Top 10 Cover Songs That Became More Popular Than The Originals
artists, cover songs, music
While some claim covering a song is blasphemy, there are a few instances where the covers became bigger than the original. In fact, some of these covered songs became such big hits with the new artist that the original artist was long forgotten. Here are 10 examples that may leave you surprised.
1” R-E-S-P-E-C-T”
Covered by Aretha Franklin, Original by Otis Redding
Whenever someone asks for just a little bit of respect, they usually make reference to that great 1967 Aretha Franklin classic. The only thing is soul singer Otis Redding released the funkier original two years earlier in 1965. Though the original was one of Redding’s hits, the only recording anyone remembers is Franklin’s impassioned version. Here’s what Otis Redding’s take sounded like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JGJXmpKGXY
2 “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
Covered by The Byrds, Original by Pete Seeger
In 1959, folk singer Pete Seeger wrote a song he adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible called “Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season).” However, in 1965, when The Byrds, famous for covering other artists (see Mr. Tambourine Man), put a pop rhythm to the song, it became an international hit. Now “Turn! Turn! Turn!” will forever be connected to The Byrds.
3 “I Will Always Love You”
Covered by Whitney Houston, Original by Dolly Parton
Who could forget the haunting and passionate cries from Whitney Houston as she professed her everlasting love in the film The Bodyguard? Not Dolly Parton, who originally wrote the song as a country ballad. Although Parton’s 1974 original was a hit on country music charts, Houston took it to unprecedented heights.
4 “Twist and Shout”
Covered by The Beatles, Original by the Top Notes
There was no group bigger than The Beatles, so it’s no surprise any song they covered became an instant hit. That’s what happened when they covered the mild song “Shake It Up Baby” by the Top Notes now believed by most people to be a Beatles original.
5 “All Along The Watchtower”
Covered by Jimi Hendrix, Original by Bob Dylan
Jimi Hendrix, widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, loved Dylan and covered a number of his songs, including Like A Rolling Stone. However, his take of “All Along The Watchtower” was so great and memorable that now even Dylan covers Hendrix’s version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swbcFnkeMwE
6 “Proud Mary”
Covered by Ike & Tina Turner, Original by Creedence Clearwater Revival
From the soft beginning to the high-energy finish, Ike & Tina Turner’s version of “Proud Mary” was captivating and tantalizing. People loved it so much that the song became Tina Turner’s signature and made everyone forget about Creedence Clearwater Revival’s sleepy original. Here’s their version, which is a far cry structurally and tonally from Turner’s interpretation.
7 “Dazed And Confused”
Covered by Led Zeppelin, Original by Jake Holmes
The heavy descending bassline and 20-minute interludes made this song a staple at Led Zeppelin concerts in the late-60s and 70s. Many people think this song is Led Zeppelin’s simply because they never credited original artist Jake Holmes for the piece. To this day, there is still a battle going on over royalties, but no matter what happens “Dazed And Confused” will always be Zeppelin’s song.
8 “Hound Dog”
Covered by Elvis Presley, Original by Big Mama Thorton
When you think of Elvis, two songs probably pop into mind, “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Hound Dog.” Most people know Carl Perkins recorded “Blue Suede Shoes” first, but few remember Big Mama Thorton’s original take of “Hound Dog.” After Elvis put his rock and roll imprint on the song, it was forever his.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8_k9LEUBeQ
9 “Hurt”
Covered by Johnny Cash, Original by Nine Inch Nails
Near the end of the Man in Black’s life, he released his American recordings series, which featured more covers than original material. The song “Hurt” felt so personal to Johnny Cash that creator Trent Reznor was quoted saying “ I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn’t mine anymore.” It has since spawned countless who-covered-who debates between Cash and Nine Inch Nails.
10 “I Love Rock N Roll”
Covered by Joan Jett, Original by the Arrows
Since it was first released, this song has been covered by a number of artists, including Britney Spears, The Dresden Dolls, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Lambert and more. But, when people trace it back to the beginning, they usually think of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Nevertheless, six years before her version, the Arrows wrote and recorded the song, which sounds exactly the same, to lukewarm results. It’s amazing what a woman’s voice could do to a song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKuuqwfZiM
About the author: Timothy Martinez Jr. is a freelance writer and contributes to a number of blogs, including the official blog of Knife Depot.
Tags:artistscover songsmusicoriginal
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