'The First Cut Is the Deepest' - Keith Hampshire

Keith Hampshire is an English-born popular singer of the 1970s. He and his family moved to Canada when he was a child. Beginning in 1971, Hampshire recorded a number of pop music singles, including his version of "The First Cut Is the Deepest", which topped the Canadian national singles chart in May 1973. The single reached #70 on the U.S. charts.

In 1974, Hampshire was nominated for a Juno Award as Male Vocalist of the Year. That year he became the host of the CBC Television show "Keith Hampshire's Music Machine".

[Noel-xcx]

This, P.P. Arnold's and Stewart's version are my absolute favorites❤

[lindsaygook]

Fantastic and totally true. Thanks to Cat Stevens for writing the song.

[terryskomrock]

The absolute best version. A winner over all the rest!

[jeffprenoveau]

Kieth, Stewart, pp Arnold. They all nailed this great song.

[reginaldlawrence]

WOW he knocked out of the ballpark. Great version of a great song.

[christinevicker]

Still listening an still say this version.m7ch much better than rod Stewart version sorry rod keep singing keith we don't hear much of u here in australia love u song

[anadinar]

No one can sing it like Keith absolutely no one, his voice is so beautiful I feel his passion for music through my whole boby from my head to my toes. Thanks so much for you..

[rogerstankovic]

Best male version by far...the power and intension is monumental...on par with PP Arnold...love the instrumental...

[cristinazappala]

By far the superior version of them all!

[davidsteel]

Wow. Speechless hearing this for the first time!!

[northernlight]

I am a long time fan of Keith Hampshire - love this version!

[robkirchner]

Of all the talented artists who have sung this song...Keith is stll my favorite!

[christinevicker]

I totally agree no offence rod Stewart but this is best by far go keith

[tobypetty]

Love his version best! We played this as an Extra on "American Top 40 - the '70s."

[UntrepidOne]

Been a favourite of mine since the early 70s

[dennisroddy]

This song has had a few very good covers, Hampshire's among them. In England, P.P. Arnold, an expat American, hit the charts with another interpretation. Let's face it: when you're singing Cat Stevens, it's hard to miss.

[skatpk]

My first girlfriend in 1973. The story followed me ever since. The cut never healed.

[alanstrom]

@alanstrom2221
0 seconds ago
Sydney Radio airplay got this version onto the Charts in 1973.
I've always preferred this version.
The whole production and mix is superior to Rod's and Cat's versions.
I'm particularly impressed with the Horn section.
In 1973 I was 12 yrs old and the Horns at 2.45 of the song really 'blew' me away. Pun intended

[milojanis]

This is the first version of this song I ever heard. I also think its the best, better than Stewarts. Mainly due to the instrumental backing, but he also has a great voice for it. I think Cat Stevens wrote this???

[michaelmarshall]

the version that ALL the others copy - even the Cat man himself !