryl Crow et al) always PALED in comparison because of the manificent music arrangement, and Hampshire's INCREDIBLE vocal. America didn't know what it was missing by not embracing this artist. I wore out this and "Big Time Operator", which were serviced to American stations as I recall on A&M. Thanks for the song...I've missed this one since I let my singles collection go some time ago.
garytvfan 3 years ago
I heard is this when I was a kid 33 years ago it was great and still is!!!!
sunshinehuskies 3 years ago
Yes, this is the best version of this song; I was about 11 when it came out...I had just made a "1st cut" (that of course, didn't last! [lol])and I remember how this song helped get me through, even at that young age. Truly a timeless song, written by Cat Stevens, I believe...
29958867 3 years ago
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! ! !
This is the only version of this song that I like. It's so nice to find it was done by a Canadian, too! No wonder I couldn't find it...
Thank you again for adding Keith Hampshire's version of The First Cut Is The Deepest.
wyldflower4u 3 years ago 2
I'm so, so glad that you posted this, because there is no other version that has ever touched Keith's version. The only other singer that could have approached the delivery was David Clayton Thomas. Even then, I don't think Thomas could have done it as well, but I don't know whether Keith could have done Spinning Wheel as well as Thomas. It would be an interesting experiment if possible. REgardless, they were both terrific singers and it's a shame that the younger folks have never heard them.
Ryhela 3 years ago 2
Great comment! Did you know that Keith was a Toronto DJ in the late 60's and early 70's?
cjthemusicman 3 years ago
I wan't aware that he was working in TO, however, he was working on a Barrie station, cause I tuned in via internet. Then he suddenly disappeared and last I heard he was living in Florida? Such a loss, if that is true. Clayton Thomas is still going strong, and Keith was just as talented, but perhaps not as connectd.
Ryhela 3 years ago
I agree. But, Canada is a tough market to earn a living. He must of done alright, tho, now that he is living in FL.
DCT has staying power, for sure!
Take care.....
cjthemusicman 3 years ago
LOL, the picture even suits the song! Great!
TaiFerret 3 years ago
??????
hunkydaboyz 3 years ago
By far the greatest version of this song. In fact in my opinion it should be a crime to try to cover this song. When you have the best(as Keith has done)there is nothing else to be said. The only possible reason people buy other versions is that they have never heard Keith Hampshire sing his. Thanks for posting
edwindonald 3 years ago 3
I know another reason: to collect the different covers. That's what I do. It's a shame I only have this version as an MP3-file. I agree this one is the best. I even have Sheryl Crow's version on CD which is the worst in my opinion.
TaiFerret 3 years ago 2
I agree 100% with you about Sheryl Crow's version. I have only heard it once or twice but I get ill when I hear it......
edwindonald 3 years ago 2
I was in radio in 1973 and this came out on
A & M records. Always thought this was incredible!
oldbeachman 3 years ago 2
The best version to date.
vista806 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this. I think the best version to date. Didn't he do this in the 70's?
vista806 3 years ago 2
yes vista806 you are correct ,this is from a promo cd that was for DJs to play ,it was all 70s music unavailable to purchase , i had never nor since heard this version except on this cd that i have
madbloodydog 3 years ago
excellent singer...always thought this song was hot !!!!
QUBEE420 4 years ago
Umm nice picture, music not bad either
ickycan 4 years ago