Exploring Successful Cover Songs: From Patsy Cline to Modern Hits

Music history is replete with examples of songs that have found greater success when performed by artists other than their original creators. These cover versions often captivate audiences and achieve timeless popularity. In this article, we delve into some of the most successful songs that were originally written by one band or artist but found their true stride when covered by another. We’ll also explore a few songwriting collaborations that blurred the lines between original and cover versions.

Patsy Cline: A Signature Hit Inducing a Change in Fortune

One of the most notable examples is Patsy Cline, a beloved country singer who tragically died in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. Her most famous and beloved song, "Crazy", stands out as a prime example of a song that originally faced rejection. The song was written by Willie Nelson, a member of The Highwaymen, a group of outlaw country musicians. Patsy Cline had a God-fearing Christian background, making her initially hesitant to cover this song, which she perceived as controversial due to its lyrics.

Despite her initial reluctance, Nelson insisted that she perform it. The strength and emotion in her rendition catapulted the song to success. The now-classic version of “Crazy” became an enduring hit and a defining part of Cline’s legacy. Its cultural significance has endured for over half a century, continuing to enthrall listeners and inspire tributes and covers by numerous artists across genres.

Cover Versions That Surpassed Originals

In many cases, songs originally penned for one band or artist achieve even greater success when performed by others. Here, we highlight several such instances:

Blinded by the Light - Bruce Springsteen and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

“Blinded by the Light,” authored by Bruce Springsteen and originally intended for the duo Bob Seger and The Rollplayers, became a hit when Manfred Mann’s Earth Band took it up. This song not only brought international recognition to Manfred Mann's Earth Band but also won Springsteen recognition as a talent beyond his own band, The E Street Band. The Manfred Mann’s Earth Band version, released in 1978, became one of the band's most famous songs and a staple of their live performances.

You Can Leave Your Hat On - Randy Newman and Joe Cocker

Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On” was originally recorded by Three Dog Night in 1970. While it was successful, Joe Cocker’s version in 1972 elevated the track to iconic status. Cocker’s soulful, powerful performance released the song from its initial constraints and elevated it to a level of pure, raw emotion. His version remains a beloved classic and continues to appear in various film and television soundtracks.

Islands in the Stream - Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

While Jerry Rabbit Hill wrote the original version of “Islands in the Stream”, it was the rendition by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers that took the song to new heights. This duet, released in 1983, was a massive crossover hit and remains one of the best-selling songs of all time. The seamless blend of Parton's vocals and Rogers' harmonies brought a new dimension to the song, making it an enduring romantic classic.

Red Red Wine - Neil Diamond and UB40

“Red Red Wine”, written by Neil Diamond, achieved greater success and a more modern sound when UB40 (Now The Voice of A Nation) released their reggae version in 1983. UB40’s upbeat, catchy cover turned the song into a global hit and cemented its status as a staple of the reggae genre. It also won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album and was a significant breakthrough for UB40, helping to bring their distinctive sound to the mainstream.

Every Time You Go Away - Hall and Oates and Paul Young

While Hall and Oates’ version of “Every Time You Go Away” was successful, it was Paul Young’s 1986 cover that truly captured the essence and emotional pull of the song. Paul Young’s version topped the charts in multiple countries and became an anthemic classic, appealing to a broader audience.

Collaborative Successes

Some collaborations were so successful that the line between original and cover version is blurred. Take, for example:

Loggins McDonald - What a Fool Believes and This Is It

Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald popularized the 1980s hit “What a Fool Believes.” Loggins initially released the track, but it was the Doobie Brothers who turned it into a monster hit. Both versions remain popular, but the synergy between Loggins and McDonald demonstrated their harmonizing talents. This successful collaboration paved the way for other memorable songs like “This Is It,” which also took the world by storm.

Modern Reimaginings and Rewrites

Finally, we cannot overlook modern artists who have reimagined songs from the past, blending old classics with contemporary styles. For instance:

Kraftwerk and Coldplay - Talk

Coldplay used part of a Kraftwerk track, “Computer Love”, in their hit song, “TALK.” Although Coldplay did not use the original lyrics, their creative reuse of the Kraftwerk beat breathed new life into the original. This modern take on an old track made “Talk” a chart-topping success and provided a unique tribute to the pioneers of electronic music.

In conclusion, these examples demonstrate how certain songs achieve their greatest success not necessarily through their initial release but through strategic cover versions and collaborations. This highlights the importance of songwriting versatility and the ability to adapt to different artists and listeners. As the music industry continues to evolve, so too does the legacy of these transformative cover songs.