What Makes a Cover Song Legendary
Music history is full of surprises, and some of the most iconic songs you know and love weren’t originally performed by the artists who made them famous. These covers became so culturally significant that many people forget they’re not the original versions. The magic happens when an artist takes someone else’s creation and transforms it into something completely new, often surpassing the original in popularity and impact.
The following five tracks showcase how talented musicians can reimagine existing songs and create timeless masterpieces that define generations. Each of these covers tells a fascinating story about artistic interpretation, cultural impact, and the power of reinvention in the music industry.
1. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
The Voice That Redefined Romance
Whitney Houston’s powerhouse rendition transformed this heartfelt ballad into one of the best-selling singles of all time. Released in 1992 for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, Houston’s version became a global phenomenon that dominated charts for an unprecedented 14 weeks. Her incredible vocal range and emotional delivery turned what was originally a country farewell song into an epic love anthem that still gives listeners chills today.
How the Original Began
Dolly Parton wrote and recorded this song in 1973 as a bittersweet goodbye to her business partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner. Parton’s version was a gentle country ballad that topped the country charts twice – first in 1974 and again in 1982 when she re-recorded it for the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
Fascinating Facts About This Musical Journey
- Houston’s version sold over 20 million copies worldwide and became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history
- Dolly Parton earned millions in royalties from Houston’s cover and used the money to invest in Black communities in Nashville
- The song was initially offered to several other artists before Houston recorded it
- Houston’s vocal performance required no significant studio enhancements – that’s all natural talent
- The song spent more consecutive weeks at #1 than any other single in Billboard history
2. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley
An Intimate Reimagining
Jeff Buckley’s ethereal interpretation of “Hallelujah” became the definitive version for many music lovers. Recorded for his 1994 album “Grace,” Buckley’s delicate falsetto and stripped-down arrangement created an intimate atmosphere that perfectly captured the song’s spiritual complexity. His version influenced countless other artists and introduced Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece to a whole new generation of listeners.
The Original Poet’s Vision
Leonard Cohen originally wrote and recorded “Hallelujah” for his 1984 album “Various Positions.” Cohen’s version was more contemplative and featured additional verses that explored themes of love, loss, and redemption. Despite being a Cohen composition, the song initially received limited commercial attention and took years to gain recognition.
Hidden Gems About This Timeless Track
- Cohen wrote over 80 verses for this song before settling on the final version
- Buckley’s cover was relatively unknown until after his tragic death in 1997
- The song has been covered by over 300 artists, making it one of the most covered songs in modern music
- Cohen reportedly preferred Buckley’s version over all other covers
- The song gained massive popularity after being featured in the animated film “Shrek” (though that version was performed by Rufus Wainwright)
3. “All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix
Electric Revolution
Jimi Hendrix transformed Bob Dylan’s acoustic folk song into a psychedelic rock masterpiece that became one of his most celebrated recordings. Released in 1968, Hendrix’s version features his signature guitar work, creating an urgent, almost apocalyptic atmosphere that completely reimagined the original’s meaning. This cover became so influential that even Dylan himself adopted Hendrix’s arrangement for his own live performances.
Dylan’s Folk Foundation
Bob Dylan wrote and recorded the original version for his 1967 album “John Wesley Harding.” Dylan’s acoustic version was more subdued and mysterious, fitting the album’s stripped-down, biblical atmosphere. The song reflected Dylan’s move away from electric rock back toward folk music during this period.
Electrifying Details About This Rock Classic
- Hendrix recorded his version just six months after Dylan released the original
- Dylan famously said it was “overwhelming” to hear how Hendrix transformed his song
- The cover features one of guitar history’s most iconic solos
- Hendrix’s version reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Dylan’s original didn’t chart
- Rolling Stone magazine ranked Hendrix’s version among the greatest guitar songs of all time
- Bob Dylan still performs the song using Hendrix’s arrangement rather than his own
4. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
The Queen’s Empowerment Anthem
Aretha Franklin’s fierce rendition turned a simple plea into a powerful declaration of self-worth that became an anthem for both the civil rights and feminist movements. Released in 1967, Franklin’s version added the famous “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelling sequence and backing vocals that transformed the song’s meaning entirely. Her passionate delivery and the song’s cultural timing made it an instant classic that defined an era.
Otis Redding’s Original Request
Otis Redding wrote and recorded “Respect” in 1965 as a straightforward soul ballad about a man asking for respect from his woman. Redding’s version was more traditional, focusing on a romantic relationship dynamic rather than broader themes of empowerment and social justice.
Revolutionary Elements of This Civil Rights Anthem
- Franklin’s version became a symbol of Black pride and women’s empowerment during the 1960s
- The famous “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelling was Franklin’s creative addition
- Otis Redding reportedly loved Franklin’s version and joked that she “took my song away from me”
- The song topped both R&B and pop charts simultaneously
- Rolling Stone named it the fifth greatest song of all time
- Franklin’s version earned her first Grammy Award and cemented her title as the “Queen of Soul”
5. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor
Raw Emotional Vulnerability
Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting performance turned this lesser-known Prince composition into a global sensation that showcased her incredible vocal ability and emotional depth. Released in 1990, O’Connor’s stripped-down arrangement and the iconic music video featuring her close-up, tear-filled performance created an unforgettable moment in music history that resonated with millions worldwide.
Prince’s Hidden Treasure
Prince originally wrote and recorded this song in 1985 for his side project, The Family. Prince’s version had a more upbeat, funk-influenced arrangement that was quite different from the melancholic ballad most people know. The original appeared on The Family’s self-titled album but received little commercial attention.
Surprising Stories Behind This Emotional Masterpiece
- O’Connor’s version spent four weeks at #1 in multiple countries worldwide
- The famous music video was shot in just one day for a minimal budget
- Prince initially wasn’t pleased with O’Connor’s interpretation, preferring his original arrangement
- The song’s success helped establish O’Connor as a major international artist
- Her version sold over 5 million copies and became her signature song
- The emotional intensity of O’Connor’s performance sparked discussions about mental health awareness in the music industry
Why These Covers Changed Music Forever
These five extraordinary covers demonstrate how artistic reinterpretation can breathe new life into existing songs and create cultural phenomena that transcend their origins. Each artist brought their unique perspective, vocal style, and emotional experience to transform someone else’s creation into something entirely their own.
The beauty of great cover songs lies in their ability to honor the original while offering fresh insights and emotional connections. These tracks remind us that music is a living, breathing art form where creativity knows no boundaries, and sometimes the most unexpected interpretations become the most beloved versions of all time.
