THEY DIDN’T WRITE THAT?: HITS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T REALIZE WERE COVER SONGS

 

The song: “Girls Just Want to Have fun”

You know it from: Cyndi Lauper

But it was done first by: Robert Hazard

Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 smash-hit feminist anthem was originally written and recorded by a man in 1979. The song was originally a demo track from Robert Hazard who later had a minor MTV hit with the song “Escalator of Life.” Some readers who have been following this series on Dangerous Minds may cry “foul” in that Robert Hazard’s original version of the song was a demo and not available as a consumer release. Fair enough, but Hazard’s little-heard version is so remarkable that the urge to share it couldn’t be resisted.

The song: “Hello Hooray”

You know it from: Alice Cooper

But it was done first by: Judy Collins

One of the most-memorable tracks from Alice Cooper’s 1973 platinum-selling Billion Dollar Babies album is “Hello Hooray.” The song was actually written by Rolf Kempf and was recorded five years earlier by Judy Collins. There’s certainly no confusing Alice’s and Judy’s versions:

The song: “Everybody’s Talkin’”

You know it from: Harry Nilsson

But it was done first by: Fred Neil

Prolific singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson had a huge 1969 Grammy-winning hit with “Everybody’s Talkin’.” The song was recorded for the film Midnight Cowboy after director John Schlesinger rejected the Nilsson-penned “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City.” The original version of “Everybody’s Talkin’” was written and released by Fred Neil in 1966. According to Wikipedia, “It was composed towards the end of the session, after Neil had become anxious to wrap the album so he could return to his home in Miami, Florida. Manager Herb Cohen promised that if Neil wrote and recorded a final track, he could go. ‘Everybody’s Talkin’‘, recorded in one take, was the result.”

The song: “Twist and Shout”

You know it from: The Isley Brothers (or The Beatles)

But it was done first by: The Top Notes

“Twist and Shout” was written in 1961 by Phil Medley and Bert Berns. It was a huge hit for the Isley Brothers in 1962 and then again for the Beatles in 1963. It was recorded first in 1961 by The Top Notes. The recording was an early Phil Spector production.  Upon hearing the final mix, songwriter Bert Berns (aka Bert Russell) told Spector that he had “messed up the song” and predicted the single would flop. Berns felt that Spector had actually ruined the song with his production, and sought to show him “how it should be done” by producing the Isley’s hit version a year later.

The song: “Mandy”

You know it from: Barry Manilow

But it was done first by: Scott English

“Mandy” was a monster 1974 number one soft-rock hit for Barry Manilow, but it was originally recorded in 1971 as “Brandy” by Scott English. Between English and Manilow’s recordings, Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” had become a 1972 number one hit. To avoid confusion, Manilow changed the title to “Mandy” and the rest is history.

The song: “The Tide is High”

You know it from: Blondie

But it was done first by: The Paragons

Blondie’s 1980 number one hit was originally a 1967 rocksteady track from The Paragons. It was also recorded in 1978 by reggae artist Gregory Isaacs.

The song: “Family Man”

You know it from: Hall and Oates

But it was done first by: Mike Oldfield

“Family Man” was a hit for Hall and Oates, reaching number 6 on the US Hot 100 in June 1983. It was recorded a year prior by Mike Oldfield (of The Exorcist soundtrack “Tubular Bells” fame) with Maggie Reilly on vocals. Oldfield’s production is pretty weird, and I mean that in the best way possible. What is that bassline? It was a minor UK hit for Oldfield, peaking at number 45 on the British singles chart.

The song: “Killing Me Softly With His Song”

You know it from: Roberta Flack (or The Fugees)

But it was done first by: Lori Lieberman

Depending on your age, you probably know “Killing Me Softly” by either Roberta Flack’s 1973 version or The Fugees 1996 recording. The original version is Lori Lieberman’s 1971 recording.  The song itself was a collaborative effort between Liberman, Charles Fox, and Normal Gimbel, based on a poem Liberman wrote about her reaction to Don McLean’s song “Empty Chairs.” Unfortunately for this humble reporter, I can’t hear any version of this beautiful song now without hearing that annoying “one time, one time—two times, two times” in my head. THANKS A LOT, Fugees.

 

The song: “Indian Reservation”

You know it from: Paul Revere and the Raiders

But it was done first by: Marvin Rainwater

“Indian Reservation” or “Indian Reservation (Cherokee People)” was a number one 1971 song for Paul Revere and the Raiders, but it was originally recorded in 1959 by Marvin Rainwater and released as “The Pale Faced Indian.” The first hit recording of the song was in 1968 by Don Fardon.

Here’s Don Fardon’s hit 1968 version:

The song: “Warning”

You know it from: Black Sabbath

But it was done first by: Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation

“Warning” was featured on Black Sabbath’s 1970 debut LP and is generally associated with that ground-breaking album, but it was originally a 1967 single by The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation on the Blue Horizon label. Dig how heavy this is for 1967:

The song: “Dazed and Confused”

You know it from: Led Zeppelin

But it was done first by: Jake Holmes

Originally written and recorded in 1967 for the The Above Ground Sound of Jake Holmes LP, the song was played in concert by Holmes opening for The Yardbirds that same year. According to Holmes, “That was the infamous moment of my life when Dazed and Confused fell into the loving arms and hands of Jimmy Page.” Page made the song a a live staple in Yardbirds performances and then took the song with him to Led Zeppelin. “Dazed and Confused” appeared on Led Zeppelin’s debut album in 1969, but Holmes didn’t follow up on it until the early 1980s when he sent a letter to Page asking for “some credit at least and some remuneration.” No reply was received. In June of 2010, Holmes sued Page for copyright infringement and the case was settled out of court. The Led Zeppelin version, which contains different lyrics and a modified melody was not credited to Holmes.

The song: “Black Magic Woman”

You know it from: Santana

But it was done first by: Fleetwood Mac

One of Santana’s biggest hits off their 1970 album Abraxas and a classic rock radio staple, “Black Magic Woman” was originally recorded two years earlier as a single by Fleetwood Mac. Mac’s version went as high as number 37 on the UK charts.

The song: “New York Groove”

You know it from: Ace Frehley of KISS

But it was done first by: Hello

“New York Groove” appeared on the 1978 KISS album Ace Frehley and was performed on KISS’ 1979 and 1980 tours, later becoming a staple of Frehley’s solo shows after splitting with the group. Though “the solo albums” were released under the KISS moniker, essentially they were indeed “solo records” with each member of the band making a separate album, mostly using session musicians. It is generally agreed upon, even by die-hard KISS fans that the solo albums are TERRIBLE. Arguably, out of all four solo records, “New York Groove” may be the only stand out track, but it wasn’t a Frehley original. The original was recorded three years earlier in 1975 by British glam rock band Hello.

 

The song: “All Shook Up”

You know it from: Elvis Presley

But it was done first by: “David Hill” (AKA David Hess, star of The Last House on the Left)

“All Shook Up” was a number one hit single for Elvis Presley in 1957. Penned in 1956 by Otis Blackwell, the first recorded version of the song was recorded that same year by “David Hill,” which was the stage name of David Hess. Hess’ recording was a flop, but he later achieved fame as an actor in Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left, as well as other horror films such as The House on the Edge of the Park, and Hitch-Hike.

The song: “Hanging on the Telephone”

You know it from: Blondie

But it was done first by: The Nerves

“Hanging on the Telephone” was the second single release from Blondie’s 1978Parallel Lines LP, but it originally appeared on The Nerves 1976 self-titled EP.

The song: “Ring of Fire’”

You know it from: Johnny Cash

But it was done first by: Anita Carter

In 1962 June Carter wrote “Ring of Fire,” allegedly inspired by her feelings towards Johnny Cash, whom she would later marry. Cash recorded the song in 1963 and it became one of his signature numbers and biggest hits, but the first recording of the song was done by June Carter’s sister, Anita.

The song: “Rock Around the Clock”

You know it from: Bill Haley and the Comets

But it was done first by: Sunny Dae & the Knights

The song “Rock Around the Clock” was written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers specifically for Bill Haley and the Comets who had a huge smash hit with it. As the song was written for Haley, we’re not going to call Haley’s version a “cover,” but it was preceded by a recording done twenty three days earlier in Philadelphia by Sunny Dae and the Knights for the Arcade Record label. Dae’s recording was not a hit, but Haley’s version went on to change the course of music.

The song: “Alone”

You know it from: Heart

But it was done first by: i-Ten

“Alone” was a number one hit for Heart in 1987, but it was originally written and recorded four years earlier in 1983 by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly on their i-Ten project album Taking a Cold Look.  It was recorded again the following year byValerie Stevenson and John Stamos for the original soundtrack of the CBS sitcomDreams in 1984.

The song: “Black Betty”

You know it from: Ram Jam

But it was done first by: James “Iron Head” Baker

“Black Betty” is an American roots song dating back possibly to the Civil War era. It has been often times credited to Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, though the earliest recordings are not by him. John and Alan Lomax’s recordings for the Library of Congress and later field recordings in 1934, 1936 and 1939 include different versions of “Black Betty.” The earliest known recording is by James “Iron Head” Baker in 1933. Manfred Mann recorded a version called “Big Betty” in 1968. The hit 1977 Ram Jam recording was actually an edit of a recording done a year earlier by Ram Jam guitarist Bill Bartlett’s previous band Starstruck. The Starstruck version is worth a listen to hear what got left out.

James “Iron Head” Baker’s 1933 recording:

The pre-Ram Jam Starstruck version can be heard here:

The song: “Don’t Cha”

You know it from: The Pussycat Dolls

But it was done first by: Tori Alamaze

Before the Pussycat Dolls had a hit with “Don’t Cha,” it was almost a hit for Tori Almaze. It might be best to just let Wikipedia explain the mess with this song:

In January 2004, in a basement studio in Atlanta, Cee Lo Green (then still known as a member of Goodie Mob) finished producing the song “Don’t Cha” which revolved around the hook from Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Swass” taken from album of the same name. The song was originally written for Tori Alamaze, a former backing vocalist for the hip hop duo OutKast. In November, Alamaze signed with Universal Records and decided to release the song as her first single from her debut album which was due to release that same year. However, months later, Alamaze decided to part ways with the label as she was “unhappy” and felt that she “got caught up in the middle of egos and favors.” Thus she agreed to give up her rights to the song to get out of her contract. The song was still playing on radio while copies were available at stores. Her version of the song received minor success reaching number 53 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

After Universal Records dropped Almaze, the label was still very much interested in “Don’t Cha”. Record executives asked Green to rerecord “Don’t Cha” with The Pussycat Dolls. Initially Green was skeptical saying, “I didn’t know too much about them […], but when I found out that [Universal-owned] Interscope Records was involved, that was an alliance I didn’t hesitate to make.” The Pussycat Dolls version was recorded around March adding two verses from rapper Busta Rhymes. Lead singer Nicole Scherzinger admitted that two records sounded identical. “I had [Alamaze’s] version as a guide. But ours is just a bit fresher.” This song was initially offered to both Sugababes and Paris Hilton, but both declined.

Here’s Alamaze’s original recording:

The song: “Love Will Keep Us Together”

You know it from: The Captain and Tennille

But it was done first by: Neil Sedaka

“Love Will Keep Us Together” won Captain and Tennille the Record of the Year Grammy in 1976, but it appeared three years earlier on Neil Sedaka’s The Tra-La Days Are Over LP. Toni Tennille acknowledged Sedaka’s authorship with the line “Sedaka is back” sung in the fade-out of her hit recording. Between Sedaka’s recording and Captain and Tennille’s, there was also a 1973 recording by Mac and Katie Kissoon which charted in the Netherlands.

The song: “I’ve Done Everything For You”

You know it from: Rick Springfield

But it was done first by: Sammy Hagar

Rick Springfield had a 1981 hit with “I’ve Done Everything For You” which was the follow-up single to “Jessie’s Girl” from his Working Class Dog LP. The song was originally recorded by its author, Sammy Hagar, in 1978 on his All Night Long live album.

The song: “Somebody’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonite”

You know it from: Rezillos

But it was done first by: Fleetwood Mac

The Rezillos’ first studio LP Can’t Stand the Rezillos is considered a classic album of the first wave of British punk and “Someone’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonite” is considered one of the band’s signature songs along with “Top of the Pops.” “Someone’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonite” is, however, a cover. The original was a 1969 B-side by none-other-than Fleetwood Mac.

The song: “Everytime You Go Away”

You know it from: Paul Young

But it was done first by: Hall and Oates

“Everytime You Go Away” was a number one 1985 hit for Paul Young, but it originally appeared on Hall & Oates’s 1980 album, Voices. The Hall and Oates original was not released as a single, but was later included on their Essentials “greatest hits” release.

 
The song: “Cum On Feel The Noize”

You know it from: Quiet Riot

But it was done first by: Slade

Quiet Riot’s massive 1983 hit was a cover of a 1973 number one UK single by Slade. Quiet Riot’s cover took their Metal Health LP to the top of Billboard album chart, making it the first American heavy metal debut album to ever reach number one in the United States. It also helped to belatedly “break” Slade in the U.S. where they had some minor success with their single “Run Runaway.” Quiet Riot’s good fortune with “Cum on Feel the Noize” led to them doing a second Slade cover, “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” on their follow-up album. The second dip into the Slade song-pool did not prove as successful.

The song: “Bette Davis Eyes”

You know it from: Kim Carnes

But it was done first by: Jackie DeShannon

Kim Carnes’ 1981 recording of “Bette Davis Eyes” spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Billboard‍ ’​s biggest hit of that year. It was originally recorded in 1974 on Jackie DeShannon’s album New Arrangement. The original version is drastically different from Carnes’ new-wavey cover. DeShannon’s recording is straight up honky-tonk.

The song: “Tainted Love”

You know it from: Soft Cell

But it was done first by: Gloria Jones

“Tainted Love” is Soft Cell’s signature 1981 hit, but it was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964. The tune was written by Ed Cobb of The Four Preps who originally offered it to The Standells, who turned it down. Jones’ recording was a commercial flop that later achieved some notoriety in the UK due to play by Northern Soul DJs.

The song: “Goin’ Up the Country”

You know it from: Canned Heat

But it was done first by: Henry Thomas

Canned Heat’s “rural hippie anthem” is not a straight-up cover, but it was “adapted” from a 1920s blues side. Canned Heat rewrote the lyrics but used the melody line from Henry Thomas’ “Bulldoze Blues” which was played on the “quills,” an early rural instrument predecessor to the harmonica.

The song: “Mickey”

You know it from: Toni Basil

But it was done first by: Racey

Toni Basil’s 1982 number one hit was penned as “Kitty” by songwriting duo Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, and first recorded in 1979 by Racey. Basil not only changed the subject of the song from a female to a male, she altered a few lyrics: “Any time you wanna do it, I’ll take it like a man,” became “Any way you wanna do it, I’ll take it like a man,” which many listeners imagined was an allusion to anal-sex. Commenting on the line change, Basil has stated in interview: “When it’s a guy singing about a girl, it’s a sweet line. But when a girl sings it, it must mean butt-fucking!” Basil’s cover also added the famous “you’re so fine you blow my mind” “cheer-leader chant” section. Despite these significant alterations, the core of Basil’s version is remarkably similar to Racey’s original recording.

The song: “Cocaine”

You know it from: Eric Clapton

But it was done first by: J.J. Cale

Eric Clapton’s 1977 recording was a top 100 hit in the US and is a classic rock radio staple. It was recorded a year earlier in 1976 by J.J. Cale. Cale’s recording was actually a relatively big hit in Australia, Austria, and Germany, eclipsing Clapton’s version.

The song: “Got my Mind Set On You”

You know it from: George Harrison

But it was done first by: James Ray

George Harrison’s number one 1988 hit was written by Rudy Clark and originally recorded by James Ray in 1962. Harrison reportedly purchased a copy of Ray’s album in 1963 when he went to the United States to visit his sister.

The song: “I Write the Songs”

You know it from: Barry Manilow

But it was done first by: Captain and Tennille

Barry Manilow’s 1976 signature song “I Write the Songs,” was ironically not written by him at all, but by Bruce Johnston. Manilow’s recording came after Captain and Tennille had the first release of the song on an album in 1975 (on their Love Will Keep Us Together LP) and after David Cassidy had the first release of the song as a single. Songwriter Johnston has stated that the “I” in the song is God.

And here’s David Cassidy’s version, also pre-dating Manilow:

The song: “Blinded By the Light”

You know it from: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

But it was done first by: Bruce Springsteen

Everyone knows “Blinded By the Light” as the “wrapped up like a douche” song by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Apparently “wrapped up like a douche” is supposed to be “revved up like a deuce”—which is a rewrite of Springsteen’s original “cut loose like a deuce.” To me, that isn’t even the most egregious thing about Manfred Mann’s cover. There’s also the line that sounds a lot like “little early burly gave my anus curly whirly” and the fact that the keyboard solo is fucking chopsticks. Springsteen joked onVH1 Storytellers that the song didn’t become popular until Manfred Mann “rewrote the song to be about a feminine hygiene product.” Springsteen’s 1973 original has more decipherable vocals, but it lacks the Earth Band’s “cocaine space-ship taking off” pre-chorus synth note.

 

The song: “China Girl”

You know it from: David Bowie

But it was done first by: Iggy Pop

Not exactly a “cover” per se, as it was co-written by Bowie and Pop, but Bowie’s 1983 hit single is certainly much more well-known than Iggy Pop’s 1977 recording from his album The Idiot. It’s been said that Bowie recorded his version of the song to help his friend Iggy in a time of financial need. Bowie’s version is certainly more mainstream-friendly than Pop’s morose original. Personally, I prefer Iggy’s version.

The song: “You Better Run”

You know it from: Pat Benatar

But it was done first by: The Young Rascals

This one is probably only surprising to a certain generation that grew up with Pat Benatar’s 1980 version, as The Young Rascals 1966 original was a top 20 hit. Benatar’s cover has the distinction of being the second video ever played on MTV. Interestingly, Robert Plant’s recording debut was performing a version of the songwith the band Listen in 1966.

The song: “Der Kommissar”

You know it from: After The Fire

But it was done first by: Falco

After The Fire’s 1982 recording of “Der Kommissar” was a top five hit in the U.S., but it was a world-wide German-language smash for Falco (later of “Rock Me Amadeus” fame) in 1981. The song was reworked by Laura Branigan and retitled “Deep in the Dark” in 1983.

The song: “God Gave Rock and Roll To You”

You know it from: KISS

But it was done first by: Argent

KISS’ 1991 recording of “God Gave Rock and Roll To You II” was featured in the filmBill & Ted’s Bogus Journey and has become a concert staple and popular fan favorite. It was originally recorded by Argent on their 1973 LP In Deep. The Christian rock band Petra also did a version of it on their 1977 album Come and Join Us.  If you enjoy terrible things, check out Petra’s version here. Argent’s original is unfuckwithable:

 

The song: “Obsession”
You know it from: Animotion
But it was done first by: Michael Des Barres and Holly Knight

“Obsession” was a 1984 smash for one-hit-wonders Animotion, but it was originally recorded a year earlier in 1983 by Silverhead and Detective lead singer Michael Des Barres and Grammy-winning songwriter, Holly Knight. Incidentally, this is the song that started the conversation that resulted in this entire list.

The song: “King of the Nighttime World”
You know it from: KISS
But it was done first by: Kim Fowley and the Hollywood Stars

“King of the Nighttime World” appeared on KISS’ 1976 platinum album Destroyer, but it was originally recorded in 1974 by producer, performer, and Runaways’ Svengali, Kim Fowley. Fowley’s version has slightly different lyrics and a more laid-back groove.

The song: “Wild in the Streets”
You know it from: The Circle Jerks
But it was done first by: Garland Jeffreys

“Wild in the Streets,” one of The Circle Jerks’ signature tunes, was the title track from their second album. Most punks in 1983 probably didn’t know that the song was actually a cover of a 1973 number written by Garland Jeffreys after hearing about a pre-teen rape and murder in the Bronx.

The song: “Gloria”
You know it from: Laura Branigan
But it was done first by: Umberto Tozzi

Laura Branigan’s signature song, her 1982 hit, “Gloria,” was on the Billboard chart for 36 weeks—but prior to that it was a huge 1979 hit in Italy for Umberto Tozzi.

The song: “Angel of the Morning”
You know it from: Juice Newton
But it was done first by: Evie Sands

“Angel of the Morning” was a 1982 number one hit for Juice Newton, but it was first recorded in 1967 by Evie Sands. The song, written by Chip Taylor, was first a big hit in 1968 by Merrilee Rush. Several artists have covered the tune, but Newton’s rendition achieved the greatest success.

The song: “Do It”
You know it from: Henry Rollins
But it was done first by: Pink Fairies

One of Henry Rollins’ most well-known post-Black Flag numbers was a cover of this 1971 song by The Pink Fairies. The original is remarkably “punk” for 1971.

The song: “Heart and Soul”
You know it from: Huey Lewis and the News
But it was done first by: Exile

Huey Lewis’ top ten 1983 hit was originally recorded in 1981 by Exile of “Kiss You All Over” fame. Check out the comically massive cowbell sound on the choruses.

The Bus Boys also took a crack at it in 1982:

The song: “Jesus is Just Alright”
You know it from: The Doobie Brothers
But it was done first by: The Art Reynolds Singers

The Doobies had a huge hit in 1972 with “Jesus is Just Alright” which was already a well-known 1969 track from The Byrds. But the original version can be found on The Art Reynolds Singers 1966 album Tellin’ It Like It Is.

The song: “Oh, Boy!”
You know it from: Buddy Holly
But it was done first by: Sonny West

“Oh, Boy!” is a rock and roll standard generally associated with Buddy Holly’s 1957 hit version, but it was actually written and recorded earlier by Sonny West. West’s recording failed to achieve any commercial success.

The song: “Video Killed the Radio Star”
You know it from: Buggles
But it was done first by: Bruce Woolley and The Camera Club

The classic new wave hit by the Buggles that launched MTV was pre-dated by an earlier version by Bruce Woolley and The Camera Club. Buggles’ Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes had been songwriting partners with Bruce Woolley. The track was written by Horn, Downes, and Woolley. So, technically, maybe it’s not a cover—but this version does pre-date the Buggles’ hit.

The song: “Hooked on a Feeling”
You know it from: Blue Swede
But it was done first by: Jonathan King

OK. So, “Hooked on a Feeling” was originally a hit in 1968 for B.J. Thomas. In 1974 Blue Swede had a huge hit with the tune, with a bizarre-yet-catchy “ooga chaka” chant added into the intro and bridge. But Blue Swede was merely covering Jonathan King’s version from 1971 which added the inexplicable ooga-chakas. King described them as “a reggae rhythm by male voices.” OK, sure. Blue Swede’s cover of King’s cover has been rediscovered by a whole new generation with its inclusion on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack.

The song: “I Love Rock and Roll”
You know it from: Joan Jett
But it was done first by: The Arrows

Joan Jett’s 1982 signature song was a cover. The Arrows original was recorded in 1975. Lead singer Alan Merrill claimed in an interview with Songfacts that the song was written as “a knee-jerk response to The Rolling Stones’ ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)’. The Arrows had their own weekly television series in Britain in the mid-‘70s.

 

The song: “Do Wah Diddy Diddy”

You know it from: Manfred Mann

But it was done first by: The Exciters

“Do Wah Diddy Diddy” was written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich and originally recorded in 1963, as “Do-Wah-Diddy”, by the the Exciters. Manfred Mann’s version was recorded the following year and went to number one on both the UK and US singles charts. The Exciters’ original has that classic ‘60s girl group sound.

The song: “The First Cut is the Deepest”

You know it from: Rod Stewart (or Sheryl Crow)

But it was done first by: P. P. Arnold

“The First Cut is the Deepest” was written by Cat Stevens, but originally recorded and released by P. P. Arnold in May 1967. Stevens’ own version appeared on his New Masters album in December 1967. Rod Stewart had a huge hit with it in 1977 and Sheryl Crow had a smash with it in 2003.

The song: “When the Levee Breaks’”

You know it from: Led Zeppelin

But it was done first by: Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie

We could probably do an entire post on songs that Led Zeppelin “borrowed” from. In Part Three of this series we talked about “Dazed and Confused.” Here’s another: “When the Levee Breaks” was originally recorded back in 1927 by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie. Zeppelin at least gave Memphis Minnie partial lyrical credit on this one.

The song: “Putting on the Ritz”

You know it from: Taco

But it was done first by: Harry Richman

“Puttin on the Ritz” was an improbable new wave hit in 1983 for Indonesian-born Dutch singer, Taco. The song dates all the way back to a 1927 Irving Berlin composition. Its first recorded appearance is in the 1930 musical film Puttin’ On the Ritz, as sung by Harry Richman. Perhaps the best version of the song is the duetperformed between Dr. Frederick (Von) Frankenstein and his creation in the 1974 Mel Brooks’ film Young Frankenstein.

The song: “Piece of My Heart”

You know it from: Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin)

But it was done first by: Erma Franklin

“Piece of My Heart” was recorded in 1968 by Janis Joplin, fronting Big Brother and the Holding Company. It became one of her signature songs. But it was recorded first a year earlier by Aretha Franklin’s older sister Erma.

 

The song: “Money Changes Everything”

You know it from: Cyndi Lauper

But it was done first by: The Brains

Cyndi Lauper’s 1984 hit was originally written and recorded in 1978 by power-pop group The Brains.

The song: “House of the Rising Sun “

You know it from: The Animals

But it was done first by: Tom Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster

“House of the Rising Sun” is one of those tunes like “Black Betty” which has roots that go so far back that it’s hard to pinpoint its exact origins. The first recorded version dates back to 1934 on a Vocalion side. The Animals 1964 take on the number went to the top of the charts in the US and UK.

 

The song: “Always Something There To Remind Me”

You know it from: Naked Eyes

But it was done first by: Lou Johnson

“Always Something There To Remind Me” was a new wave hit for Naked Eyes in 1983 and remains a pop radio staple. The song was originally written in the early ‘60s by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Dionne Warwick first recorded the song as a demo. In 1964 Lou Johnson had the first charting recording of the tune.

 

The song: “Good Lovin’”

You know it from: The Young Rascals

But it was done first by: Lemme B. Good

The Young Rascals’ 1967 hit was first recorded in early 1965 by Canton, Ohio, R&B singer Limmie Snell under the name “Lemme B. Good.” It was also recorded later that same year by The Olympics.

The song: “Love Buzz”

You know it from: Nirvana

But it was done first by: Shocking Blue

“Love Buzz” was the A side of Nirvana’s 1988 debut single on the Sub Pop label. That song was a cover of a 1969 single by Dutch psychedelic rock group Shocking Blue. Shocking Blue are seriously one of the best bands of all time, as their entire output is worth exploring.

The song: “Call Me the Breeze”

You know it from: Lynyrd Skynyrd

But it was done first by: JJ Cale

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1974 recording of “Call Me the Breeze” on their Second Helpingalbum remains a classic rock radio staple to this day.  It was orginally recorded by JJ Cale on his 1972 debut album, Naturally, consisting of a 12-bar blues guitar shuffle over the beat of an early drum machine.