Community Contributor

Community

Everyone knows "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley, but did you know that it was originally performed by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1953?

Were These Hit Songs Actually Covers?

Parton wrote the song in 1972 for her close friend Porter Wagoner after deciding to leave his TV show the two had co-hosted.

"I Will Always Love You" was originally by Dolly Parton.

Was "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston the original version or a cover?

Although this song was an original, her song "Ray of Light" was originally by Curtiss Maldoon.

"Like a Prayer" was originally by Madonna.

Was "Like a Prayer" by Madonna the original version or a cover?

Redding wrote the song in 1965 with his version reaching #35 in the United States, but it did not include the classic R-E-S-P-E-C-T chorus.

"Respect" was originally by Otis Redding.

Was "Respect" by Aretha Franklin the original version or a cover?

Hazard wrote the song in 1979 and had forgotten about it until Rick Chertoff, who had been looking for material for Lauper's album, reached out to him.

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was originally by Robert Hazard.

Was "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper the original version or a cover?

Although this song was an original, their song "Manic Monday" was originally by Apollonia 6.

"Walk Like an Egyptian" was originally by The Bangles.

Was "Walk Like an Egyptian" by The Bangles the original version or a cover?

Although this song was an original, his song "Hound Dog" was originally by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton.

"Jailhouse Rock" was originally by Elvis Presley.

Was "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley the original version or a cover?

Phil Medley and Bert Berns wrote the song in 1961 and it was originally called "Shake it Up, Baby."

"Twist And Shout" was originally recorded by The Top Notes.

Was "Twist And Shout" by The Beatles the original version or a cover?

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Browse links

Were These Hit Songs Actually Covers?

Know any other hit songs that were originally covers? Let us know in the comments below!

Were These Hit Songs Actually Covers?

Know any other hit songs that were originally covers? Let us know in the comments below!

Share This Article