Songs You Didn't Know Were Covers

Music has a way of touching our hearts and souls, and throughout history, countless songs have become ingrained in our culture and collective memory. However, not all songs are original creations. Many popular songs we know and love today are actually covers of earlier versions, with artists putting their unique spin on existing melodies and lyrics. We’re going to look at five songs you may not have known were covers, shedding light on their original versions and the evolution of these musical classics. 

1. "Respect" - Aretha Franklin (1967) "Respect" is a powerful anthem synonymous with Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Released in 1967, Franklin's rendition of "Respect" is widely regarded as one of the greatest cover songs ever. However, the original version was recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, and it had a different tone and meaning altogether. Redding's version of "Respect" was a plea from a man to his woman, asking for acknowledgement and appreciation for his hard work and efforts to provide for their household. On the other hand, Franklin’s version transformed the song into a feminist anthem, with a strong message of female empowerment and independence. Franklin's soulful vocals and powerful delivery turned "Respect" into an enduring symbol of women's rights and a timeless classic. 

2. "Hurt" - Johnny Cash (2002) "Hurt" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad originally written and recorded by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails for their 1994 album "The Downward Spiral." However, it was Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" released in 2002, that truly captivated audiences and became a defining song in the later years of Cash's career. Cash's rendition of "Hurt" was deeply personal and introspective, reflecting on his life and struggles with addiction, regret, and mortality. The emotional depth and rawness of Cash's performance, combined with the hauntingly stripped-down arrangement, brought a whole new level of meaning and poignancy to the song. Cash's cover of "Hurt" is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and moving cover songs in music history. 

3. "I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston (1992) "I Will Always Love You" is a heart-wrenching ballad that became one of Whitney Houston's most iconic songs. The song was featured in the soundtrack of the 1992 film "The Bodyguard," in which Houston also starred. However, Dolly Parton wrote and recorded the original version of “I Will Always Love You” in 1973. The original was a heartfelt country song about the end of a romantic relationship. Houston's cover, on the other hand, was a powerful and soaring rendition that showcased her incredible vocal range and emotive delivery and became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. 

 4. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper (1983) "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is a fun and catchy anthem that has become a timeless pop classic. Cyndi Lauper's version of the song, released in 1983, is often associated with female empowerment and has become an anthem for women worldwide. However, the song’s original version was written and recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979. Robert Hazard's original version of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was a more laid-back rock song with a male perspective. It was not as well-known as Cyndi Lauper's cover, transforming the song into an upbeat and colorful celebration of female independence. Lauper's version became a chart-topping hit and has remained a beloved pop culture staple. 

5. "Valerie" -  Amy Winehouse (2007) "Valerie" is a catchy and upbeat song that became a hit for British singer Amy Winehouse in 2007. However, the original version was actually recorded by the English indie rock band The Zutons in 2006. The Zutons released "Valerie" as a single from their second album, "Tired of Hanging Around." Amy Winehouse's cover was featured on Mark Ronson's album "Version," where he enlisted Winehouse to provide vocals for several tracks. Winehouse's soulful voice and Ronson's retro-inspired production gave "Valerie" a fresh, infectious sound that captivated audiences. The song became a chart-topping success and is often associated with Winehouse, even though it was originally a Zutons song.