Yesterday by The Beatles
The Beatles are maybe the most popular musical act in the history of the world, and Yesterday is perhaps their most well-known tune. So it should surprise no one to know that it’s been covered over 2200 times since its release, with such diverse artists as Frank Sinatra, Daffy Duck and Boyz II Men all trying their hand at the emotional hit.
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Billie Jean is the kind of song that can turn a nobody into a superstar, but Michael Jackson was already a proven hitmaker in 1983, so instead it just became the first song to hit number one on four charts simultaneously. Since then, it has been covered by Chris Cornell, The Chipmunks, The Civil Wars and more.
I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash is known for having a Midas touch that turns any song he covers into a gravitas-dripping anthem for the ages. However, his own tracks get plenty of love too. I Walk the Line has been covered by numerous artists including Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Bobby Darin and most puzzlingly of all, Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy.
Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland
Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland became an instant classic the second she sang her heart out in her blue gingham dress, so it’s no wonder that so many artists have wanted to try their hand at the ballad. Over a thousand covers have been recorded to date, with notable versions coming from Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr. and Céline Dion.
My Way by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra is the king of hits, and it doesn’t get any bigger or grander than My Way. Despite the fact that many artists who cover it seem to meet an untimely end or sudden career decline, there are still over 100 covers of Sinatra’s English version of Comme d’habitude, with Shirley Bassey, Vera Lynn and Gary Oldman all trying their hands at it.
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
The Animals’ version of The House of the Rising Sun might be the definitive version, but it was actually originally performed by Ashley and Foster as the Rising Sun Blues in 1933. More contemporary cover versions include those by Muse, Toto, Five Finger Death Punch and alt-J, all of which take their inspiration from The Animals’ rendition.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah is a song that has been covered to the point of eye-rolling, making it semi-torturous to sit through at school recitals or choir showcases. Nevertheless, some stand-out versions do exist, including those by Jeff Buckley, Sarah McLachlan, First Aid Kit, Jennifer Hudson and shortlived teen boy band The Vamps.
Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley
Love Me Tender is actually a rework of an old Civil War-era hit known as Aura Lee. With that said, it is Elvis’ rendition, released in 1956 with amended lyrics by Ken Darby, that has become the go-to for artists to put their own spin on. Almost 600 cover versions exist, including those by Bob Carlin and The Osmond Brothers.
Cry Me A River by Julie London
Cry Me a River is basically a perfect torch song, and nobody has ever been able to sing it the way that Julie London did. However, many have tried, with numerous artists tackling the 1955 hit across the decades. Notable cover versions come from Barbra Streisand, Aerosmith, Rick Astley, Björk and Olivia Newton-John.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones
Many people have tried their hands at The Rolling Stones’ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, with differing levels of success. While Jimi Hendrix and Devo both made the song their own in innovative, interesting and skilful ways, not everyone was so lucky. The world probably could have done without Vanilla Ice’s rendition, or the version Britney Spears busted out at the 2000 MTV VMAs.
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Thanks to the popularity of holiday albums, many holiday songs have been recorded hundreds of times. But White Christmas, originally written by Irving Berlin, has been recorded more than any other Christmas song. Since it was released in 1942, White Christmas has been covered by a wide variety of artists, including Frank Sinatra and Gwen Stefani.
Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
There are certain songs that seem to fit every situation, whether it’s a heartbreak or a celebration. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper is one of those songs. The song has been sampled dozens of times by dozens of different artists, featured in countless movies and television shows, and covered extensively.
The Look of Love by Dusty Springfield
Since its release in 1968, The Look of Love – a song written by Burt Bacharach for the James Bond spoof Casino Royale – has been covered by a variety of artists. Isaac Hayes covered The Look of Love in 1969, as did Diana Ross and Susanna Hoffs in 1985. Barry Manilow recorded the song in 1990; his rendition is considered by some to be the best-known version.
A Hard Day’s Night by The Beatles
The Beatles’ song A Hard Day’s Night has been covered by a variety of artists over the years, including Giora Feidman and the Rastrelli Cello Quartet in 2017, who played it in an arrangement that combined jazz and classical elements. Over the years, Count Basie, The Supremes, Ella Fitzgerald, Otis Redding and others have put their own spins on the classic song.
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s voice was among the most recognizable in jazz. His career spanned decades, and his 1967 song What A Wonderful World remains one of the most popular tunes ever recorded. The song is a hopeful love song dedicated to a better world. It is often covered, with Sam Cooke’s version being among the most popular.
Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
When Michael Jackson covered Ain’t No Sunshine in 1972, he brought the song to a new audience. The original version was written by Bill Withers and appeared on his 1971 album Still Bill. Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Al Jarreau, Paul McCartney and Tom Jones are among the many artists who have covered the song.
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Idina Menzel’s 2019 cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic Bridge Over Troubled Water gave listeners a new appreciation for the enduring song. Several other performers have covered Bridge Over Troubled Water, including Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Tom Jones, The Jackson Five, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and LeAnn Rimes.
Amazing Grace by John Newton
According to reports, the Christian hymn Amazing Grace is performed at least 10 million times a year and has appeared on more than 11,000 albums by artists including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Elvis Presley. John Newton, a slave trader who later became an evangelist, wrote the hymn. It was later adopted as a civil rights anthem and has even been sung publicly by Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.
Summertime by Helen Jepson
In 1957, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong recorded a jazz version of Summertime, an adaptation from George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. The song gained further popularity when it was featured in the 1959 movie version of the opera starring Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge. The opening lyrics “Summertime, and the living’s easy” were sampled by the band Sublime on their 1996 reggae single “Doin’ Time.”
Silent Night by John Freeman Young
Stille Nacht! Heilige Nach was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818 as a German carol. Several singers have covered it, including Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Nicks, and Frank Sinatra. Bing Crosby’s recording of Silent Night, which hit the charts in 1935, sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
Green, Green, Grass of Home by Porter Wagoner
Green, Green, Grass of Home by Tom Jones is actually a cover of Porter Wagoner’s 1965 country tune. The song tells the story of a prisoner who dreams of freedom. The song has since been covered by a wide variety of artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, Bobby Bare, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Sunny by Bobby Hebb
The list of people who have covered Sunny is long and eclectic, including Captain Kirk (Leonard Nimoy) of Star Trek, Cher and Stevie Wonder. The song has also been remixed several times and also appeared in movies, television shows and commercials.
Imagine by John Lennon
In Rolling Stone’s rankings of the 500 greatest songs of all time, Imagine came in at number three. It was written by John Lennon and recorded at his home in England. A number of other musicians have covered the song, including Willie Nelson, Madonna and Jack Johnson. It was also notably sung by a group of celebrities during the COVID pandemic.
Fly Me to the Moon by Kaye Ballard
The song Fly Me to the Moon became popular after Frank Sinatra released it in 1964. Listeners might be surprised to learn that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin actually listened to this recording during their historic moon landing in 1969. However, the song was first performed live by Felicia Sanders at Manhattan’s Blue Angel Club in 1954. It was recorded by Kaye Ballard later that year.
Respect by Otis Redding
The song Respect, originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, was transformed into an R&B anthem when Aretha Franklin took on the tune in 1967. This empowering track has since been covered by many artists, including Tina Turner and Kelly Clarkson.
I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
When Dolly Parton released I Will Always Love You in 1974, the song received mostly positive reviews. However, it wasn’t until Whitney Houston sang the ballad for the movie The Bodyguard in 1992 that the song became a global phenomenon. It has since been covered by artists including Amber Riley, LeAnn Rimes and Sarah Washington.
Fever by Little Willie John
When Peggy Lee recorded Fever in 1957, she knew she had found a hit. Although she kept the melody and arrangement close to the original version by Little Willie John, she changed some of the lyrics. Elvis Presley, Madonna and Beyonce are among the many artists who have recorded their own versions of Fever.
Tainted Love by Gloria Jones
The song Tainted Love, originally recorded by Gloria Jones in the 1960s, has become a popular cover for artists wishing to make a hit. The first and most famous of these covers was done by Soft Cell in 1981, who took their version of the song to number one on the charts. The song was later covered by Marilyn Manson and The Pussycat Dolls, among others.
Mad World by Tears for Fears
The 1988 single Mad World, originally released by the British rock band Tears for Fears, has been covered dozens of times. The song’s sad lyrics and haunting melody were perfectly suited to the coming-of-age film Donnie Darko. Gary Jules and Michael Andrews’s version became especially popular after its inclusion in the film. Since then, it has been covered by artists including Demi Lovato, Adam Lambert and Kelly Clarkson.
I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll by The Arrows
British rock band The Arrows released the song I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll in 1975. However, it was Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ version in 1981 that made it big, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the No. 3 song for 1982. The song has also been covered by Britney Spears, LadBaby and Weird Al.
Walk This Way by Aerosmith
Walk This Way, a classic rock song by Aerosmith that was released in 1975, is famous for its distinctive beat. The song has been covered several times by other artists, including Run-D.M.C., who collaborated with Aerosmith and won both groups a Soul Train Music Award. Walk This Way has also been covered by British girl bands the Sugababes and Girls Aloud and R&B singer Macy Gray.
American Woman by Guess Who
The song American Woman was written by the Canadian rock band Guess Who and released in 1970. It is best known for being covered by Lenny Kravitz in 1999. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Swiss hard rock band Krokus and pop singer Kelly Clarkson. Even The Muppets have given it a shot.
Changes by Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath’s Changes is one of the band’s most popular songs. It first appeared on Vol. 4, which was released in 1972, and decades later Ozzy Osbourne re-recorded it with his daughter Kelly. In 2013, singer Charles Bradley released a version of the song that gained popularity after it was used as the theme song to Netflix’s adult animated sitcom Big Mouth.
You’ve Got A Friend by Carole King
In 1971, singer-songwriter Carole King wrote the song You’ve Got a Friend for her second studio album, Tapestry. James Taylor later covered the song on his album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. Dusty Springfield, Michael Jackson, Anne Murray and Donny Hathaway are just some of the other artists who have covered this song.
Valerie by The Zutons
Valerie is a song by the Zutons, an English indie rock band. It was notably covered by Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, who provided lead vocals for the track. The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in 2007. Other artists who have put their own spin on the track include Naya Rivera, James Morrison, Bruno Mars and Dionne Bromfield.
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door is a 1973 song written by Bob Dylan, which became a worldwide hit after being released as a single from the soundtrack of the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. The song has been covered by Eric Clapton, Guns N’ Roses, Randy Crawford and many others.
Hurt by Nine Inch Nails
Hurt is a song by American rock band Nine Inch Nails. It was written by Trent Reznor, who received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Song in 1996. In 2002, Johnny Cash covered Hurt to widespread acclaim. Several artists have since recorded their own versions of the song including Leona Lewis, Mumford and Sons, Sevendust and more.
Twist and Shout by The Top Notes
Although The Beatles version of Twist and Shout is the most widely known, the song originated with R&B group The Top Notes in 1961. Other artists who have covered the song include Salt-N-Pepa, Michael Bublé and Chaka Demus & Pliers. All three versions have been hits on the charts.
Nothing Compares 2 U by The Family
In 1985, Prince wrote a song called Nothing Compares 2 U for his band The Family. It was later recorded by Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, who made it a worldwide hit. It was also covered by artists including Aretha Franklin, Chris Cornell and The Chicks.
With A Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles
Joe Cocker’s cover of With a Little Help From My Friends at Woodstock in 1969 helped cement the singer’s musical legacy. The song was originally written for Ringo Starr and called Badfinger Boogie, but Cocker’s version is the most popular by far. The song was later covered by artists such as Count Basie, The Beach Boys, Ike and Tina Turner, Santana, and Puddle of Mudd.
Feeling Good by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse
Best known for its cover versions, Feeling Good was originally written for the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd. It was first performed on stage by Cy Grant in 1964 on the UK tour. In 1965, Nina Simone recorded a cover version. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Bublé, George Michael and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
All Along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan
The song All Along the Watchtower was written by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 1967 for his album John Wesley Harding. Jimi Hendrix’s version of All Along the Watchtower is widely regarded as definitive, but many other artists have recorded the song over the years, including U2, Neil Young, Eddie Vedder and the Dave Matthews Band.
Drift Away by John Henry Kurtz
Written by country songwriter Mentor Williams and originally recorded by swamp rock singer John Henry Kurtz, Drift Away became a surprise hit when it was covered by soul singer Dobie Gray. The song has been covered by many other artists, including Clarence Carter, Uncle Kracker, Allan Clarke, Roy Orbison, Ike & Tina Turner, Humble Pie, Mud and Jackie DeShannon.
I Feel for You by Prince
In 1979, Prince wrote the song I Feel for You, which he first recorded for his self-titled album. However, R&B singer Chaka Khan’s 1984 version of I Feel for You is the most widely known – and won Khan two Grammy Awards, including one for Best R&B Song. It was later covered by artists including The Pointer Sisters, Rebbie Jackson and Britney Spears.
Killing Me Softly with His Song by Lori Lieberman
In 1972, Lori Lieberman wrote Killing Me Softly with His Song with Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel after being inspired by a Don McLean performance. The song became a hit for Roberta Flack in 1973. In 1996, Lauryn Hill joined the Fugees to record their cover. Both versions won a Grammy. Other artists who have recorded the song include Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Luther Vandross and Amii Stewart.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Gladys Knight & the Pips
The Motown hit I Heard It Through the Grapevine was written in 1966 for Gladys Knight & the Pips. However, Marvin Gaye’s cover – which was released in 1968 – is the most famous and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. The song has been covered by multiple other Motown artists, including The Miracles, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers and The Temptations.
Jolene by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s Jolene is a song about a woman who falls for another woman’s husband. It was released in 1973 as the lead single from Parton’s album of the same name and has since become Parton’s most-covered song. Over the years, the song has been covered by artists including Olivia Newton-John, The White Stripes, Miley Cyrus and Lil Nas X.
I Want Candy by The Strangeloves
The Strangeloves’ I Want Candy was a top-twenty hit in 1965. English band Bow Wow Wow had a top-ten hit with their 1982 cover version, and other artists who released covers include the Candy Girls, Good Charlotte, Aaron Carter and Melanie C.
Hound Dog by Big Mama Thornton
Although it was originally written and recorded by R&B singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952, Elvis Presley’s version of Hound Dog is the one that most people remember today. The song has since been covered more than 250 times by artists including Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chubby Checker, Pat Boone and Sammy Davis Jr.
The Power of Love by Jennifer Rush
The song The Power of Love was originally written and performed by American singer Jennifer Rush in 1984. It has since been covered by Air Supply, Laura Branigan, and Celine Dion. Dion’s version of the song was a worldwide hit, topping the charts in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Proud Mary was released in 1969 by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. However, it is best known for a cover released by Ike and Tina Turner in 1971. The single won a Grammy Award and remains one of the most popular recordings of Tina Turner’s career. Elvis Presley, Prince and Anthony Armstrong Jones are among the other artists who have covered the song.
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s 1967 single (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman is a soulful ballad about self-acceptance. The song shot to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of her signature songs. The song has been recorded numerous times, including by Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan.
At Last by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren
Etta James recorded a song called At Last in 1960. The lyrics were written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren; they had written the music for the 1941 film Sun Valley Serenade. In 1999, Etta James’ recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song has been covered by several artists, most notably Celine Dion and Beyoncé – who performed the ballad at Barack Obama’s inauguration ball.
Kids in America by Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde’s Kids in America is a song about teenage life in the United States. It was released in 1981 and later appeared on her 1982 self-titled debut album. The song has been covered by many artists from different genres, including The Muffs, Foo Fighters and Billie Joe Armstrong.
Love Hurts by Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers released the song Love Hurts in 1960. However, the most famous versions are by Nazareth, who released it as a single in 1973, and Jim Capaldi, who released it on his 1975 album The Bridge. It has also been covered by The Who, Cher, Joan Jett and Don McLean – among others.
Venus by Shocking Blue
The song Venus by Dutch rock group Shocking Blue topped the charts in nine countries upon its release in 1969. It was written by Robbie van Leeuwen, who also played lead guitar on the track. The song has been covered by dozens of artists, including the English girl group Bananarama, who released their version in 1986. It has also been covered by Tom Jones, Stefanie Sun and Los Straitjackets.
You Got the Love by The Source
In 1986 The Source and Candi Staton released a single titled You Got the Love. The song topped the charts in the UK, and its popularity led to remixed versions being produced in 1991, 1997, and 2006. English indie rock band Florence and the Machine and singer Joss Stone have covered the song.
Lady Marmalade by Labelle
Lady Marmalade was first recorded in 1974 by the American funk rock group Labelle and held the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including girl group All Saints. In 2001, Christina Aguilera, Mýa, Pink and rapper Lil’ Kim recorded a cover, which became a number-one hit in the US and the UK.
Dancing Queen by ABBA
A four-minute pop song that became one of the most recognizable hits in history, Dancing Queen was released in 1976 as the lead single from ABBA’s fourth studio album. The iconic disco anthem has been covered by Luka Bloom, Naya Rivera and Amber Riley, and the cast of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Everybody’s Talkin’ by Fred Neil
Everybody’s Talkin’ (Echoes) is a song written and recorded by American singer Fred Neil. It was released in 1968 but became a hit in 1969 after being covered by Harry Nilsson, who won a Grammy Award for it. Over 100 artists have since covered the song, including Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett, Luna and Bill Withers.
Stand by Me by Ben E. King
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and first recorded by Ben E. King in 1961, Stand By Me has become one of the most successful songs in history. The song has been covered hundreds of times, and sung by artists including Otis Redding, John Lennon and Tracy Chapman.
Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan wrote Make You Feel My Love, which was first released in 1997 by Billy Joel and later included on Dylan’s album Time Out of Mind. The song has been covered by more than 450 different artists, including Elkie Brooks, Adele, Michael Bolton and Neil Diamond.
Try a Little Tenderness by the Ray Noble Orchestra
The song Try a Little Tenderness was originally released on December 8, 1932, by the Ray Noble Orchestra. It features vocals by Val Rosing. One of the most popular versions of the song was recorded by soul artist Otis Redding in 1966, with Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, The Commitments and Aretha Franklin being among the other artists who have recorded covers.
Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles
Eleanor Rigby is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and performed by the Beatles. It was released in 1966 on their album, Revolver. Eleanor Rigby has been covered over 700 times, with Aretha Franklin’s version considered one of the best. Other notable covers are by Ray Charles and the Jerry Garcia Band.
Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars is a Grammy-nominated song that was released as the second single from their 2006 album, Eyes Open. Cover versions have been released by The Baseballs, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and Ed Sheeran, among other artists.
Dancing in the Moonlight by Boffalongo
Dancing in the Moonlight was first recorded by the band Boffalongo in 1970 and then became a hit single for King Harvest in 1972. In 2000, English band Toploader had a hit with a cover of the song, catapulting it to infamy. The song has also been covered by the Baha Men, Allyson Stoner, King Harvest and others.
War by The Temptations
War was a soul song written in 1969 for The Temptations. It was an anti-Vietnam War statement and became popular after it was re-recorded and released in 1970 with Edwin Starr as the vocalist. Starr’s recording was a commercial and critical success. War was also covered by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Bruce Springsteen, The Jam, and other artists.
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
The song Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey was released in 1981 and has been a fan favorite for years. The cast of the hit musical TV show Glee recorded a cover version of the song in 2009, which was more successful than the original. Artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joe McElderry, and Jake Reese have also released covers.
Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire was a No. 1 country hit in 1963. The song, which appeared on his album Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash, has been covered by many artists over the years. The most commercially successful cover was by Eric Burdon and the Animals. Other artists who have also recorded covers include Wall of Voodoo, Dwight Yoakam, Frank Zappa and more.
Because the Night by Patti Smith Group
In 1978, rock singer Bruce Springsteen and poet Patti Smith wrote the song Because the Night for Patti Smith’s album Easter. The song has been covered by various artists, including a hit version by CO.RO in 1992. The band 10,000 Maniacs recorded a live acoustic version in 1993. Artists including Cascada and Keel have also recorded covers.
