And… The Wild Ones recorded “Wild Thing” a year before The Troggs. Sonny Dae and the Knights recorded “Rock Around the Clock” before Bill Haley and His Comets. Sammy Ambrose’ version of “This Diamond Ring”, a no. 1 hit for Gary Lewis (son of Jerry Lewis) and the Playboys “bubbled under” the Billboard charts at #117 the year prior to Lewis’ version. The oldest known existing recording of “House of the Rising Sun” is by Appalachian artists Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster, who recorded it in 1934. Ian & Sylvia recorded “You Were on My Mind” a year before We Five. Jackie DeShannon recorded a much different version of her song “Bette Davis Eyes” long before Kim Carnes’ smash hit version. “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”, written by Mel Tillis, was made famous by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition in 1969. It was originally recorded in 1967 by Johnny Darrell. “Got My Mind Set on You” was originally recorded by James Ray in 1962. It is best known for the cover version released by George Harrison in 1987. A singer named Barbie Gaye recorded “My Boy, Lollipop” eight tears before Millie Small. By the way, a 16-yearold Rod Stewart played harmonica on Millie’s record. See See Rider”, also known as “C.C. Rider” was first recorded by Gertrude “Ma” Rainey in 1924, and since then has been recorded by many other artists.

Some more: The Persuaders actually hit the Top 40 (no. 39) in 1973 with their version of “Some Guys Hall All the Luck”, later a big hit for Rod Stewart. The Raindrops originally recorded “I Think We’re Alone Now” - later made famous by Tommy James & The Shondells, and again later by Tiffany. The Strangeloves recorded “I Want Candy”, later recorded by Bow Wow Wow. They also recorded “Hang On Sloopy” just before the McCoys. In fact the McCoys’ version uses some of that recording. Terry Jacks’ “Seasons in the Sun” was adapted by Belgian songwriter Jacques Brel’s original French language “Le Moribond” (The Dying Man”). Rod McKuen translated the song into English and it was recorded by The Kingston Trio and The Fortunes in the 60’s.

How about “You’re No Good” by Betty Everett, “Don’t Let Go” by Roy Hamilton, and “Knock on Wood” by Eddie Floyd?

Drift Away - Dobie Gray (John Henry Kurtz original)
Superman - REM (The Clique original)
Time is on My Side - The Rolling Stones (Kai Winding original)

not only did i not know these were covers, i didnt know half of these even existed

Louie, Louie. Originally by richard Berry (no relation to Chuck). The Kingsmen made it into the classic we know today, in all its lo-fi, cacophanous glory

im so confused i dont get this. covers for what. ppl just remade songs. why is it a big deal?

Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” - Originally by Lori Lieberman Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” - Originally recorded with the title “Brandy” by Scott English, as well as by Bunny Walters

Step By Step - Whitney Houston Originally Written & Recorded by Annie Lennox ….In fact, Whitney used many of the original backing tracks, including Annie’s backup vocals.

I am really surprised that arguably one of the biggest covers of all time is not listed. How can you miss Black Magic Woman? Santa may have made it popular, but it was originally written and sung by Fleetwood Mac early on in the carrier when Peter Green was the singer.

If I were a boy isnt really by beyonce, its by some other girl. its just a cover beyonce made…..

HOLY CRAP ‘THE LEAVES’ ARE WAY AHEAD OF THEIR TIME… Jimi Hendrix is the Sound God. UP THE IRONS.!