9 Times a Classic Rock Song Was Mistaken for Another Artist

It’s not uncommon for listeners to get confused about who performed a song, especially when voices, styles, or sounds are similar. Some classic rock tracks have been so widely misattributed that people are shocked to learn the real artist. This list shows how often even big hits can be misunderstood, either because of a similar vocal style, band connection, or general sound. Each of these songs has been wrongly credited to another group or singer, despite the facts being clear. These are nine true examples where the credit often goes to the wrong name.

1. “Blinded by the Light” – Bruce Springsteen

Often mistaken for: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Many people think Manfred Mann’s Earth Band wrote this song, and it makes sense—Bruce wrote and first recorded it in 1973. But his version didn’t gain much attention. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band released their cover in 1976 and turned it into a major hit, reaching No. 1 in the U.S.

The arrangement was different, and the band gave it a more progressive rock feel. Their version became far more popular than Springsteen’s, which led to confusion. Even today, people are often surprised to learn Springsteen didn’t sing the radio version they know best.

2. “Black Betty” – Ram Jam

Often mistaken for: Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Black Betty” has a loud Southern rock sound with heavy guitar riffs, which causes many to think it’s by Lynyrd Skynyrd. But the track is actually by Ram Jam, a New York band that released it in 1977.

The confusion likely comes from the song’s raw energy and blues-rock vibe. Skynyrd was known for that kind of music at the time. However, Ram Jam only had this one major hit, and its style led many to guess the wrong group behind the song.

3. “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield

Often mistaken for: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

This protest song is often credited to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, but it came out in 1966 by Buffalo Springfield. The confusion exists because Stephen Stills wrote and sang it—and later became part of CSNY with Neil Young.

Buffalo Springfield broke up not long after, and many of its members went on to form other successful acts. Because of that, fans often assume this famous track must belong to the later group, not the earlier one that recorded it first.

4. “A Horse with No Name” – America

Often mistaken for: Neil Young

Many people hear “A Horse with No Name” and think it’s Neil Young. The vocals have a soft, nasal quality, and the acoustic guitar sound fits Young’s early 1970s style. But the song is actually by the band America.

It was released in 1971 and became America’s first hit. Even critics at the time pointed out how similar it sounded to Neil Young’s work. The band didn’t try to copy him, but the vocal and musical similarities still lead many listeners to guess the wrong artist.

5. “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum

Often mistaken for: Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Spirit in the Sky” has a rough guitar sound and swampy rhythm that some link to Creedence Clearwater Revival. However, the song was written and performed by Norman Greenbaum, and it came out in 1969.

Greenbaum was a one-hit wonder, which added to the confusion. The gritty style and religious lyrics felt like something John Fogerty might have done, but CCR never recorded this song. Despite the difference in background, many fans still mistake it for a track by the better-known group.

6. “Radar Love” – Golden Earring

Often mistaken for: Led Zeppelin

The pounding drums and driving guitar of “Radar Love” have caused some to think it’s a lesser-known Led Zeppelin song. In reality, it’s by Dutch rock band Golden Earring, released in 1973.

Led Zeppelin was known for its hard rock sound and long instrumental breaks, much like “Radar Love” includes. Since Golden Earring didn’t have many U.S. hits, people unfamiliar with the band often guess a more famous name, like Zeppelin, when hearing the track.

7. “All Right Now” – Free

Often mistaken for: Bad Company

This rock anthem is often linked to Bad Company because the singer, Paul Rodgers, led both bands. But “All Right Now” was actually recorded by Free in 1970 and became their biggest hit.

After Free broke up, Rodgers formed Bad Company, which had a similar blues-rock style. Because of that connection and Rodgers’ voice, many listeners assume the song belongs to his later group. But the song was already a hit years before Bad Company released their first album.

8. “Love Hurts” – The Everly Brothers

Often mistaken for: Nazareth

The Everly Brothers originally recorded “Love Hurts” in 1960, but their version was soft and not widely known. Nazareth released their take in 1975 with heavy vocals and a rock arrangement, making it a big hit.

Because the Everly Brothers were the first to sing it, some people credit the popular version to them. In reality, Nazareth changed the song’s entire tone and made it their own. That version became more famous, but the original artist credit still causes mix-ups.

9. “Mr. Bojangles” – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Often mistaken for: Bob Dylan

The storytelling lyrics and vocal delivery of “Mr. Bojangles” have led some to think Bob Dylan sang it. But it was actually written by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968 and later made popular by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Their 1970 version got more radio play and is the one most people remember. The confusion stems from the song’s folk sound and Dylan-like phrasing. Even though Dylan never recorded the track, his influence on folk-rock makes the mistake common.