15 Covers So Iconic You Forgot They Weren’t the Originals

When Covers Outshine Originals

Cover songs often give new life to familiar tunes, sometimes even becoming more famous than the original recordings. Artists put their own spin on the song, changing the style, arrangement, or mood. While some covers are simple tributes, others completely transform the material, occasionally surprising fans who didn’t know who first recorded it.

These fifteen songs are classic examples of covers that became so well known that many listeners forget who first performed them.

All Along the Watchtower – The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Original Artist: Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan wrote “All Along the Watchtower,” which appeared on his 1967 album John Wesley Harding. The song is concise and dark, leaving plenty of room for interpretation. Dylan’s version is subtle and lyrical, with a folk-rock feel that fits the era.

A year later, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded it for Electric Ladyland. Hendrix turned the song into a hard-hitting rock anthem. His version reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his only Top 40 hit in the United States. Many fans now associate the song more with Hendrix than Dylan.

Cocaine – Eric Clapton

Original Artist: J.J. Cale
Eric Clapton’s 1977 cover of J.J. Cale’s “Cocaine” brought the song to a wider audience, reaching No. 30 on the U.S. charts. Clapton’s blues-rock interpretation added a harder edge while keeping the song’s laid-back groove.

The cover also boosted attention for Cale’s original version. In New Zealand, Cale’s recording eventually hit No. 1, showing how a successful cover can bring recognition back to the songwriter.

Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest

Original Artist: Boffalongo
Sherman Kelly wrote “Dancing in the Moonlight” in 1969 while recovering from a violent attack in St. Croix. His band, Boffalongo, released it in 1970, but the song gained little traction.

Two years later, King Harvest recorded the tune. Their version reached No. 13 in the U.S., becoming a hit despite the band breaking up soon after. Today, many people mistakenly think King Harvest wrote it.

Downtown Train – Rod Stewart

Original Artist: Tom Waits
Rod Stewart recorded Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train” and turned it into a No. 3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Stewart’s voice gave the song a polished, radio-friendly feel while keeping Waits’ storytelling intact.

The cover also earned Stewart a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Waits’ original appeared on his 1985 album Rain Dogs, which featured contributions from Keith Richards and Marc Ribot.

Everybody’s Talkin’ – Harry Nilsson

Original Artist: Fred Neil
Harry Nilsson’s 1969 recording of “Everybody’s Talkin’” became a No. 6 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy. Nilsson brought a soft, melodic touch that made the song ideal for the film Midnight Cowboy.

Fred Neil’s original had appeared three years earlier but did not chart significantly. Nilsson’s version remains the one most listeners remember, demonstrating the power of interpretation.

I Fought the Law – The Clash

Original Artist: The Crickets
The Crickets released “I Fought the Law” in 1960, but it went largely unnoticed. Six years later, the Bobby Fuller Four made it a U.S. hit, reaching No. 9.

In 1979, the Clash released their version, reaching No. 29 in the U.K. The song became a staple of their live shows, solidifying its place in punk-rock history.

I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Original Artist: Arrows
Joan Jett’s 1981 cover of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her raw, energetic performance became iconic, making it synonymous with her name.

Co-writer Alan Merrill said in 2019, “Everyone knows Joan’s version of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ but ironically that wasn’t the one that made me a lot of money. I do think Joan did a great job on it.” The song has since inspired countless covers.

Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison

Original Artist: James Ray
George Harrison discovered James Ray’s 1962 recording during a trip to the U.S. and included it on his 1987 album Cloud Nine. Harrison’s version reached No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 in the U.K.

The Beatles’ guitarist added his signature pop-rock style, turning a lesser-known song into a worldwide hit. Many listeners today assume Harrison wrote it himself.

Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin

Original Artist: Roger Miller
Written by Kris Kristofferson, “Me and Bobby McGee” first charted in Canada through Gordon Lightfoot. Jerry Lee Lewis also had a hit with it on the U.S. country chart.

Janis Joplin’s 1971 posthumous version topped the overall Billboard Hot 100. Her emotive, bluesy delivery transformed the song into a rock classic.

Red Red Wine – UB40

Original Artist: Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond’s 1968 original reached No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. UB40’s reggae version in 1983 reached No. 1 in the U.K., and a 1988 reissue hit No. 1 again.

The band’s version added a relaxed, Caribbean feel, making it a song widely associated with UB40 rather than Diamond.

Some Kind of Wonderful – Grand Funk Railroad

Original Artist: Soul Brothers Six
The Soul Brothers Six released the song in 1967, reaching No. 91 on the U.S. charts.

Grand Funk Railroad’s 1974 cover, influenced by their R&B and gospel roots, reached No. 3. Drummer Don Brewer said, “We used to listen to the Soul Brothers Six version all the time on WAMM radio in the ’60s.”

This Flight Tonight – Nazareth

Original Artist: Joni Mitchell
Mitchell included the song on her 1971 album Blue. Nazareth, touring in a van across Scotland, heard it and covered it two years later.

Their version reached No. 11 in the U.K. and gave the band one of their biggest early hits. It remains a surprising but effective transformation of Mitchell’s folk tune.

Time Is on My Side – The Rolling Stones

Original Artist: Kai Winding
Kai Winding, a jazz trombonist, recorded “Time Is on My Side” in 1963. Irma Thomas also covered it before the Rolling Stones made it a rock hit.

The Stones’ version reached No. 6 in the U.S., changing the song’s R&B style into a rock-and-roll classic.

Twist and Shout – The Beatles

Original Artist: The Top Notes
The Top Notes recorded the song in 1961. The Isley Brothers had a Top 20 hit with it in 1962, but it was the Beatles’ 1963 version that reached No. 2 in the U.S.

The Beatles’ energetic performance made it one of their most famous early hits. Many people assume it was originally theirs.

With a Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker

Original Artist: The Beatles
Joe Cocker’s 1968 soulful interpretation reached No. 1 in the U.K. He completely transformed the Beatles’ original, adding bluesy instrumentation and emotional vocals.

Paul McCartney later called the recording “very imaginative.” It remains one of Cocker’s signature songs and a classic example of a cover surpassing the original.