5 famous songs you might not know are actually cover-versions

But just because they’re covers doesn’t mean they’re not great!

Imitation Game

Imitation is said to be the highest form of flattery, although that doesn’t quite apply in all aspects of life.

Artistic license

However, in one particular field, there is a rich tradition of borrowing from others or simply using their finished result to create an imitation – either closely resembling the original or transformed into something unique.

Naturally, we’re talking about songs

Over the years, countless more or less successful cover versions have emerged, and some artists have practically built their careers on making versions of already existing songs – and here we give you 5 examples!

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin

How many parties haven’t seen the energy skyrocket when everyone on the dance floor belts out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” at the top of their lungs?

Women’s Rights

Aretha Franklin’s energetic and timeless anthem has become an icon of the women’s rights movement over the decades, but she wasn’t the original creator.

Originally by Otis Redding

Franklin released her version in 1967, but two years earlier, in 1965, it was originally released by the legendary soul singer Otis Redding.

“Proud Mary” by Ike & Tina Turner

In 2023, we said goodbye to the queen of rock ’n’ roll, who for decades spoiled us with hits like “Simply the Best” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. There’s no questioning Tina Turner’s influence on music history, but some of her well-known songs weren’t originally hers.

Originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival released “Proud Mary” in 1969, and two years later, Tina Turner delivered her significantly more energetic version.

Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones

Other artists Tina Turner has borrowed songs from include The Beatles (“Come Together”), Led Zeppelin (“Whole Lotta Love”), and The Rolling Stones (“Honky Tonk Women”).

“In the Army Now” by Status Quo

“In the Army Now” was originally made by a Dutch duo with South African roots named Bolland & Bolland. They released it in 1982, but when Status Quo came out with their version in 1986, the song truly became globally known.

“Rockin’ All Over the World” by Status Quo

Another of Status Quo’s best-known tracks, “Rockin’ All Over the World”, also isn’t originally theirs. It was first made in 1975 by the lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revival (who had gone solo by then), and it wasn’t until 1977 that Status Quo released their single version.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

There’s no disputing Houston’s rendition of the power ballad used in the movie “The Bodyguard” when it was released in 1992.

Originally by Dolly Parton

But even then, it was already an older song, originally written by the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, in 1973 as a farewell to her business partner before pursuing a solo career.

“Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin

Before joining the infamous Club 27 (a term for musicians who died at the age of 27), Janis Joplin left a strong mark on the 1960s music scene with many of her own compositions – and a significant number of covers, including the now-iconic “Me and Bobby McGee”, which, however, was not her own creation.

Originally by Roger Miller

The song was actually written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster and was first recorded by country singer Roger Miller in 1969.

Released after her passing

After Joplin’s untimely death, her recorded version of “Me and Bobby McGee” was released and reached the top of the U.S. charts about six months later. It became only the second song ever released posthumously to reach the number one spot. The first song to achieve this was “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding