Famous Songs You Didn’t Know Were Covers
Some songs are so well known, it feels like the artists who sang them must’ve written them too. But in a lot of cases, that’s not true at all.
Many of the biggest hits out there were actually covers—borrowed from older tracks, less popular versions, or even completely different genres. The original might’ve been forgotten, but the new take made it a classic.
It’s surprising how many famous songs weren’t the first version. Let’s take a closer look at some tracks that people think are originals… but really aren’t.
I will always love you – Whitney Houston
This power ballad is often linked to Whitney Houston, especially after its role in The Bodyguard. But it was written and first recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973.
Her version was slower, softer, and country through and through. Whitney gave it a huge voice and turned it into a worldwide hit.
Both versions are loved, but the second one made history.
Tainted love – Soft Cell
The synth-heavy ’80s anthem that played in every club actually came from the ’60s. Gloria Jones recorded the original in 1964, and it had a Motown-style beat.
It didn’t catch on at the time, but Soft Cell picked it up nearly two decades later and gave it a dark, electronic twist. That’s the version most people remember today.
But it all started with a very different sound.
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Respect – Aretha Franklin
Aretha made this song a voice for empowerment. But it was originally written and sung by Otis Redding in 1965.
His version was more about a man asking for respect at home. Aretha flipped the message, added those iconic backup vocals, and created something unforgettable.
It became her signature, even though it wasn’t hers first.
Girls just want to have fun – Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper turned this into a fun, feminist anthem in the ’80s. But the song was first written and recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979.
His version had a completely different feel—it was from a man’s point of view. Cyndi changed the lyrics to fit her voice and her style.
The result was a total game-changer.
Nothing compares 2 U – Sinéad O’Connor
This emotional hit broke hearts around the world in 1990. But Prince actually wrote it years earlier for one of his side projects, The Family.
Their version barely made a ripple. Sinéad’s stripped-down take, with that famous tear running down her cheek in the video, made it unforgettable.
Prince even started performing it more after she made it famous.
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Hound dog – Elvis Presley
Elvis made this song one of his biggest hits. But it was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952.
Her version was raw and full of grit. Elvis cleaned it up, added rock and roll energy, and brought it to the mainstream.
But credit for the song’s soul belongs to her.
I love rock ‘n’ roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Joan Jett owned this song when she belted it out in the ’80s. But the band Arrows actually recorded it first in 1975.
It didn’t make much noise then, but Joan’s version became an anthem. She kept most of the structure the same, just added her voice and style. It worked.
The man who sold the world – Nirvana
A lot of people discovered this song during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged set. But David Bowie released the original way back in 1970.
His version was eerie and layered. Nirvana stripped it down and gave it a raw, acoustic edge.
Bowie appreciated their take, and fans loved both versions for different reasons.
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Twist and shout – The Beatles
The Beatles made this a crowd favorite with their early rock and roll sound. But the Isley Brothers recorded it before them, and a group called The Top Notes actually did it first in 1961.
The Beatles gave it more grit and energy. Their version exploded, but it wasn’t the beginning.
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s haunting version is often thought of as the original. But Leonard Cohen wrote and recorded it back in 1984.
His version had more verses and a deeper, poetic tone. Buckley trimmed it down, added emotion, and gave it a different kind of beauty.
Now it’s the one most people know.
Valerie – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse
This upbeat track with Amy Winehouse’s voice became a party favorite. But the band The Zutons released it first in 2006.
Their version had more of a rock sound. Ronson and Winehouse added swing and soul, changing the whole vibe. It became bigger than the original ever was.
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Black magic woman – Santana
Santana’s guitar-driven version made this song iconic. But Fleetwood Mac released the original in 1968, written by Peter Green.
It had a bluesy tone, quite different from Santana’s Latin rock twist. Santana turned it into something smoother and more intense.
That’s the version that stuck.
I’m a believer – Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth’s version popped up in Shrek and reached a new crowd. But The Monkees first recorded it in the 1960s.
Their version had that fun ’60s pop sound. Smash Mouth updated it for the 2000s, and it worked perfectly for the movie.
Both versions brought joy in different times.
If I were a boy – Beyoncé
Beyoncé made this song powerful with her emotional delivery. But it was originally written and recorded by BC Jean, a singer-songwriter from San Diego.
Her version didn’t reach many ears at first. Beyoncé heard it and turned it into something bigger. It gave the song the stage it needed.
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Bringing back what we didn’t know was borrowed
Songs travel across time in unexpected ways. A version that didn’t catch on years ago might come back stronger in a new voice, with a new sound.
These covers weren’t just copies—they were fresh takes that gave old music new meaning. Some made people curious about the original. Others stood so strong that many never even knew they were second versions in the first place.
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