Some of the biggest hits of the ’60s and ’70s weren’t as original as you might think. While these songs became famous thanks to certain artists, many were actually cover versions of earlier recordings. Sometimes, the original was an obscure release that never gained traction, while other times, the new version simply outshined its predecessor. Let’s take a look at 12 hit songs from the ’60s and ’70s that were actually cover versions.
1. Twist and Shout – The Beatles (1963)
Most people associate this high-energy rock anthem with The Beatles, but they weren’t the first to record it. Twist and Shout was originally recorded by the Top Notes in 1961, though their version had a different arrangement and failed to make waves. The song was then reworked by The Isley Brothers in 1962, who gave it a more R&B feel, but it wasn’t until The Beatles recorded their version in 1963 that it became a worldwide hit. John Lennon’s famously raw vocals—achieved by singing through a sore throat in one take—cemented it as one of their most iconic tracks.
2. Hound Dog – Elvis Presley (1956)
Elvis Presley made Hound Dog one of the biggest rock and roll hits of all time, but it was originally a blues song recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Her version had a slower, grittier feel, with a powerful vocal performance that made it a regional R&B hit. When Elvis recorded it in 1956, he sped up the tempo and gave it a rockabilly twist, which turned it into a cultural phenomenon. While Presley’s version is the most famous, many music historians still consider Thornton’s original to be the definitive take.
3. Blinded by the Light – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1976)
Most people know Blinded by the Light as a progressive rock hit from Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, but the song was actually written and first recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1973. Springsteen’s original version, featured on his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., had a folk-rock feel and was far less polished. When Manfred Mann reworked the song, they changed the arrangement significantly and even altered some of the lyrics—leading to decades of people mishearing the infamous line “revved up like a deuce.” Their version became a No. 1 hit, while Springsteen’s original faded into obscurity.
4. I Love Rock ’n’ Roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1981)
Joan Jett made I Love Rock ’n’ Roll an anthem of the early ’80s, but the song actually dates back to 1975. It was originally recorded by the British band The Arrows, though their version never became a hit. Jett first heard the song while touring in England and later recorded it with The Blackhearts, giving it the raw energy that made it a classic. Her version dominated the charts and became one of the most recognizable rock songs of all time.
5. The House of the Rising Sun – The Animals (1964)
The haunting ballad The House of the Rising Sun became a worldwide hit for The Animals in 1964, but the song itself is much older. It’s a traditional folk song that dates back to at least the 19th century, with early recordings made by artists like Texas Alexander in the 1920s and Lead Belly in the 1940s. Bob Dylan also recorded a version in 1961, but The Animals’ dramatic arrangement and Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals turned it into a rock classic. Their version became the definitive take, even though the song’s origins remain mysterious.
6. Black Magic Woman – Santana (1970)
Santana’s bluesy, Latin-tinged Black Magic Woman became one of the band’s signature songs, but it wasn’t their original creation. The song was first recorded by Fleetwood Mac in 1968, back when they were a British blues band led by Peter Green. Green’s version was more understated and blues-driven, while Santana reworked it into a fusion of rock and Latin influences, giving it an entirely new life. The song became a massive hit for Santana, leading many fans to assume it was his from the start.
7. With a Little Help from My Friends – Joe Cocker (1968)
Joe Cocker turned With a Little Help from My Friends into a soulful, powerful anthem, but it was originally a Beatles song from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). While The Beatles’ version, sung by Ringo Starr, had a lighthearted, singalong feel, Cocker completely transformed it into a dramatic, blues-infused epic. His rendition became one of the standout performances at Woodstock and remains one of the greatest cover songs of all time. Even Paul McCartney later admitted that he preferred Cocker’s version to the original.
8. Respect – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Aretha Franklin’s Respect became the ultimate anthem of empowerment, but the song was first recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. While Redding’s version had a more traditional R&B feel and was sung from a male perspective, Franklin completely reworked the song, adding the iconic “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelling and call-and-response vocals. Her version became a defining song of both the feminist and civil rights movements. It’s a rare case where a cover version completely eclipses the original.
9. Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin (1971)
Janis Joplin’s Me and Bobby McGee became a posthumous hit, but it was originally written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson in 1970. Kristofferson’s version had a country-folk feel, while Joplin infused it with her signature raw, bluesy energy. The song took on a new level of poignancy after her passing, making it one of her most beloved tracks. To this day, many fans don’t realize it wasn’t hers first.
10. Cocaine – Eric Clapton (1977)
Eric Clapton made Cocaine one of his most famous songs, but it was actually written and first recorded by J.J. Cale in 1976. Cale’s original had a laid-back, swampy blues feel, while Clapton’s version amped up the guitar work and turned it into a rock radio staple. Clapton’s take became so iconic that many listeners assumed he wrote it. Even though Cale’s version came first, it was Clapton’s that made it legendary.
11. Tainted Love – Soft Cell (1981)
Soft Cell turned Tainted Love into a synth-pop smash, but the song was originally recorded in 1964 by American soul singer Gloria Jones. Her version had an upbeat, Motown-style arrangement, but it failed to find success. When Soft Cell reworked it with an eerie, electronic feel in the ’80s, it became a massive hit and defined an era. Even though their version is the one most people remember, Jones’ original remains a cult favorite.
12. You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor (1971)
James Taylor won a Grammy for You’ve Got a Friend, but the song was actually written and first recorded by Carole King earlier that same year. King’s version appeared on her landmark album Tapestry, but Taylor’s warm, folk-inspired take became the bigger hit. The two were close friends, and King fully supported Taylor’s cover. While both versions are beloved, Taylor’s remains the most widely recognized.
Sometimes, a great song just needs the right artist to bring it to life. Whether through a new arrangement, a different vocal style, or a fresh approach to production, these cover versions managed to outshine their originals. While the first recordings may have gone unnoticed, the new versions turned them into timeless classics. It just goes to show that in music, sometimes the second time’s the charm!
