10 Popular Cover Versions Loved by Their Original Artists

Covering a classic song is no easy feat. It requires skill and creativity to make it your own while paying homage to the original. However, some artists manage to not only do justice to the songs they cover but also win the admiration of the original creators. Here, we explore ten cover versions that left a lasting impression on the people who wrote them.

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1. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “All Along The Watchtower”

Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower” is a prime example of transforming a song into something entirely unique. Even Dylan himself couldn’t help but acknowledge Hendrix’s genius, saying, “He probably improved upon it by the spaces he was using.” Hendrix injected a surge of electricity into this semi-obscure Dylan track, making it his own.

2. Nazareth – “This Flight Tonight”

Nazareth had a knack for reinterpreting songs, and their take on Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight” is no exception. They turned Mitchell’s heartfelt exploration of love and longing into a rock ‘n’ roll anthem. While Mitchell was initially surprised by their cover, she eventually gave it her blessing during a London gig, opening with the words, “I’d like to open with a Nazareth song.”

3. Judas Priest – “Diamonds And Rust”

Joan Baez was pleasantly surprised when Judas Priest delivered a metalized version of her song “Diamonds And Rust.” She expressed her admiration for the cover, saying, “It’s always flattering when somebody does” and highlighting the rarity of people covering her songs.

4. Johnny Cash – “Hurt”

Johnny Cash’s rendition of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” is a poignant example of an older musician covering a song by a younger artist. Trent Reznor, the songwriter behind the original, initially had mixed feelings, but when he saw Cash’s accompanying video, he realized the depth of the rendition and its impact.

5. Dinosaur Jr – “Just Like Heaven”

Dinosaur Jr’s fuzzed-up version of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” left Robert Smith, the mastermind behind the original, in awe. He described receiving a passionate cassette from Dinosaur Jr’s J Mascis and noted it as a visceral reaction to a cover that he hadn’t experienced before.

6. Whitesnake – “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”

Whitesnake’s majestic reworking of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland’s “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” helped propel them to fame. When Bernie Marsden, the original Whitesnake guitarist, met Bland, the soul singer expressed his approval, acknowledging the band’s success with their rendition.

7. Disturbed – “Sound Of Silence”

Paul Simon’s praise for Disturbed’s powerful reimagining of “Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is unexpected but heartwarming. After seeing Disturbed’s live performance, Simon sent an email to lead singer David Draiman, commending their rendition.

8. Metallica – Various Diamond Head Covers

Metallica has always been open about their influences, and Diamond Head has been a significant one. Metallica covered several Diamond Head songs, including “Am I Evil?,” a move that guitarist Brian Tatler appreciated, considering it a form of flattery.

9. Heart – “Stairway To Heaven”

Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant had a complicated relationship with “Stairway To Heaven.” However, his perspective shifted in 2012 when he watched Heart perform an orchestral cover at The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. Plant was moved to tears, stating that it “kills me every time” in multiple ways.

10. Guns N’ Roses – “New Rose”

Guns N’ Roses included a cover of The Damned’s “New Rose” on their punk covers album, “The Spaghetti Incident?” The Damned’s guitarist, Brian James, appreciated GN’R’s take on the song, praising their use of dual guitars and acknowledging their punk influence, even though they were often labeled as a heavy metal band.

These cover versions not only paid homage to the originals but also showcased the artistic prowess of the artists who reimagined them, earning the respect and admiration of the original creators. They serve as a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to transcend generations and genres.