30 Famous Songs That Have Been Covered the Most

30 Famous Songs That Have Been Covered the Most

Music is a universal language that has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and nostalgia to sadness and anger. Certain songs have the ability to transcend time and genre, appealing to listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

These songs are often covered by other artists, who put their own unique spin on the original. In music, a cover is a new performance or recording of a previously released song by someone other than the original composer or performer.

True to the saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, cover songs can be a way for artists to pay homage to their influences, introduce a new generation to a classic song, or simply experiment with a different style of music.

Some cover songs end up being more successful than the originals, becoming iconic in their own right. For example, Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You. This essay will explore 30 of the most covered songs in music history.

The list will include a diverse range of songs, from holiday season classics to popular hits. Each song has been covered by numerous artists, each offering their own unique interpretation.

1. ‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was a legendary jazz musician and singer who is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. “What a Wonderful World is one of his best works and arguably his most influential.

“What a Wonderful World” was originally released in 1967 and was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. The song is a beautiful and uplifting ode to the simple pleasures in life, such as the beauty of nature, the love of family and friends, and the joy of living.

The song has been covered over 190 times by artists from a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, country, and R&B. Some notable versions of the song include Kate Melua and Eva Cassidy’s version released in 2007, Willie Nelson’s version on his album under the same name, Rod Stewart’s, and Barbra Streisand’s.

2. ‘Love Me Tender’ by Elvis Presley

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Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is one of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. He is known for his energetic and electrifying performances, his unique singing style, and his timeless hits.

‘Love Me Tender’, released in 1956, is up there with best of Presley. It is a classic ballad about love, longing, and commitment. The song is simple and straightforward, but Presley’s heartfelt vocals and the beautiful melody make it incredibly moving and memorable.

The song has about 192 officially released covers. Some of the most famous artists to cover the song include Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.

3. ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson

Regarded as the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson is a legend in every sense of the word and needs very little introduction. In the long catalog of his global hits that have stood the test of time, his 1982 single, “Billie Jean,” is a classic.

The original version of “Billie Jean” was released on January 2, 1983, as the second single from Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller. The song is a funk-pop track with a catchy melody and a driving beat.

The lyrics tell the story of a woman who claims that Jackson is the father of her child, even though he denies it. Micheal claimed the song was inspired by groupies he and his brothers encountered while performing with The Jackson 5.

“Billie Jean” has been covered by numerous artists over the years. However, there are 179 officially released covers of the song.

Some of the most famous versions include Blackstreet’s 1996 ‘No Diggity (Billie Jean Remix)’, Chris Cornell’s 2007 version, and the 1995 version by German band The Bates.

4. ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra

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Frank Sinatra was a legendary American singer and actor, known for his smooth baritone voice and iconic stage presence. The original version of “My Way” was released in 1969, and it quickly became a signature song for Sinatra.

The song is a reflection on a life well-lived, with Sinatra declaring that he has “lived a life that’s full” and that he would “do it all again.” The song has been covered numerous times since its release.

However, there are 179 official covers of this ballad with the most famous versions coming from artists such as Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, Elton John, Seth MacFarlane, and Sid Vicious.

5. ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’ by Vaughn Monroe

Vaughn Monroe was an American singer and bandleader who was popular in the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his smooth vocals and his big band sound.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Vaughn Monroe is a staple of Christmas playlists and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. While the song has several covers in many genres, this original is considered the definitive version of the song.

Some of the most famous artists to cover Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Include, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, The Beach Boys, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Mariah Carey.

6. ‘We Are the World’ by USA for Africa

In 1985, over 40 top artists of the era, joined forces to form the supergroup USA for Africa. Some members of the group include Harry Belafonte, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Jeffrey Osborne, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Ray Charles among many others.

On March 7^th, 1985, the group released the charity single “We Are the World” to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian.

On release the song was a major hit, selling over 20 million copies and raising over $63 million ($168 million today). The song has been covered severally since with the most famous cover being 2010’s ‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti’.

The song was made after the Haiti earthquake and featured performances from artists such as Justin Bieber, Akon, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, Nicole Scherzinger, Mary J. Blige, and Toni Braxton among many others.

7. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ by The Beatles

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The Beatles are one of the most iconic and influential bands of all time, and their music has been covered by countless artists over the years. One of their most popular songs, “A Hard Day’s Night,” has been covered over 200 times, making it one of the most covered songs in history.

The original version of “A Hard Day’s Night” was released in 1964, and it quickly became a worldwide hit. The song is a catchy, upbeat pop tune with a simple but effective message: after a long day of work, there’s nothing better than coming home to relax and have fun.

Some of the most famous artists to cover the song include Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, Elton John, Otis Redding, Count Basie, Big Time Rush, and Quincy Jones.

8. ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers

Bill Withers was a soulful singer-songwriter whose music resonated with audiences around the world. He released his iconic single “Ain’t No Sunshine” in 1971, and it quickly became a classic.

The song is a haunting ballad about the pain of lost love, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. He claims to have found inspiration for the song from 1962’s film Days of Wine and Roses.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” has been covered over 200 times by artists as diverse as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis Presley. Some of the most famous covers include:

• Michael Jackson’s 1972 cover on his album Got to Be There
• Stevie Wonder’s 1973 cover on his album Innervisions
• Elvis Presley’s 1974 cover on his album Promised Land
• Luther Vandross’s 1982 cover on his album Forever, Luther
• Aretha Franklin’s 1989 cover on her album Who’s Zoomin’ Who?
• John Mayer’s 2007 cover of his album Continuum

9. ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles

Hey Jude, a ballad in the pop rock genre, was released by The Beatles in 1968. It is one of the most famous songs ever written and has been covered officially over 274 times by artists such as Elton John, Wilson Pickett, Count Basie and his Orchestra, Diana Ross and The Supremes, and Elvis Presley.

The song was written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s son, Julian, during his parents’ divorce. McCartney has said that the song is about “hope and encouragement” and “letting go of the past.”

Hey Jude is a classic example of a song that has transcended time and genre and continues to be popular with people of all ages.

10. ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon

After The Beatles disbanded, John Lennon pursued a successful solo career. To date, he is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century.

In 1971, Lennon released the song “Imagine”. “Imagine” is a folk song with elements of pop and rock music.

The song is a powerful plea for peace and unity that also celebrates the human spirit and the potential for a better world.

Lennon’s “Imagine” has been covered over 200 times by a list of artists that includes Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Joan Baez, Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Diana Ross.

11. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ by Judy Garland

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Judy Garland was one of the most iconic and beloved entertainers of the twentieth century. She was a singer, actress, and dancer who starred in numerous films and television shows.

One of her most famous songs is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which she originally introduced in the 1944 MGM musical film Meet Me in St. Louis. The song is a bittersweet ballad about finding joy during difficult times.

It is one of the best Christmas songs ever and has stood the test of time. This festive season has been covered over 300 times with some big names performing it countless times.

Some of these covers include versions by Brandy, Frank Sinatra, Backstreet Boys, Lana Del Rey, Shaggy, Tinashe, Meghan Trainor, and Fantasia among others.

12. ‘O Holy Night’ by John Sullivan Dwight

O Holy Night by John Sullivan Dwight is one of the most covered Christmas carols of all time, with over 2,000 recorded versions. The original French version, “Cantique de Noël,” was released in 1847, and Dwight’s English translation was published in 1855.

The song is a beautiful and moving reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins with a majestic invocation of the holy night and then goes on to describe the long wait for the Savior’s birth. The chorus expresses the joy and hope that the birth of Jesus brings to the world.

The song has a very decorated history that involves halting the Franco-Prussian War for a night in 1871 to being the first song ever broadcast on radio, on Christmas Eve in 1906.

Some famous covers of this Christmas legendary ballad include those by Bran Mann In 1955, Tracy Chapman in 1997, Celine Dion in 1998, and Bing Crosby among many others.

13.’Silent Night’ by John Freeman Young

Silent Night by John Freeman Young is one of the most famous and beloved Christmas carols of all time, and it has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years. The original German version of the song, “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”, was written by Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, and it was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria.

Young’s English translation of the song was first published in 1859, and it quickly became the most popular version of the carol. The song is a simple but moving ode to the birth of Christ, and its gentle melody and message of peace have resonated with people of all faiths for generations.

Silent Night has been covered by a wide range of artists, from Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby to Frank Sinatra and Mariah Carey. Some of the most famous covers of the song include Elvis Presley (1957), Bing Crosby (1941), Frank Sinatra (1953), Mariah Carey (1994), Celine Dion (1994), Kelly Clarkson (2011), Pentatonix (2014), Ariana Grande (2015), Michael Bublé (2016), and John Legend (2020).

14. ‘Yesterday’ by The Beatles

Yesterday is one of the most famous and beloved songs ever written. It was originally released by The Beatles in 1965 and is a beautiful and melancholic ballad about loss and nostalgia.

The song has been covered over 2,200 times by artists from a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and country. Some of the most famous artists to cover Yesterday include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder.

The song was written by Paul McCartney after he had a dream about his deceased mother. In the dream, she told him to “let it be” and that everything would be okay. McCartney woke up and immediately started writing the song.

15. ‘Caravan’ by Barney Bigard and His Jazzopators

Caravan is a jazz standard composed by Juan Tizol and arranged by Duke Ellington that was first recorded on December 18, 1936, by Barney Bigard and His Jazzopators.

The song is a mid-tempo swing piece with a catchy melody and a driving rhythm. It is one of the most popular and frequently covered jazz songs of all time, with over 3,000 recorded versions.

Caravan is a song about a journey through a desert landscape, with the caravan representing a group of travelers. The song’s lyrics evoke images of camels, sand dunes, and palm trees.

The song’s melody is exotic and mysterious, and its rhythm is hypnotic and inviting. Caravan has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and The Beatles.

16. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ by The Rolling Stones

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(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones is one of the most iconic and influential rock songs of all time. The original version was released in 1965, and it quickly became a global hit.

The song is a raw and energetic rock anthem about sexual frustration and the alienation of modern life. It’s also a biting critique of consumerism and the materialism of the 1960s.

Over the years, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction has been covered by hundreds of artists, from Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding to Britney Spears. Some of the most famous covers include Otis Redding (1966), Aretha Franklin (1967), Devo (1978), and Britney Spears (1999).

17. ‘Sugar Sugar’ by The Archies

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When The Archies—a fictional band created for a Saturday morning cartoon—released the original version, it was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a bubblegum pop anthem about young love, with a catchy melody and simple lyrics that make it easy for people of all ages to sing along.

Over the years, Sugar Sugar has been covered by a wide range of artists, from pop stars like Britney Spears and Taylor Swift to country singers like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson and even Reggae singers like the great Bob Marley alongside The Wailers.

18. ‘All of Me’ by John Legend

All of Me by John Legend is one of the most covered songs of all time, with over 1000 covers recorded by artists from all over the world. The original version was released in 2013 and quickly became a global hit, winning two Grammy Awards and reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is a beautiful and romantic ballad about complete surrender to love. Legend sings about giving his partner his all, including his flaws and imperfections. He promises to love her unconditionally, even when she’s “driving him crazy.”

Some of the most famous artists to cover All of Me include Fifth Harmony, Madison Beer, Dua Lipa, and even the cast of Glee.

19. ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a country music legend. She is known for her songwriting prowess, her distinctive voice, and her flashy outfits. Parton has released over 50 albums and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

In 1974, Parton released her classic ballad “I Will Always Love You.” The song is a farewell to her mentor and business partner, Porter Wagoner, as she pursued a solo career. It is a beautiful and emotional song about love, loss, and letting go.

“I Will Always Love You” is a country song, but it has transcended genres and has been covered by artists from all genres, including pop, rock, and R&B. Many world-renowned artists have covered the song, including Linda Ronstadt, LeAnn Rimes, and, perhaps the most famous version of the song, Whitney Houston.

20. ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ by Roberta Flack

Originally released in 1973, Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack is a beautiful and moving ballad about the power of music and love. While the song itself is a cover of Lori Lieberman’s Killing Me Softly With His Song, Roberta Flack’s version is by far the most famous version.

The song has been covered by over 250 artists, including some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as The Fugees, Frank Sinatra, Laurnea Hill, Luther Vandross, John Legend, and Celine Dion.

21. ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is one of the most covered songs of all time, with over 300 versions recorded by artists from all genres. The original version was released in 1984 on Cohen’s album Various Positions and is a folk-rock ballad that explores themes of love, loss, faith, and doubt.

The song’s lyrics are both poetic and deeply personal and have been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some listeners see it as a religious song, while others see it as a love song, a meditation on mortality, or even a political statement.

Regardless of its interpretation, Hallelujah is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with people all over the world. Some of the most famous artists who have covered the song include Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, John Cale, Rufus Wainwright, Willie Nelson, and k.d. lang.

22. ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ by The Harry Simeone Chorale

The Little Drummer Boy by The Harry Simeone Chorale was originally released in 1958 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is a folk song about a young boy who offers the baby Jesus the only gift he has, his drum. The song is in the traditional Christmas genre, with a simple melody and lyrics.

There have been over 300 covers of The Little Drummer Boy by artists from a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, country, and jazz. Some of the most famous artists to cover the song include David Bowie, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Justin Bieber, and Johnny Cash.

23. ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Elvis Presley

“Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley was originally released on January 27, 1956. The song is about the pain and anguish of heartbreak, and it is considered to be one of the most iconic rock and roll songs ever written.

The song was a huge hit when it was released, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. This includes the rather surprising duos of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in 2006 and Neil Diamond and Kim Carnes in 1992.

Other covers include Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Michael Jackson, and Bruce Springsteen.

24. ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Judy Garland

Over the Rainbow, was originally sung and released by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Since then, It has been covered over 1,500 times by artists of all genres, including pop, rock, country, jazz, and classical.

The song is a ballad about longing for a better place, a place where dreams come true. It is a song of hope and resilience, and it has resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds for over 80 years.

Among the many to cover ‘Over the Rainbow’, Judy Garland’s daughter Liza Minell tops the list, performing it at age 13 in 1960.

Other covers include Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole 1990’s version, Pink’s rendition at the 86th Academy Awards in 2014, and Ariana Grande’s 2017 version.

25. ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!

Wham! was a British pop duo, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. They formed the group in 1981 and achieved great success in the 1980s with their catchy pop tunes and energetic performances.

One of their most famous songs, “Last Christmas”, was released in 1984. It is a synth-pop ballad about a man who gives his heart to a woman, but she gives it away the very next day. He vows to never make the same mistake again and instead give his heart to someone special next year.

“Last Christmas” has been covered by over 300 artists, including some of the biggest names in music, such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Jimmy Eat World, and the Backstreet Boys.

26. ‘The Look of Love’ by Dusty Springfield

The Look of Love by Dusty Springfield is one of the most covered songs of all time, with over 200 versions recorded by artists as diverse as Nina Simone, Diana Ross, and Michael Bublé.

The original version was released in 1967 and was featured in the James Bond spoof film Casino Royale. The song is a sultry, romantic ballad with a bossa nova rhythm and lyrics that describe the speaker’s infatuation with their lover.

The Look of Love has been covered by artists from all genres, but it is most closely associated with jazz and pop.

Some of the most famous artists to cover the song include Nina Simone (1968), Diana Ross (1970), Barbra Streisand (1974), Michael Bublé (2003), Amy Winehouse (2006), and, Adele (2011) to name a few.

27. ‘Eleanor Rigby’ by The Beatles

“Eleanor Rigby,” written by the legendary songwriting duo John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was released on August 5, 1966, as part of The Beatles’ album Revolver. It is a unique and captivating song that defies easy categorization, but it is generally considered to be a pop ballad or folk-rock song.

The song is about a lonely woman who dies and is buried without anyone attending her funeral. “Eleanor Rigby” has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years, including Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Costello.

28. ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles

Blackbird, by The Beatles, is one of the most covered songs in history, with over 400 versions recorded by artists from all genres. The original version was released in 1968 on the album The Beatles (also known as the White Album).

It is a folk ballad with simple but powerful lyrics that speak to the hope of overcoming adversity. Paul McCartney wrote the song in response to the racial tensions and Civil Rights Movement in the United States at the time.

He has said that the blackbird is a symbol of hope and resilience and that the song is about encouraging people to keep fighting for a better future.

Blackbird has been covered by artists from a wide range of genres, including folk, rock, pop, and country. Some of the most famous artists to cover the song include Sarah Vaughan, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, and The Beach Boys among many others.

29. ‘And I Love Her’ by The Beatles

The Beatles’ 1964 ballad “And I Love Her” has been covered over 2,000 times by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Ellie Goulding, and Kurt Cobain. The song is a simple yet beautiful expression of love, with a lush melody and haunting lyrics.

The original version of “And I Love Her” was released on the Beatles’ 1964 album A Hard Day’s Night. It was written by Paul McCartney, who was inspired by his then-girlfriend, Jane Asher.

The genre of “And I Love Her” is generally classified as a pop ballad. However, the song’s lush orchestration and McCartney’s soulful vocals also give it elements of jazz and soul.

30. ‘Michelle’ by The Beatles

Michelle is a Grammy award-winning song from The Beatles. The original version of the song was released in 1965 on the album Rubber Soul. It was written by Paul McCartney as a tribute to his then-girlfriend, French actress Michelle Phillips.

“Michelle” has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles.

This article is in no way exhaustive but it does highlight some very influential songs that defined musical eras in the past. From the article, it’s clear just how influential The Beatles were, judging simply by how often their songs have been covered. Therefore, covers can be used as a measure of a song’s influence.