Songs Made Famous the Second Time Around

Recently an alternative rock band reprised the Toto song “Africa” in a live concert, causing quite a stir and increased sales for the original version, giving us a reason to look back at the best rock covers of all time.

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” may have been her biggest song, but it was Otis Redding that released it first. “I Love Rock N’ Roll” by Joan Jett, “Black Betty” by Ram Jam, as was “Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin.

You would be surprised to hear that the classic Whitney Song “I Will Always Love You was actually a Dolly Parton original song, proving that a song can be wonderful while crossing music genres.

“Knockin on Heaven’s Door,” by Guns N Roses in 1991 was a terrific blend of old with new, providing a real rush for Dylan and GNR fans alike.

Manfred Mann’s “Blinded by the Light’ was a top 10 song, but it’s a cover from Bruce Springsteen’s version from the 70s.

“Saturday Night’s Alright,” covered by Nickelback, “Nothing Compares 2 U” the Prince tune covered by Irish troublemaker Sinead O’Connor, and Aretha Franklin’s cover of the Beatle song “Elanor Rigby” are great examples of solid songs reprised by other artists.

Unknown singer and songwriter Robert Hazard released a song no one paid any attention to in the 70s. Cyndi Lauper picked it up and made it a hit, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”

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