The Enigma of Cover Songs: Famous Tracks with Surprising Creators

Music has the power to transcend boundaries and generations, allowing listeners to connect with iconic songs through different renditions. However, many of these beloved tracks have an intriguing backstory: not all of them were written or produced by the artists or bands that first brought them to fame. From legendary hits in the Motown era to contemporary chart-toppers, these cover songs provide a fascinating glimpse into the music industry's collaborative nature.

The Motown Era: Smokey Robinson and His Peculiar Role

One of the most fascinating aspects of music history is the role of Smokey Robinson in the Motown era. Smokey, a prolific songwriter and producer, wasn't just the face of Motown; he was also highly involved in writing and producing various hits for Motown artists such as The Miracles, The Temptations, and The Supremes. His involvement extended beyond his own acts, and he often wrote or co-wrote songs for other Motown acts as well. Despite the rumors, the majority of songs in this genre weren't all written by Smokey Robinson, contrary to the common belief.

Classic Hits with Unexpected Origins

“Hang On Sloopy” - 1965 Cover by The Strangeloves

The story behind Hang On Sloopy is a prime example of a cover song with an unexpected backstory. Originally recorded by The Vibrations in 1965, the song was not released under their label, Motown. It was instead recorded by The Strangeloves, a short-lived Detroit band, as a demo for Soma Records. When The McCoy’s label heard this demo, they were concerned that The Strangeloves might release the song first, potentially stealing their artists' momentum. To preempt this, they released The Strangeloves’ demo but credited it to The McCoy’s. This quirksome history makes it a standout in the annals of rock and roll.

Famous Covers with Notable Creations

Here are a few more examples of famous tracks whose creation is a bit more complex than meets the ear:

Diamonds by Rihanna - This song was actually written by Sia, a renowned Australian singer and songwriter, and reflects her knack for crafting anthemic pop hits. You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson - The song, which is a duet, was written by Raquel Reinhardt and Randy Edoren. It features Stevie Wonder's beautiful touch, as well as Michael Jackson's iconic vocals. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus - This catchy indie-pop rock track was penned by Jessie J, demonstrating how different artists can infuse their unique styles into a single song. Irreplaceable by Beyoncé - This song, a #1 hit, was co-written by Ne-Yo, showcasing the behind-the-scenes talent that often goes unnoticed. Forget You by Cee Lo Green - The song was co-written by Bruno Mars, a multi-talented artist who continues to mesmerize listeners with his diverse range of musical talents.

These examples illustrate the complex and collaborative nature of the music industry. Cover songs and reimaginings often bring fresh perspectives and styles to classic tunes, making them resonate with new generations of listeners.

Conclusion

From the Motown era to modern chart-toppers, the stories behind cover songs offer a fascinating look at the music industry's collaborative spirit. It's clear that songwriting and production often involve a network of talented individuals, each contributing their unique vision to create something truly iconic.