Ten best covers sung by other artists
When hearing an artist cover a song you must know the technicality that goes into this. Yes, you need permission to cover the song, especially if you’re looking to sell your version. In that case, the artist doing the covering must make sure that the original artist is getting their slice of humble pie.
In order to do this legally, the artist who wants to cover the song must seek out for a “mechanical license” from the artist they wish to cover. A mechanical license grants the rights to reproduce and distribute copyrighted songs on CDs, records, tapes, etc.
“A mechanical license pays the copyright owner of the song — usually the publisher and/or record label of the original artist,” Vincent Prezioso, songwriter for Sony said.
If a song is going to be covered live, then the venue that is holding this performance needs to obtain a Performing Rights Organization license from at least one of the three organizations — SESAC, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).
According to Legal Zoom, “ Each of the three PROs covers certain artists, so the entity one goes to depends on the songs being performed. Many locations get performance rights from more than one PRO, as artists whose work might be performed are covered by different licensing agents.”
The covers listed below are a blend of live or recorded performances. The songs that were featured on albums of the artist covered were granted permission to do so. The live performances listed were either for tributes or just to show off their incredible vocal range…*cough, cough Demi Lovato.*
1. Aerosmith — Come Together (The Beatles)
“Come Together” was originally written by John Lennon and Paul McCarthy of The Beatles in 1969. It was officially released by the band on October 6th of that year.
Aerosmith was one of the first of many artists to cover this track in 1978. Their version made it to the movie soundtrack of the film Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This single made it to number 23 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and was performed at the Grammy’s in 1991.
2. Ike and Tina — Proud Mary (Credence Clearwater Revival)
“Proud Mary” was written by John Fogerty of Creedance Clearwater Revival. They released the single from their second album “Born on the Bayou” in January 1969.
One of the most popular covers of this song was done by Ike and Tina Turner in 1970. It was rearranged by Ike Turner and Soko Richardson, an American blues drummer, and released as a soulful single from their album Working Together.
3. Demi Lovato — Stay (Rihanna)
Stay was originally sung by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko. It was written by Mikky Ekko, Justin Parker, and Elof Nation and released on her album “Unapologetic” in March 2012.
Lovato has performed her rendition during several live performances and has stuck with its original sound each time; the only difference is that it’s not a duet.
This cover of Stay is the perfect portrayal of her insane vocal range. Don’t believe me? Check it out.
4. Twenty One Pilots — Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley)
You’ve probably heard this song at a wedding, or maybe even in an Extra gum commercial, but probably not Twenty One Pilots version. This popular love anthem, originally sung by the king of rock n’ roll was a hit in its time. It was featured on his album, and movie, Blue Hawaii. It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss.
Can’t Help Falling in Love has been covered by other artists such as UB40 and Andrea Bocelli, but it’s most reason was sung by Twenty One Pilots. Just 51 years later from its release, the alternative rock band of two, took it upon themselves to remake this anthem –and beautifully.
This version was featured on their EP album, Holding on to You.
5. Lady Gaga — I Wish (Stevie Wonder)
While playing the piano, Lady Gaga performed a soulful and sassy cover to Stevie Wonder’s I Wish at the “Songs in the Key of Life — An All-Star Salute” sponsored by the Grammys in February 2015. Lady Gaga was one of the many stars to perform covers of his songs including Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé.
I Wish from the album Songs in the Key of Life was written and produced by Stevie Wonder himself and released in 1976. His single made it to number one on Billboard’s Hot 100.
6. Amy Winehouse — Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (The Shirelles)
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin in 1960 and sung by was originally recorded by the R&B group The Shirelles. It was released on their album Tonight’s the Night. The single skyrocketed to number one on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Late singer Amy Winehouse recorded her own version in 2004 and featured on the soundtrack to the film Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
7. Jennifer Hudson — Purple Rain (Prince)
Prince’s song Purple Rain was his released on sixth studio album featuring his band, The Revolution. It was also the film’s soundtrack to his film Purple Rain.
In honor of the late singer’s passing, Jennifer Hudson performed the song at the BET awards in June 2016. Her emotional rendition will give you goosebumps.
8. Whitney Houston — I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton)
Surprisingly, I Will Always Love You is NOT Whitney’s song. The song was written and belonged to Dolly Parton. This ballad was on the country singer’s album, Jolene which came out in 1974.
Whitney Houston’s version came out in 1992 and became a huge hit. It was featured on the film soundtrack of The Bodyguard.
Both Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston praised one another; Houston thanked her for writing it and Parton thanked her for bringing it to a wider audience and it’s incredible success.
Whitney Houston won record of the area for this song at the 1994 Grammy Awards and was presented the award by Dolly Parton. Her version was a worldwide success.
9. The Used/My Chemical Romance — Under Pressure (Queen)
Under Pressure was written by the guys of the rock band Queen and David Bowie. Destined to be a success by its founding fathers, the song only peaked at number 29 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Punk rock bands, The Used and My Chemical Romance covered the sung in 2005 for tsunami relied and released a studio version on The Used’s album ‘In Love and Death’
The punk rock infused duet features both bands entirely — two drummers, 4 guitarists, and two singers.
10. Christina Aguilera ft. Pink, Lil Kim, Maya — Lady Marmalade (Labelle)
The provocative tune Lady Marmalade was written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. It was originally recorded in 1974 by the group The Eleventh Hour and was then covered by the girl group Labelle. It earned a number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100.
In 2000, Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil’ Kim remade the track into a modern hit for the film Moulin Rouge.
If you’re looking to be the next artist to cover any one of these songs, don’t forget to get a mechanical license to do it legally!
