Who was the first artist to sing "What the World Needs Now" (see post for more info)?

Question

I'm bewildered which artist was the first person to sing it.

The song is called either:
"What the World Needs Now"
or
"What the World Needs Now is Love"

Lyrics go something like this:

"What the world needs now
is love, sweet love
it's the only thing
that there's just too little of
What the world needs now
is love, sweet love,
no not just for some
but for everyone.

Lord, we don't need
another mountain,
there are mountains
and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans
and rivers enough to cross,
enough to last
'til the end of time.

What the world needs now
is love, sweet love
it's the only thing
that there's just too little of
What the world needs now
is love, sweet love,
no, not just for some
but for everyone.

Lord, we don't need
another meadow
there are cornfields
and wheat fields enough to grow
There are sunbeams
and moonbeams enough to shine
oh listen, lord,
if you want to know.

What the world needs now
is love, sweet love
it's the only thing
that there's just too little of
What the world needs now
is love, sweet love,
no, not just for some
but for everyone.

No, not just for some,
oh, but just for everyone.

Just as a note, I'd like the version where there's a woman singing.

Answer 1

This was a big hit in 1965 by Jackie deShannon.

Answer 2

Burt Bacherach is who wrote the music for the song. Hal David wrote the lyrics...I believe that Burt Bacherach was the first to sing it.

Answer 3

My guess would be Burt Bacharach - I know he wrote it.