The earliest recording I know from him was a tune called Mattew and Son released back in 1967 Though it failed to make the US charts it was a hit in the UK. It was more of a pop tune compared his his more folk sounding stuff that most people know him for.
Also does anyone know when his version of First Cut Is the Deepest was released? I know Rod Stewart'ss version was 1976 or 77 and Sherrl Crow did a version or ot some years back.