20 Covers That Were More Popular Than The Original Version

Since we're in the business of covers, we thought we'd take a look at a few function band staples which had their own precedents. Here are ten covers which were more popular than the original version. As for "better", we'll leave that to you.

Original by Lori Lieberman (1972)

Killing Me Softly was originally recorded by Lori Lieberman, notably covered by Roberta Flack in 1973, and then recorded again by hip-hop group, Fugees, in 1996. Fugees enjoyed 4 weeks at number 1 in the UK Charts with their modern take on this song featuring Lauren Hill's soulful vocal.

Original by Robert Hazard (1979)

This was Cyndi Laupers first big single, but it was originally recorded 4 years previously by Robert Hazard, and has since been covered by over 30 other artists. A worldwide hit for Lauper that became known as a feminist anthem, this was originally written by Hazard from a male point of view. The lyrics were changed with his permission to create the popular version we all know.

Original by Otis Redding (1965)

Originally written by Redding as a plea from a desperate man willing to give his woman everything she wants, with a few altered lyrics and a different musical feel, this became the feminist anthem by Aretha Franklin we know so well today. Franklin's version won two Grammy Awards in '68 for 'Best Rhythm & Blues Recording' and 'Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance' and it is number 5 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Quite an achievement!

Original by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton (1953)

Since its original release by Thornton in 1953, Hound Dog has been recorded over 250 times, but Elvis' version is the one we know best. Not only was Hound Dog Presley's best selling song, it is one of the best selling singles of all time. It was number 1 in the US for 11 weeks; a record Presley held for 36 years, and the song also appeared in many films such as Forrest Gump, Grease and A Few Good Men.

Original by The Zutons (2006)

Written by indie rock band The Zutons for their second album, Valerie was later covered by Amy Winehouse on the deluxe edition of Back to Black. However it was the more uptempo version recorded the following year by Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse which became the most popular. This version peaked at number 2 in the UK charts, spent 19 weeks in the top 20 and is played by many of our wedding bands!

Original by Arrows (1975)

Joan Jett originally recorded this song in 1979, having seen Arrows perform it on TV, and released it as a B-side to You Don't Own Me. She later re-recorded it with her band The Blackhearts to huge success. It was number 1 for 7 weeks in the USA and was certified platinum, selling 2 million copies.

Original by The Top Notes (1961)

Recorded in just one take by The Beatles for their first UK album, Please Please Me, Twist and Shout was the last song of a 13 hour recording session. It is said that John Lennon's memorable rocky and husky vocal was down to a cold, and you can even hear him coughing on the album. Peaking at number 2 in the US Charts, the only reason Twist and Shout didn't reach the top spot was because another of their songs, 'Can't Buy Me Love', was already there.

Original by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

Although both of these versions won Grammy Hall of Fame awards, we think Ike & Tina's may have the edge. Their version became one of their most famous signature songs, and we think it's the one most people would choose. We know it's certainly in lots of our bands' repertoires!

Original by Leonard Cohen (1984)

Hallelujah is commonly known as one of the most covered songs of all time. Amongst over 300 known versions, Jeff Buckley's stands out above the rest, although it was not an instant hit. It wan't released as a single until 2007 after Buckley's death in 1997, so he sadly did not live to see the true extent of this song's success.

Original by Dolly Parton (1974)

This smash hit by Whitney Houston, featured in The Bodyguard, and winner of The Grammy for Record of the Year was a number 1 hit around the world. While Dolly's version performed well in the UK Country Charts, it didn't enjoy the same mainstream success as Whitney's iconic version.

Original by David Bowie (1970)

Cobain’s raw vocals and stripped-down sound turn Bowie’s cryptic classic into something intimate and eerie. This haunting performance remains a highlight of Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged session.

Original by Bob Dylan (1967)

Hendrix electrifies Dylan’s folk song, turning it into a psychedelic rock explosion. His blistering guitar solos and dynamic arrangement elevate the song into something legendary.

Original by The Family (1985)

O’Connor’s stripped-down arrangement and trembling voice make this the ultimate heartbreak song. Every note feels like an open wound, making it infinitely more emotional than the original.

Original by The Crickets (1960)

The Clash inject punk energy into this rockabilly classic, transforming it from a cautionary tale into a rebellious war cry. Their gritty, relentless performance makes the song feel more dangerous.

Original by Bob Dylan (1973)

GNR swaps Dylan’s folk minimalism for screaming guitar solos and stadium-rock power. Axl’s wailing vocals and the soaring instrumental sections turn the song into a rock epic.

Original by Dusty Springfield (1964)

Jack White’s raw, distorted guitar and intense delivery give this song a jagged-edge urgency, turning Springfield’s polished soul classic into something grittier and more desperate.

Original by Nina Simone (1965)

Muse injects dark, cinematic energy into this classic, turning Simone’s hopeful jazz tune into a grand, almost sinister rock spectacle. The contrast makes it uniquely compelling.

Original by The Beatles (1968)

Beyoncé reimagines The Beatles' classic, infusing it with soulful vocals and harmonies alongside emerging Black country artists, creating a powerful rendition that resonates with themes of hope and resilience.

Original by Talking Heads (1983)

Hayley Williams' powerful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation transform "Burning Down the House" into a high-octane anthem, capturing the rebellious spirit of the original while adding their unique twist.

Original by Sophie Ellis-Bextor (2001)

With a dreamy, lo-fi approach, Royal Otis transforms the track into an indie gem, showcasing their unique style while paying homage to the early 2000s classic.