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We automatically link many songs to the artist who made them the most famous, but the story behind the recordings are often more surprising. From classic rock anthems to pop hits, many tracks were first recorded or originally performed by someone else before a bigger name turned them into household staples. Think you know who sang that legendary hit? Chances are, you might be wrong. This list digs into the surprising origins of songs you thought you knew, showing that musical history is full of twists, covers, and unexpected voices.
Big Mama Thornton – Hound Dog
Released in 1952, Big Mama Thornton first recorded it, but Elvis Presley’s 1956 version made it a worldwide hit.
The Top Notes – Twist and Shout
First recorded in 1961 by The Top Notes, The Beatles’ 1963 cover became the definitive and iconic version.
Bob Dylan – Knocking on Heaven’s Door
Written and performed by Bob Dylan in 1973 for the Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid soundtrack, Guns N’ Roses’ later cover popularized it to rock audiences.
Dolly Parton – I Will Always Love You
Released in 1973 by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston’s 1992 version became a global pop phenomenon.
Otis Redding – Respect
Written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, Aretha Franklin’s 1967 rendition turned it into a feminist and cultural anthem.
Robert Hazard – Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Robert Hazard wrote and recorded it in 1979, but Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 version became a pop anthem.
Gloria Jones – Tainted Love
Released in 1964 by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop version made it a worldwide hit.
The Crickets – I Fought the Law
First recorded in 1958 by The Crickets, The Clash’s 1979 punk cover became the version most listeners remember.
Cat Stevens – The First Cut Is the Deepest
Written and recorded by Cat Stevens in 1967, Rod Stewart and later Sheryl Crow made it widely known.
Hank Ballard and the Midnighters – The Twist
Recorded in 1959 by Hank Ballard, Chubby Checker’s 1960 version sparked the dance craze and became legendary.
Gladys Knight & the Pips – I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Released in 1966 by Gladys Knight & the Pips, Marvin Gaye’s 1968 version became the definitive soul classic.
Nine Inch Nails – Hurt
Written and recorded by Nine Inch Nails in 1994, Johnny Cash’s 2002 cover transformed it into an emotional cultural landmark.
Bill Whiters – Lean On Me
Bill Withers wrote and recorded it, but Club Nouveau’s 1987 version introduced the song to a new generation with a contemporary groove.
Hank Ballard – Knockin’ Boots
While made famous by Tony Orlando and Dawn, the original version was performed by Hank Ballard, predating the pop hit.
The Kinks – You Really Got Me
First recorded by The Kinks, the song has been covered countless times, with Van Halen’s 1978 version redefining the guitar riff for rock fans.
The post 15 Songs That Aren’t from the Artist You Think They Are appeared first on Den of Geek.
