Category: Songs You Didn’t Realize Were Covers

"Jet Airliner" is a popular song written by Paul Pena, an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. However, it is important to note that while Paul Pena did write and perform the song, the version that is most widely recognized and popular is not his original recording. The better-known version of "Jet Airliner" was actually recorded and released by the Steve Miller Band.

Paul Pena originally wrote and recorded the song for his 1973 album titled "New Train." The album showcased his musical talents, fusing elements of folk, blues, and rock. Unfortunately, due to conflicts with his record label, the album was not released until 2000.

The song would gain widespread recognition when the Steve Miller Band covered it. Miller was made aware of the song by a former band member who also happened to produce Pena's 1973 album. This version, in addition to some slight changes lyrically, featured a more rock-oriented sound and became a major hit, receiving extensive radio airplay and charting well on music charts. Miller's band had recorded their version of "Jet Airliner" in 1975, during sessions for the "Fly Like an Eagle" album, but the song was not released until 1977, when it was included on their album "Book of Dreams."

Steve Miller's rendition of "Jet Airliner" propelled the song to greater fame, reaching a broader audience and becoming a staple in classic rock radio playlists. Its catchy chorus and upbeat melody contributed to its popularity, and it remains one of Steve Miller Band's most iconic and enduring songs.

Paul Pena's original version of "Jet Airliner" was rediscovered and gained some recognition after Steve Miller's cover became a hit. Paul Pena continued to pursue his music career and performed with various artists, showcasing his impressive talents as a musician and vocalist.

Overall, "Jet Airliner" is a song that highlights the journey of its original songwriter, Paul Pena, as well as the enduring success of the Steve Miller Band's cover version, which brought the song to a wider audience and secured its place as a classic in the world of rock music.

"Love Hurts" was written by American songwriter Boudleaux Bryant. He initially composed the song in 1960, and it was first recorded by The Everly Brothers that same year. The Everly Brothers' version of the song, with their distinct harmonies, helped popularize it and established it as a classic. Roy Orbison also had some success with the song when he covered it in 1961. However, it was the cover version by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth that achieved significant success and became their signature song.

Nazareth's rendition of "Love Hurts" was released as a single in 1974 and featured on their album "Hair of the Dog." The band's interpretation of the song transformed it into a power ballad with a heavier rock sound, differentiating it from the original version. The lead vocals were performed by Dan McCafferty, whose raspy and emotive voice added a unique depth and intensity to the song.

The Nazareth version of "Love Hurts" became a massive hit for the band, reaching high chart positions in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It remains one of their most well-known and beloved songs.

The lyrics of "Love Hurts" explore the theme of love and its accompanying pain. The song expresses the anguish and heartache experienced when love goes wrong, highlighting the emotional struggles and conflicts that often accompany relationships. With its heartfelt and relatable lyrics, the song struck a chord with listeners and became an anthem for those dealing with the ups and downs of love.

Over the years, "Love Hurts" has been covered by numerous artists from different genres, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic. It has been performed by the likes of Cher, Jim Capaldi, Rod Stewart, and Gram Parsons, among others. Each artist brings their own interpretation to the song, showcasing its universal appeal and emotional resonance.

Nazareth's version of "Love Hurts" remains an enduring rock ballad that continues to captivate audiences with its raw emotion and powerful delivery. Its timeless message about the complexities of love has made it a beloved song for generations of music lovers.

"Blue Bayou" is a popular song recorded by American singer Linda Ronstadt. It was released in 1977 as a single from her album "Simple Dreams." The song was written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson and had previously been recorded by Orbison in 1963. However, Ronstadt's rendition of "Blue Bayou" became the more well-known and successful version.

"Blue Bayou" is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Ronstadt's powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song has a timeless quality and resonates with listeners due to its themes of longing, nostalgia, and a desire for a peaceful escape. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a yearning for the tranquility and simplicity of a place called Blue Bayou.

Linda Ronstadt's version of "Blue Bayou" became one of her biggest hits, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also achieved success internationally and remains one of her most recognizable and beloved songs. Ronstadt's interpretation of the song earned critical acclaim and contributed to her reputation as one of the finest vocalists of her generation.

"Blue Bayou" has since been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a classic. It has been recorded by notable musicians such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison (the original songwriter), and even Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo. The enduring appeal of the song lies in its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and the emotional depth conveyed by Linda Ronstadt's interpretation.

This Burt Bacharach and Hal David song from 1964 has been covered so many times, it's hard to believe no one in 1982 noticed the Naked Eyes hit was a fresh arrangement of a two decades-old song.

Before Naked Eyes released it, it had been covered by no less than three dozen artists, including Brenda Lee (1965), Burt Bacharach (1965), The 4 Seasons (1965), Lou Christie (1966), Wayne Fontana (1966), Johnny Mathis (1967), Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles (1967), Dionne Warwick (1967), Jay & The Americans (1967), Martha Reeves & The Vandellas (1968), José Feliciano (1968), R.B. Greaves (1969), Buddy Greco (1969), Peggy Lee (1970), Carpenters (medley) (1971), The Drifters (1973), Blue Swede (1974), Carpenters (medley) (1981), and a dozen more little-known acts.

Dionne Warwick recorded a demo in 1963, but the original release in 1964 was recorded by Lou Johnson. Sandie Shaw took the song to No. 1 in the UK that same year.

The 1968 Big Brother and The Holding Company version sung by Janis Joplin is the one most are familiar with, but it was originally recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967. Erma was the elder sister of "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin.

Written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, "Piece Of My Heart" had previously been offered to Van Morrison, who rejected the song, instead preferring to do his own original material.

Franklin's single was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, the winner to be revealed in Spring 1969 at the 11th Annual Grammy Awards. Ironically, the award went to Franklin's sister Aretha for the song "Chain of Fools".