Hard To Handle — Otis Redding (1968)

"Hard To Handle" was originally written by Otis Redding, Al Bell and Allen Jones in 1967 - but Otis's version wasn't released until June of 1968 - six months after he died in a plane crash. It peaked at #38 on the R&B charts. It is best-known as a #1 single off The Black Crowes 1990 debut album, "Shake Your Money Maker"





The Black Crowes (1990)

Hello It's Me — The Nazz (1968)

"Hello It's Me" was written by Todd Rundgren and was originally recorded in 1968 by his band, The Nazz. It was released as the B-side of the group's debut single, "Open My Eyes". Rundgren re-recorded the song for his 1972 solo album, "Something/Anything?". This version would peak at #5 and become Rundgen's biggest hit and a rock radio staple.




Todd Rundgren (1972)

Cocaine — JJ Cale (1976)

"Cocaine" was written and recorded by JJ Cale in 1976 for his album, "Troubadour". Eric Clapton's version, recorded a year later for his "Slow Hand" album, was not released as a single but would become one of his best-known songs and a rock radio staple. Clapton has recorded several of Cale's songs - including "After Midnight" twice. They recorded the album "The Road To Escondido" together in 2006.




Eric Clapton (Live in 2007)

That's All Right, Mama —Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (1946)

"That's All Right" was originally written and recorded by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup in 1946. It was re-released in 1949 as "That's All Right, Mama" - which was RCA's first R&B record on their new 45 RPM single format.

Elvis Presley's version was recorded on July 5, 1954, and was released two-weeks later as his first single. It sold 20,000 copies - not enough to chart nationally but enough to reach #4 on the local Memphis charts.




Elvis Presley (1954)

Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) —Margaret Young (1924)

"Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)" was written in 1924 by Milton Ager (music) and Jack Yellen (lyrics). Accompanied by Rube Bloom, it became a vocal hit for Margaret Young. The song has a long recording history - but most know Van Halen's version from their 1982 album, "Diver Down." Their version features Jan Van Halen, father of Eddie and Alex, playing the clarinet.





Van Halen (1982)

You Better Run — The Young Rascals (1966)

"You Better Run" was written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati and originally recorded by their group The Young Rascals in 1966. It peaked at #20 on the charts. Pat Benatar had a minor hit with it in 1980 when it was one of the singles off her second album, "Crimes Of Passion". It was the second video played on MTV - which went on the air 30-years ago today.





Pat Benetar (1980)

I Thank You — Sam & Dave (1968)

"I Thank You" was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and originally recorded by Sam & Dave in early 1968. It was their final release on Stax Records and it went to #9 on the Billboard charts. ZZ Top covered the song for their 1979 album "Degüello" and released it as single the following year. While it only peaked at #36 (and becoming ZZ Top's second Top 40 hit) - their version would become a staple on classic rock radio.




ZZ Top (1979)

California Sun — Joe Jones (1961)

"California Sun" was written by Henry Glover and Morris Levy and was originally recorded in 1961 by New Orleans singer Joe Jones. It peaked at #89 on the charts. The best-known version was recorded in 1964 by The Rivieras, which went as high as #5 on the US Billboard charts. This version found a second life as part of the 1987 "Good Morning Vietnam" soundtrack.




The Rivieras (1964)

One — Harry Nilsson (1968)

"One" was written and originally recorded by Harry Nilsson for his 1968 album, Aerial Ballet. Nilsson got the idea for the electric piano part from a telephone busy signal. He released it as a single but it failed to chart. Later that year Three Dog Night would record it for their debut album and turn it into their first Top 10 hit.




Three Dog Night (1969)

God Gave Rock And Roll To You — Argent (1973)

"God Gave Rock And Roll To You" was orginally written by Russ Ballard in 1973 for his group Argent. It was a minor hit. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS reworked the song in 1991 and added the roman numeral "II" to the title. They share writing credits with Ballard for their version. It was a Top 10 hit for KISS in the UK and Germany and went to #21 on the Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock chart. The song was featured in "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" with an intro played by Steve Vai.

KISS drummer Eric Carr died of heart cancer soon after - it was his last recording with the band.




KISS (1991)

Video Killed The Radio Star — Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club (1979)

"Video Killed The Radio Star" was written by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes (of Buggles) and Bruce Woolley. Woolley recorded it in early 1979 with his band, The Camera Club - with Thomas Dolby on keyboards. Later that year "Buggles" would take it to #1 in UK and Australia. It peaked at #40 in the US.

Buggles video for the song is also notable as being the first shown on MTV when it launched in August of 1981.



Buggles (1979)

Papa Was A Rollin' Stone — The Undisputed Truth (1971)

"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" was written by Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong as a single for The Undisputed Truth in 1971. Their version peaked at #24 on the R&B charts and #63 on the pop charts. In 1972 Whitfield remade the song as a 12-minute epic for The Temptations. It would top the charts, win 3 Grammy Awards and become an influential R&B classic.




The Temptations (1972)

Drift Away — John Henry Kurtz (1972)

"Drift Away" was written by Mentor Williams and originally recorded by John Henry Kurtz on his 1972 album, "Reunion". It is best-known by Dobie Gray - whose 1973 version peaked at #5 and is still a staple on oldies radio stations. Gray would re-record the song with the band Uncle Kracker and spend a record-breaking 28 weeks atop the Adult Contemporary chart in 2003-04.

There is also a famous unreleased version from 1973 by the Rolling Stones.




Dobie Gray (1973)



==================================================================
Rolling Stones (1973)
This version includes all the members of the Rolling Stones except Keith Richards. The oft-told story that this recording includes some (or all) of the Beatles is false.

(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding — Brinsley Schwarz (1974)

"(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" was written by Nick Lowe and originally recorded in 1974 by Lowe's band Brinsley Schwarz. Lowe also produced Elvis Costello's version which was originally credited to "Nick Lowe & His Sound" and issued as the B-side to Lowe’s 1979 single, “American Squirm”. When the song became a hit, Costello added it to his "Armed Forces" album.




Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1979)

All Along The Watchtower — Bob Dylan (1967)

"All Along The Watchtower" was written and originally recorded by Bob Dylan for his 1967 album, “John Wesley Harding”. It was released as a single but did not chart. However, Jimi Hendrix recorded it for his “Electric Ladyland” album 6-months later and his version peaked at #5 in the UK and #20 in the US. It is usually hailed as the greatest cover song of the rock era.




Jimi Hendrix (1968)



===================================================================
Dave Mason played 12-string acoustic guitar on the Hendrix version and recorded his own cover in 1974
===================================================================

City Of New Orleans — Steve Goodman (1971)

"City Of New Orleans" was written and originally recorded by Steve Goodman for his 1971 debut album. The best-known version is by Arlo Guthrie - recorded for his 1972 album, “Hobo’s Lullaby”. It is Arlo's only Top 40 hit. The song has been covered many times since – most notably by Willie Nelson, who took it to #1 on the Country Charts in 1984.




Arlo Guthrie (1972)


Nice live version from Arlo in 1993:
Arlo Guthrie (1972)



Willie Nelson (1984)

When The Levee Breaks — Memphis Minnie (1929)

"When The Levee Breaks" was written and originally recorded by husband/wife team Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The song is a reaction to the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. It was famously reworked by Led Zeppelin as the last song on their 1971 album, Led Zeppelin IV. It is credited to all four band members and Memphis Minnie. The original version is in the public domain.




Led Zeppelin (1971)

Fire — Robert Gordon (1979)

"Fire" was written by Bruce Springsteen in 1977 specifically for Elvis Presley. He had even sent Elvis a demo, but The King died soon after. Bruce's friend Robert Gordon would record it first - but it got little radio play and it didn’t chart. It would become The Pointer Sisters first Top 10 hit - stalling at #2 in early 1979.

Bruce’s original demo with the E Street Band was finally released on his 2010 album, The Promise.




The Pointer Sisters (1979)
Live on "The Midnight Special"


===================================================================

Bruce Springsteen (1978):
From the album "The Promise" released in 2010

Since You Been Gone — Russ Ballard (1976)

"Since You Been Gone" was written and originally recorded by former Argent guitarist Russ Ballard for his 1976 album, “Winning”. It never charted. The most famous version is the 1979 cover by Rainbow which became a Top 10 hit in the UK. The video was in regular rotation during the early days of MTV. The song has often been misspelled as "Since You've Been Gone".




Rainbow (1979)

Just A Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody — Louis Prima (1956)

"Just A Gigolo” was written by Irving Caesar in 1929 and "I Ain't Got Nobody" was written by Roger Graham and music by Spencer Williams in 1915. Individually, the songs were recorded many times before Louis Prima combined the two for his 1956 Las Vegas stage show. The recording jump-started his career and became his signature number. A popular MTV video helped David Lee Roth chart it at #12 in 1985.




David Lee Roth (1985)

Louie Louie — Richard Berry & The Pharaohs (1957)

"Louie Louie" was written by Richard Berry in 1955 and originally recorded by his group The Pharaohs in 1957. The song was a flop and Berry sold his publishing and songwriting rights for $750. In 1963, The Kingsmen would spend $36 at a local studio and, in one take, turn it into a rock 'n roll classic. It is ranked #55 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time".

The Kingsmen's version was also the subject of a 31-month FBI investigation about the supposed obscenity of the lyrics. The song was analyzed at a variety of speeds and nearly everyone connected with the song was interrogated. The investigation ended without prosecution with FBI concluding that they were "unable to interpret any of the wording in the record."




The Kingsmen (1963)

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) — Frankie Valli (1965)

"The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)" was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and originally released as a single by Frankie Valli in 1965. It failed to make the charts. A year later, The Walker Brothers version became a world-wide hit. It topped the UK charts and became their biggest song in the US – peaking at #13. The song would later be a minor hit for Neil Diamond, Cher and the group Keane.




It seemed fitting to use this Lost Original today. John Walker, lead singer and guitar player for The Walker Brothers, passed away on Saturday, May 7th 2011. Their version defines the sound of 60's AM radio.
The Walker Brothers (1966)

Feelin' Alright — Traffic (1968)

"Feelin' Alright" was written by Dave Mason and originally recorded in 1968 by his band, Traffic. The song has been covered by many artists - but, the best-known version is by Joe Cocker. His 1969 version only reached #33 on the US charts but would become a certified classic rock standard. If you catch Dave Mason in concert, even he performs his song using the Joe Cocker arrangement.




Joe Cocker (1969)

Alabama Song — Weill & Brecht (1927)

"Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)" was originally published in Bertolt Brecht's 1927 collection of poems, "Hauspostille". It was set to music by Kurt Weill for the 1927 mini-opera (or Songspiel) "Mahagonny". It was used again in Weill and Brecht's controversial 1930 full opera "Rise And Fall Of The City Of Mahagonny." The song was covered by The Doors for their 1967 debut album.

Here is Lotte Lenya (Kurt Weill's wife) singing Alabama Song in 1958



The Doors (1967)

What A Fool Believes — Kenny Loggins (1978)

“Lost Original” — "What A Fool Believes" was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins – but Loggins recorded it first for his 1978 album, Nightwatch. McDonald’s version, recorded for the The Doobie Brother's “Minute By Minute” album, went to #1 and won Grammy Awards for both “Song Of The Year” and “Record Of The Year”.

Bonus Trivia: Michael Jackson is on background vocals on the Doobie Brother's version but is not credited on the album.




The Doobie Brothers
Live at the 22nd Grammy Awards in 1980

Anna (Go To Him) — Arthur Alexander (1962)

"Anna (Go To Him)" was written and originally recorded by Arthur Alexander in 1962. It would peak at #10 on the US R&B charts. The song is better known by The Beatles cover version - included on their 1963 debut album, "Please Please Me". John Lennon was a big fan of Alexander and acknowledged that he was heavily influenced by his singing style. A number of his songs were a big part of the Beatles early live repertoire.




The Beatles (1963)

Ready For Love — Mott The Hoople (1972)

"Ready For Love" was written by "Mott The Hoople" guitarist Mick Ralphs for their 1972 album, "All The Young Dudes". Ralphs would later rework the song and recorded it again with his next band, Bad Company. It appears on Bad Company’s 1974 self-titled debut album and would become a classic rock radio staple.




Bad Company (1974)

Hound Dog — "Big Mama" Thornton (1952)

"Hound Dog" was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952. A number country bands would record covers - changing the lyrics, tempo and feel. It was one of these versions that caught the attention of Elvis Presley. He recorded it on 7/13/56 as the B-side to "Don't Be Cruel. It is listed at #19 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.




Elvis Presley (1956)
On the Milton Berle Show - a month before his studio recording

Somebody To Love — Great Society (1966)

"Somebody To Love" was written by Darby Slick and originally recorded by The Great Society in 1966. Slick’s sister-in-law Grace was the band's lead singer. When Grace left to join Jefferson Airplane, she took this song (along with her own "White Rabbit") to the Surrealistic Pillow sessions. Jefferson Airplane's version became the band's first and biggest hit - peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is #274 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".




Jefferson Airplane (1967)

Mustang Sally — Sir Mack Rice (1965)

"Mustang Sally" was written and originally recorded in 1965 by Bonnie "Mack" Rice (who went by the stage name “Sir Mack Rice”). It was a minor hit - peaking at #15 on the R&B charts. The song gained greater popularity when it was covered by Wilson Pickett the following year. Pickett's version went to #6 on the R&B charts, #23 on the Pop charts and made Rolling Stone’s list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

Mack Rice would write a number of other hits including "Respect Yourself" – made famous by The Staple Sisters in 1971.




Wilson Pickett (1966)
Live on a Dutch TV show

I’m So Glad — Skip James (1931)

“I’m So Glad” was written and originally recorded as one of 18 recordings by Skip James in 1931. These recordings would influence many early Delta blues artists - including the great Robert Johnson. However, for the next 30 years James would virtually disappear. He didn't record and drifted in and out of music until his rediscovery in 1964. Eric Clapton and Cream recorded "I'm So Glad" for their 1966 debut album and provided James with the only windfall of his career. Deep Purple also covered the song in 1968 their first album. Skip James died of cancer in 1969 at the age of 67.




Skip James (1966) - at Newport Folk Festival
"I'm So Glad" is derived from a 1927 song by Art Sizemore and George A. Little called "So Tired". That is clear from this great piece of video.



Cream (1966)



Deep Purple (1968)

You Need Love (aka Whole Lotta Love) — Muddy Waters (1962)

"You Need Love", written by Willie Dixon and recorded by Muddy Waters in 1962, is the basis of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”. The Small Faces covered the song as "You Need Loving" in 1966 - and Led Zeppelin would record their version in 1969. Neither the Led Zeppelin nor the Small Faces version credits Dixon as a songwriter. Dixon would sue Led Zeppelin (but not the Small Faces) - successfully settling out of court in 1985.




Small Faces (1966)



Led Zeppelin (1969)

I Put A Spell On You — Screamin' Jay Hawkins (1956)

"I Put A Spell On You" was written and originally recorded by Screamin' Jay Hawkins in 1956. It didn't chart but gained notoriety for being banned by some stores and radio stations. It has since been covered many times. Nina Simone took it to #23 on the R&B charts in 1965 - and the Creedence Clearwater Revival version that opens their 1968 debut album would become a classic rock staple.

Hawkins' recording was selected as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll". It was also ranked #313 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time."





Nina Simone (1965)



Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)



=============================================================
Other notable pre-CCR recordings
=============================================================

Manfred Mann (1965)



The Animals (1966)



The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (1968)

The Thrill Is Gone — Roy Hawkins (1951)

"The Thrill Is Gone" was co-written and originally recorded by Roy Hawkins in 1951. It was a minor hit and would peak at #6 on the Billboard Black Singles chart. Blues guitar legend BB King recorded his classic version in 1969 for his album, "Completely Well". It would become his signature song and the biggest hit of his career – landing at #3 on the R&B charts and #15 on the pop singles charts. It would also win a Grammy Award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”.




BB King (1969)


===================================================================
Because it's always better to watch BB King live - here he is, at his finest, at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1993
===================================================================

It's All Over Now — The Valentinos (1964)

"It's All Over Now" was written by Bobby and Shirley Womack and was originally recorded in early 1964 by “The Valentinos” – which consisted of Womack and his four brothers. Produced by the great Sam Cooke, it only stayed on the charts for two weeks - peaking at #94. The Rolling Stones heard it, and promptly recorded it, while on their first North American tour. It would become their first #1 in the UK. In the US it would only chart as high as #26.




The Rolling Stones (1964)

Love Hurts — The Everly Brothers (1960)

"Love Hurts" was written by Boudleaux Bryant and originally recorded by the Everly Brothers for their their 1960 album, “A Date With The Everly Brothers”. It was never released as a single. Roy Orbison recorded it a year later as the B-side to his #1 hit, “Running Scared". Jim Capaldi, formerly of the band “Traffic”, took a version to #4 in the UK in 1975. The 1975 version by “Nazareth” would become an international hit and classic rock staple - reaching #8 in the US, #15 in the UK, and #1 in Canada and Norway.



Nazareth (1975)


============================================================
Other notable pre-Nazareth versions ...
============================================================

Roy Orbison (1961)



Gram Parson & Emmylou Harris (1973)
Live on radio with the Fallen Angels



Jim Capaldi (1975)

Oye Como Va — Tito Puente (1963)

"Lost Original" — "Oye Como Va" was written and originally recorded by Tito Puente in 1963. It was inspired by Israel "Cachao" Lopez's song, "Chanchullo." The title can be interpreted literally as, “Listen to how it goes” – or, colloquially as, "Hey, what's up?". Santana's 1970 version, found on the "Abraxas" album, would reach #13 on the Billboard Top 100 and become a classic rock staple.




Santana (1970)
Live at Tanglewood in 1970




===============================================================
Rubén González (of the Buena Vista Social Club) - Chanchullo (2000)
===============================================================

Heartbreaker — Jenny Darren (1978)

"Heartbreaker" was written by Geoff Gill and Cliff Wade and originally recorded by British singer Jenny Darren for her 1978 album, "Queen Of Fools". Pat Benetar was introduced to the song through her record company – but she didn’t like the British jargon (like "moonraker") that was used throughout the lyrics. She was given the OK to rewrite them and the song became the hit off her 1979 debut album, "In The Heat Of The Night". The song peaked at #23 on the Billboard charts.




Pat Benetar (1979)

Elvira — Dallas Frazier (1966)

"Elvira" was written and originally recorded by Dallas Frazier in 1966. "Kenny Rogers & The First Edition" also recorded it in 1970. Neither versions charted. In 1981 the "The Oak Ridge Boys " would make it their signature song by taking it to #1 on the country charts and #4 on the pop charts. Elvira is similar to another Frazier song - the 1957 novelty hit "Alley Oop".




The Oak Ridge Boys (1981)



======================================================
One other notable pre-Oak Ridge Boys version
======================================================

Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (1970)

Ring Of Fire — Anita Carter (1963)

"Ring Of Fire" was co-written by June Carter (wife of Johnny Cash) and originally recorded by her sister Anita in 1963 as "(Love's) Ring of Fire".
When Anita’s single failed to become a hit, Johnny recorded his own version - complete with the mariachi-style horns. It became the biggest hit of his career, and his signature song, staying at #1 on the country charts for 7 weeks. It was ranked #4 on CMT's "100 Greatest Songs In Country Music".




Johnny Cash (1963)

Oh, Boy! — Sonny West (1957)

"Oh, Boy!" was co-written and originally recorded by Sonny West in February of 1957 with the title "All My Love". Only a few acetates were made - but, as fate would have it, one fell into the hands of Buddy Holly. Holly and the Crickets would record their version only a few months later and turn it into one of the biggest hits of the early rock 'n roll era.

Sonny West also wrote another Buddy Holly classic, "Rave On".




Buddy Holly & The Crickets (1957)

Spooky — Mike Sharpe (1966)

"Spooky" was co-written and originally recorded as an instrumental by saxophonist Mike Sharpe (aka Shapiro) in 1966. It hit #57 on the US pop charts. Lyrics were added by guitarist James Cobb and producer Buddy Buie – both working with the group "The Classics IV". Their 1968 recording would peak at #3 on the singles charts. Cobb would later co-found the Atlanta Rhythm Section and would take a new version of "Spooky" to #17 in 1979.




Classics IV (1968)



Atlanta Rhythm Section (1979)


==============================================================
BONUS: Dusty Springfield recorded "Spooky" in early 1968 as well. It was released as the B-side to her single "How Can I Be Sure" in 1970.
=================================================================

Dusty Springfield (1970)

I Call Your Name — Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas (1963)

John Lennon wrote most of "I Call Your Name" in 1957 – well before The Beatles existed. Lennon and McCartney finished it up in 1963 and gave it to “Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas". It was recorded as the B-side of their #1 single, “Bad To Me” – also written by the two Beatles. A year later the Beatles recorded it for their US album, “The Beatles' Second Album”. It’s now available as part of the “Past Masters Vol 1” collection.



The Beatles (1964)

Me And Bobby McGee — Roger Miller (1969)

"Me And Bobby McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster and was originally recorded by Roger Miller in 1969. It peaked at #12 on the country charts. It would soon be followed with versions by Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot and others.

Janis Joplin recorded it for her album, "Pearl", just a few days before she died in October 1970. It would become her signature song and only #1 single.



Janis Joplin (1970)



==================================================================
Other notable pre-Janis Joplin versions ...
==================================================================

Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (1969)



Kris Kristofferson (1970)



Gordon Lightfoot (1970)
This version would top the charts in Canada - Lightfoot's native country

She Don't Know Me — The Grass Roots (1982)

"She Don't Know Me" was originally recorded by The Grass Roots for their 1982 reunion album, "Powers Of The Night". It failed to make the charts. Two years later it was recorded by Bon Jovi for their self-titled debut album and was released as the follow-up single to their hit, “Runaway”. But, despite heavy rotation on MTV, it failed to make the Top 40. It is the only studio release that was not written by a member of the band.



Bon Jovi (1984)

Ice Cream Man — John Brim (1953)

"Ice Cream Man" was written and originally recorded by Chicago Blues musician John Brim for Chess Records in 1953. The recording stayed unreleased until it appeared on the 1969 album “Whose Muddy Shoes” – a collection of John Brim and Elmore James recordings. The song didn’t become well-known until Van Halen covered it for their debut album in 1978. David Lee Roth recorded it again in 1996 and that version appears on his 2003 “Diamond Dave” album.



Van Halen (1978)

New York Groove — Hello (1975)

“New York Groove” was written by Russ Ballard and originally recorded by the British glam band "Hello" for their 1975 debut album. The song was a top 10 hit in the UK. Ace Frehley recorded the song for his 1978 solo album - one of four solo albums released simultaneously by each of the members of KISS. The song went to #13 – the highest charting single from those albums.



Ace Frehley (1978)

Everytime You Go Away — Hall & Oates (1980)

“Everytime You Go Away” was written by Daryl Hall and was originally recorded by Hall & Oates for their 1980 album, "Voices". They did not release it as a single. Paul Young's version topped the US charts, and went as high as #4 in the UK, in the summer of 1985.



Paul Young (1985)

They Don't Know — Kirsty MacColl (1979)

Written and originally recorded by Kirsty MacColl in 1979 – “They Don’t Know” got lots of radio play but sold poorly due to a strike at her distributors. This kept the single from officially appearing in the UK singles chart. In 1983 Tracey Ullman would take the song into the top ten in both the US and UK. The video featured a cameo from Paul McCartney.



Tracy Ullman (1983)

Without You — Badfinger (1970)

“Without You” was written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans – and was originally recorded by their group Badfinger in 1970. It was not released it as a single. The song has been covered many times – most notably by Harry Nilsson, who heard Badfinger's version at a party and thought it was an unreleased Beatles song. His version would spend four weeks at the top of the charts in 1972.



Harry Nilsson (1972)

Mama Told Me Not To Come — The Animals (1966)

"Mama Told Me Not To Come" was written by Randy Newman for Eric Burdon's first solo album in 1966. However, it would first appear a year later on The Animal’s 1967 album “Eric Is Here”. Newman's own version of his song was released on the 1970 album “12 Songs”. The most famous version, by Three Dog Night, would go to the top of the charts later the same year.




Randy Newman (1970)



Three Dog Night (1970)

Black Magic Woman — Fleetwood Mac (1968)

"Black Magic Woman" was written by Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green and was recorded by the band in 1968. It was a minor hit in the UK. The 1970 version by Santana (sung by Journey founder Gregg Rolie) is a classic rock standard and reached #4 in the US charts.



Santana (1970)

At 1:32 you can see Neal Schon – the lead guitarist (and founder) for Journey. He was only 16 years old.

Call Me The Breeze — JJ Cale (1971)

"Call Me The Breeze" was written and recorded by JJ Cale as the first track on his 1971 debut album - "Naturally". Like many Cale songs, the cover version is much better known. In this case by Lynyrd Skynyrd on their 1974 album "Second Helping".



Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)

Jet Airliner — Paul Pena (1973)

Paul Pena wrote and recorded "Jet Airliner" in 1973, but a contract dispute kept it from being released for 27 years. The song was produced by Ben Sidran - a former member of the Steve Miller Band. After hearing the unreleased track, Miller decided to record it for his 1977 album "Book Of Dreams". The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard charts.



The Steve Miller Band (1977)

I've Done Everything For You — Sammy Hagar (1978)

A staple of his live act as early as 1977 – Sammy Hagar would release “I’ve Done Everything For You” as a single a year later but it would fail to make the charts. Rick Springfield would take it to #8 in 1981 as the follow-up single to "Jessie's Girl".



Rick Springfield (1981)


Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl

Mah-Nà Mah-Nà — Piero Umiliani (1968)

Written by Piero Umiliani, "Mah Nà Mah Nà" first appears in the Italian soft-porn movie "Sweden: Heaven and Hell" - about wild sexual behavior in Sweden. The song was performed by a band called "Marc 4" for a scene set in a sauna. The song is now associated with Jim Henson's Muppets for their versions on the Ed Sullivan Show, Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.




The Muppet Show (1969)



The Muppet Show (1976)

Little Suzi's On The Up — Ph.D (1981)

Written by two members of British pop group “Ph.D” , “Little Suzi's On The Up” didn’t chart in the US or the UK. However, it was the fifth video shown on MTV's first broadcasting day. Tesla’s 1986 cover (re-named "Little Suzi") faired much better and was the biggest hit off their debut album.



Tesla (1986)

Hush — Billy Joe Royal (1967)

“Hush” is better known for the version on Deep Purple’s 1968 debut album. However, it was originally recorded a year earlier by Billy Joe Royal. It failed to make the Top 40. The song was written by Joe South who also wrote Billy Joe Royal’s 1965 hit song, “Down In The Boondocks”.



Deep Purple (1968)

Big Ten Inch — Bull Moose Jackson (1953)

Bawdy jump blues tunes were commonplace in the 40's and 50's - but, obviously, recieived very little (if any) airplay. Originally recorded in 1952 by Benjamin Clarence "Bull Moose" Jackson, "Big Ten Inch Record" was no exception . The song would remain largely unknown until Aerosmith recorded it for their "Toys In The Attic" album in 1975.



Aerosmith (1975)

Time Is On My Side — Kai Winding & His Orchestra (1963)

“Time Is On My Side” was first recorded by jazz trombonist Kai Winding and his Orchestra in 1963. The first version with full lyrics was recorded by Irma Thomas in 1964 as a B-side to one of her singles. The most famous version, by The Rolling Stones, would be recorded only one month later and became their first Top 10 hit in the US.



Irma Thomas (1964)



Rolling Stones (1964)

I Do — The Mighty Marvelows (1965)

The Mighty Marvelows only recorded a few songs, but "I Do" went to #7 on the Black Singles chart and just cracked the Billboard Top 40 in 1965. The J. Geils Band, with the help of heavy play on MTV, made it one of the big hits of 1982.



The J. Geils Band (1982)

Ain't Nothing But A House Party — The Show Stoppers (1968)

Recorded by "The Show Stoppers" in 1967 – it was a local hit in the Philly and NYC markets despite the band being fronted by two of R&B legend Solomon Burke’s older brothers. The J. Geils Band version would become one of their signature tunes. Both their 1973 studio recording and 1976 live version would get regular rotation on classic rock radio – especially in New England.



J Geils Band (1973)

Live on Rockpalast in April 1979

Rubber Biscuit — The Chips (1956)

"Rubber Biscuit" was originally recorded by The Chips in 1956. Famously covered by the Blues Brothers, Elwood mentions the group’s name right at the beginning of their version. The song first resurfaced in the 1973 Martin Scorsese movie “Mean Streets” before Jake and Elwood took the song into the Top 40 in 1979 (bow bow bow) ...



Blues Brothers (1979)

Twist and Shout — Top Notes (1961)

Originally titled "Shake It Up, Baby", the Top Notes 1961 version of what would become "Twist and Shout" was a flop. A year later the Isley Brothers rearranged version would do well on both the pop and R&B charts. The Beatles have the best known version but would only get as far as #2 on April 4, 1964. However, they had plenty of competition - they owned the top five places that day.



The Isley Brothers (1962)



The Beatles (1963)

Respect — Otis Redding (1965)

"Respect" was written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Two years later Aretha Franklin would make it her signature song and one of the great recordings of all-time. The song has been inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame, added to the National Recording Registry and is listed as one the "Songs of the Century" by the National Endowment for the Arts.



Aretha Franklin (1967)

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood — Nina Simone (1964)

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell and Sol Marcus for jazz singer / pianist Nina Simone – but her 1964 version failed to make the charts. The 1965 version by "The Animals" would become a classic-rock standard.



The Animals (1965)

Mama Weer All Crazee Now — Slade (1973)

Written by Jim Lea and Noddy Holder and originally recorded by their band Slade, "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" was the band's third number-one single in the UK. The single debuted on the charts at #2, then stayed at #1 for the next three weeks in September 1972. Hoping for a repeat, Quiet Riot recorded this in 1984 - a year after "Cum On Feel The Noize". It got plenty of airplay on MTV, but didn't make the Top 40.



Quiet Riot (1984)

Cum On Feel The Noize — Slade (1972)

Written by Jim Lea and Noddy Holder and originally recorded by their band Slade in 1973, "Cum On Feel The Noize" debuted in the UK charts at number one. The song would spend four weeks at the top of the charts. Quiet Riot, with heavy MTV rotation, took it to #5 in the US in 1983.



Quiet Riot (1983)

Blinded By The Light — Bruce Springsteen (1973)

"Blinded by the Light" was the first song on, and first single from Bruce Springsteen's 1973 debut album "Greetings from Asbury Park N.J." It failed to make the music charts. Manfred Mann's Earth Band version from their 1977 album "The Roaring Silence" went to #1 in both the US and Canada.

Manfred Mann's Earth Band (1977)

Hey Joe — The Leaves (1965)

The earliest known commercial recording of "Hey Joe" is the 1965 single by the LA garage band, "The Leaves". It was written by Billy Roberts, who copyrighted the song in 1962. However, in 1965, folk singer Dino Valenti claimed authorship and received royalties on the original recordings. Roberts would eventually win in court, but all the original 1966 versions have Valenti's name credited.



One more interesting part of the story: Billy Roberts dated folk artist Niela Miller's who wrote and recorded a song in 1955 called "Baby, Please Don’t Go To Town". It has nearly the same chord progression and melody as "Hey Joe".

Baby, Please Don't Go To Town - Niela Miller (1955)





Tim Rose (1966)

The Hendrix version is derived from a 1966 recording by Tim Rose, a New York folkie who changed the lyrics and slowed down the tempo. Rose credited himself as the author and would spend his life contending that "Hey Joe" is a traditional folk song. No documentary evidence has been provided to support Rose's claim. Jimi's version went to #6 on the UK charts in 1966 and is credited to Roberts.



The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1966)



Other notable versions ...

The Standells (1966)



The Byrds (1966)

Tide Is High — The Paragons (1967)

"Tide Is High" was written in 1967 by John Holt, lead singer of the Jamaican rocksteady trio "The Paragons". The song featured the violin of "White Rum" Raymond and was popular in Jamaica. Blondie took it to #1 in both the US and the UK in 1980.



Blondie (1980)

Superman — The Clique (1969)

“Superman” was written and recorded in 1969 by Texas-based producer/songwriter Gary Zekley under the name “The Clique”. It never charted and was largely forgotten until it was covered by R.E.M. in 1986.



REM (1986)

Take Me To The River — Al Green (1974)

Al Green wrote and recorded "Take Me To The River" for his 1974 album, "Al Green Explores Your Mind". The record company did not release Green's track as a single, but instead gave it Syl Johnson.

Johnson's 1975 version uses most of the same musicians but it failed to make the Top 40. However, it did do well on the R&B charts.

The "Talking Heads" version, recorded for their 1979 album "More Songs About Buildings and Food", charted as high as #26 in 1979.



Syl Johnson (1975)



Talking Heads (1979)

Move It On Over — Hank Williams (1947)

"Move It On Over" was written and recorded by country music legend Hank Williams in 1947. The song was Williams' first major hit, reaching #4 on the Country Singles chart. While it's been recorded many times since, George Thorogood's version from 1978 gets all the radio play.



George Thorogood (1947)

Piece Of My Heart — Erma Franklin (1967)

Aretha Franklin's older sister Erma took "Piece Of My Heart" into the top 10 hit on the R&B charts in 1967. It barely registered on the US pop charts, though. One year later Janis Joplin would make it one of her signature songs. Faith Hill brought it to #1 on the country charts in 1994.



Janis Joplin (1968)



Faith Hill (1994)

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I've Got My Mind Set On You — James Ray (1962)

"Got My Mind Set On You" is a song written by Rudy Clark and originally recorded by James Ray in 1962. It didn't even crack the top 40. Ray would die of a drug overdose two years later at the age of 23. The song would remain obscure until George Harrison took it to #1 in 1987. It was the last US number one hit for Harrison and (as of this writing) the last from any of the other Ex-Beatles.



George Harrison (1987)

In The Street — Big Star (1972)

"In The Street" was written by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell and was originally recorded by their band "Big Star". It is on their influential 1972 debut album, "#1 Record". However, the song is much better known as the theme to "That '70s Show". It was initially sung by Todd Griffin, but beginning with the second season, the song was performed by Cheap Trick, whose version is usually referred to as "That '70s Song (In The Street)".



Cheap Trick (1999)