Bands That Gained Fame through Cover Songs
Are there any bands whose biggest hit was a cover song? It happens more often than you might think. This article explores the phenomenon of bands achieving major success with cover versions of other artists' songs. From legendary groups like Three Dog Night to contemporary hits by Whitney Houston, we delve into the fascinating world of cover songs in the music industry.
The Notorious Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night once called themselves the 'World’s Greatest Cover Band.' Despite their prodigious output of cover songs, not one of their Top 10 hits was written by the band itself. This fact is so impressive that verifying it is almost a task in itself. For instance, their megahit 'Mama Told Me (Not to Date My Brother)' was originally a 1968 track written by Gene Pitney but became hysterical in the hands of the band. Similarly, tracks like 'One,' 'Save the Village,' and 'Home' were all covers of other artists’ songs, proving the enduring power of good covers.
A Whitney Houston Duet
Whitney Houston's cover of 'I Will Always Love You' from the movie The Bodyguard is a testament to the enduring popularity of cover songs. The song, originally written and performed by country legend Dolly Parton, became a massive hit for Houston, reaching the top of the charts and staying there for 14 weeks. Recently, Dolly Parton practically made a pilgrimage to sing for a patient on his deathbed, demonstrating the immense human connection and impact that a song can have on individuals and communities.
Chicago and Cover Hits
Many bands have achieved their success through cover songs, including Chicago. Their rendition of 'I'm a Man' was a vibrant take on a song originally performed by Edwin Starr. While the original version was a protest song, Chicago's cover version turned it into a party anthem, showcasing how a song's meaning can shift entirely with different interpretations and productions. Other notable cover hits include:
The Animals
The Animals' career is peppered with cover songs that became their signature tunes. Their most famous cover, 'House of the Rising Sun,' became an international hit, firmly establishing the band on the global stage. Other noteworthy covers include their version of 'Blowin' in the Wind,' originally by Bob Dylan, and 'Bring It on Home to Me,' an homage to Jimi Hendrix.
Run DMC and Aerosmith
Run DMC and Aerosmith collaborated on 'Walk This Way,' which became a crossover hit between hip-hop and rock. Run DMC's unique style of rapping over Aerosmith's hard-rocking beat transformed the song into a dance floor hit that redefined the sound of a classic rock song. This cover version stood the test of time and became an integral part of both Acts' discographies.
A Heart-Zed Collaboration
Heart's rendition of 'Rock and Roll' by Dream Triibe (also known as Led Zeppelin) was a standout track that showcased the band's hard rock power. Heart's version was muscular and emotionally charged, capturing the essence of the original while bringing a modern edge to the classic track.
Valentine and Carry On My Wayward Son
Valentine is a band that initially finding their footing by including 'Carry On My Wayward Son' by Kansas in their live shows. This cover became a fan favorite and helped to launch their career. Kevin DuBee, the founder of Valentine, often cites this song as a major influence on the band's sound and style.
Other Notable Covers
Here is a list of other bands and their cover songs that became hits, along with a brief description of the original and the cover:
Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker transformed The Grease Band's 'With a Little Help from My Friends.' In the early 70s, this cover version was a hit, becoming a fan favorite and a mainstay of classic rock radio.
The Byrds
The Byrds' 'Hey Mr. Tambourine Man' was another iconic cover which brought the folk rock classic to an even more influential sound, capturing the zeitgeist of the time with their unique interpretation.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye popularized 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine,' originally recorded by Mabel Mann. Gaye's version was a runaway hit, crossing over into the pop charts and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Soft Cell
Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love' was a powerhouse cover that was a massive hit on both sides of the Atlantic, becoming one of their most recognizable tracks.
Witney Houston
Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You' from The Bodyguard swept the nation and the world, becoming a timeless classic and a signature song for Houston.
Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack's soulful rendition of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' originally by Roethaniel Fraze, cemented her status as a powerhouse vocalist.
The Righteous Brothers
The Righteous Brothers' 'Unchained Melody' was the original of an obscure 1955 composition. In the 1970s, it made a triumphant return to the charts via their beautiful cover, becoming synonymous with romance and nostalgia.
Talking Heads
Talking Heads' 'Take Me to the River' was a bluesy, cosmic classic, originally by Norris Le_kbunter. Talking Heads' version, with its soulful grooves and infectious hooks, brought the song back into the spotlight in a big way.
Sinead O'Connor
Sinead O'Connor's cover of 'Nothing Compares to You,' originally by Prince, was a stunning duet that showcased O'Connor’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. It became one of her defining anthems and solidified her status as a vocal powerhouse.
Mott the Hoople
Mott the Hoople's 'All the Young Dudes' was a triumph, originally by Kings X, but Mott the Hoople turned it into a platinum hit that remains a classic of the era.
These cover songs illustrate how artists can reinvent and elevate a song to new heights, often surpassing the popularity of the original. From the gritty rawness of Joe Cocker to the smooth soul of Roberta Flack, these cover songs show the magic that can happen when an artist brings a fresh perspective to a beloved track.