Occasionally, achieving success in the music industry is truly about being in the right place at the right time, a sentiment that resonates strongly with the evolution of hit songs. When an artist decides to cover the work of another musician, it not only breathes new life into the piece but also allows it to reach fresh audiences. This phenomenon can often lead to the cover version surpassing the original, transforming it into a beloved classic in its own right.

In the following list, presented in alphabetical order, we are showcasing 30 Iconic Covers That Surpassed Their Originals, celebrating the magic of musical reinterpretation.

1. “All Along the Watchtower,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Original Artist: Bob Dylan

Numerous artists have attempted to cover Bob Dylan’s extensive catalog, yet one particular track that has gained remarkable recognition through its cover is “All Along the Watchtower.” Initially released in 1967 on Dylan’s album John Wesley Harding, the song underwent a transformative rendition by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1968, featured on their groundbreaking album Electric Ladyland. Hendrix’s interpretation reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking his only Top 40 hit in the United States, showcasing how a cover can redefine a song’s legacy.

2. “Black Magic Woman,” Santana
Original Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “Black Magic Woman,” penned by Peter Green, initially secured the No. 37 spot on the U.K. charts when it was released in 1968. However, it was Santana’s rendition in 1970 that truly captivated audiences. Featured on their album Abraxas with lead vocals by Gregg Rolie, Santana’s version soared to No. 4 in the United States, demonstrating how a reinterpretation can elevate a song’s profile immensely.

3. “Blinded by the Light,” Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Original Artist: Bruce Springsteen

Despite initial struggles with his first two albums, Bruce Springsteen emerged as a household name by the end of the 1970s. His track “Blinded by the Light”, which appeared on his 1973 debut album Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., was significantly popularized by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, who covered it and propelled it to the No. 1 spot on the charts in America and No. 6 in the U.K. This shows how a cover can not only revive a song but also catapult it into mainstream success.

4. “Cocaine,” Eric Clapton
Original Artist: J.J. Cale

A remarkable aspect of a cover song achieving commercial success is its potential to breathe new life into the original. When Eric Clapton released his take on “Cocaine” in 1977, it became a No. 30 hit in the United States, resulting in increased exposure for J.J. Cale’s original version, which later ascended to No. 1 in New Zealand, illustrating the cyclical nature of musical influence.

5. “Dancing in the Moonlight,” King Harvest
Original Artist: Boffalongo

Sherman Kelly penned “Dancing in the Moonlight” in 1969 during his recovery from a traumatic incident on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. Initially recorded by his band Boffalongo in 1970, the song failed to gain traction. However, two years later, King Harvest recorded their version, which eventually caught on and climbed to No. 13 on the U.S. charts, proving that perseverance in music can lead to unforeseen success.

6. “Downtown Train,” Rod Stewart
Original Artist: Tom Waits

Renowned for his ability to interpret others’ works, Rod Stewart showcased his talent with the cover of "Downtown Train," originally by Tom Waits. This cover not only secured the No. 3 position on the Billboard Hot 100 but also earned Stewart a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Waits’ original was part of his 1985 album Rain Dogs, which featured notable collaborations with Keith Richards and Marc Ribot, highlighting the song’s strong roots.

7. “Everybody’s Talkin,'” Harry Nilsson
Original Artist: Fred Neil

Harry Nilsson captured the essence of “Everybody’s Talkin'” with his Grammy-winning rendition in 1969, which also peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song first appeared three years earlier on Fred Neil’s self-titled album, showcasing how Nilsson’s interpretation brought the song into the limelight, allowing it to resonate with a broader audience.

8. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Cyndi Lauper
Original Artist: Robert Hazard

While it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Cyndi Lauper delivering the iconic “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” the song’s journey began with a demo recorded by its original writer, Robert Hazard. Although Hazard never released it officially, he performed it live frequently. Lauper’s adaptation transformed the song into a No. 2 hit in the U.S., as she meticulously reworked the lyrics to create a fresh and empowering anthem, demonstrating the potential of a cover to reinvigorate a song.

9. "Hallelujah," Jeff Buckley
Original Artist: Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is said to have over 150 verses, and his original version, found on the 1984 album Various Positions, initially went unnoticed. However, John Cale’s cover in 1991 for a tribute album sparked renewed interest, inspiring Jeff Buckley to create his own haunting rendition for his album Grace. Released as a single in 2007, a decade after Buckley’s untimely death, this version charted in multiple countries, proving the timeless nature of Cohen’s masterpiece.

10. “Hound Dog,” Elvis Presley
Original Artist: Big Mama Thornton

When “Hound Dog” comes to mind, many instantly think of Elvis Presley’s legendary 1956 version, which became the best-selling single of his career. However, it was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952, showcasing her powerful blues vocals and paving the way for future artists. While Thornton’s rendition had its own success, Presley’s interpretation elevated the song into a cultural phenomenon, demonstrating how covers can reshape musical narratives.

11. “I Fought the Law,” The Clash
Original Artist: The Crickets

“I Fought the Law” was first released by The Crickets in 1960 but didn’t gain much attention. After the Bobby Fuller Four’s cover reached No. 9 in the U.S., The Clash’s 1979 rendition climbed to No. 29 in the U.K., embedding the song in their setlists and solidifying its status as a classic, illustrating the transformative power of reinterpretation.

12. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Marvin Gaye
Original Artist: Gladys Knight & the Pips

Gladys Knight & the Pips recorded “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in 1967, landing at No. 2 in the U.S. However, Marvin Gaye’s 1968 version took the song to unprecedented heights, securing the No. 1 position in both the U.S. and U.K., showcasing how a cover can elevate a song’s impact and legacy in popular music.

13. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Original Artist: Arrows

Joan Jett’s rendition of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” has become synonymous with her name, achieving the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song was originally released by the Arrows in 1975. The song’s co-writer, Alan Merrill, noted that while Jett’s version was iconic, it was not the one that initially earned him significant financial success, highlighting the unpredictable nature of music popularity.

14. “Got My Mind Set On You,” George Harrison
Original Artist: James Ray

George Harrison made history as the first Beatle to visit America before the band’s iconic debut. During this trip, he discovered James Ray’s “Got My Mind Set On You,” originally recorded in 1962. Harrison revived the track in 1987 on his album Cloud Nine, propelling it to No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 2 in the U.K., showcasing how a cover can breathe new life into a forgotten gem.

15. “Let’s Stick Together,” Bryan Ferry
Original Artist: Wilbert Harrison

Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Stick Together” was released in two versions, with the second hitting No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Canned Heat’s rendition in 1970 peaked at No. 2 in the U.K. and No. 26 in the U.S. Bryan Ferry’s 1976 cover brought the song back to life, reaching No. 4 in the U.K., illustrating how a well-executed cover can rejuvenate a classic.

16. “Make You Feel My Love,” Adele
Original Artist: Bob Dylan

This is yet another remarkable Dylan cover. Originally appearing on his 1997 album Time Out of Mind, which won three Grammys, “Make You Feel My Love” did not achieve commercial success with Dylan’s version. Although Billy Joel recorded a version prior to Dylan’s that peaked at No. 50, it was Adele’s powerful interpretation that pushed it into the British Top 30, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth.

17. “Me and Bobby McGee,” Janis Joplin
Original Artist: Roger Miller

Originally written by Kris Kristofferson and performed by Roger Miller, “Me and Bobby McGee” first achieved success on the Canadian country charts in 1970 thanks to Gordon Lightfoot. It later topped the American country charts with Jerry Lee Lewis’s version. However, Janis Joplin’s posthumous cover made it a No. 1 hit on the overall Billboard Hot 100, illustrating the enduring power of a well-executed cover.

18. “New York Groove,” Ace Frehley
Original Artist: Hello

The British glam rock band Hello made a mark with their version of “New York Groove,” reaching No. 9 in the U.K. However, it was Ace Frehley’s 1978 cover that propelled it to No. 13 in the U.S., making it the highest-charting solo song by a member of Kiss, showcasing how reinterpretations can often resonate more strongly with different audiences.

19. “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinead O’Connor
Original Artist: Prince

Originally featured on the Family’s sole album in 1985, Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” remained relatively obscure until Sinead O’Connor’s cover in 1990. Her powerful rendition on the album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got became a phenomenal hit, reaching No. 1 in numerous countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, demonstrating how a cover can transform a song’s reach and meaning.

20. “Red Red Wine,” UB40
Original Artist: Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” peaked at No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968, but it was UB40’s 1983 cover that truly made waves, reaching No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 34 in the U.S. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity when it was reissued five years later, once again climbing to the top of the charts, highlighting how covers can rejuvenate a song’s life cycle.

21. “Respect,” Aretha Franklin
Original Artist: Otis Redding

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is often regarded as the quintessential anthem of empowerment. Her 1967 version soared to No. 1 in the U.S. and earned her two Grammy Awards, establishing the song as a classic. However, it was actually Otis Redding who wrote and recorded it first in 1965, achieving a respectable No. 35, illustrating how a cover can redefine a song’s significance in cultural history.

22. “Some Kind of Wonderful,” Grand Funk Railroad
Original Artist: Soul Brothers Six

“Some Kind of Wonderful” was first recorded by the Soul Brothers Six, reaching No. 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. Grand Funk Railroad’s version in 1974 propelled the song to No. 3 on the same chart, showcasing how a reinterpretation can reignite interest in a track and demonstrate the evolving nature of musical styles.

23. “Tainted Love,” Soft Cell
Original Artist: Gloria Jones

When it comes to reinventing a classic, Soft Cell’s cover of “Tainted Love” stands out. Originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1965, the song failed to chart at that time. Yet, after a decade of renewed interest, it was Soft Cell’s 1981 rendition that skyrocketed to No. 8 in the U.S. and No. 1 in the U.K., proving that a well-crafted cover can breathe new life into a long-forgotten song.

24. “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” Sheryl Crow
Original Artist: Cat Stevens

While the first recording of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” was by P. P. Arnold, reaching No. 18 in the U.K., it was Cat Stevens’ version that followed closely, although it did not chart. However, numerous artists, including Rod Stewart, took a swing at it, further elevating its status with Stewart’s version hitting No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 21 in the U.S. Sheryl Crow’s rendition later climbed to No. 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, showcasing how covers can continue to evolve over time.

25. “The Man Who Sold the World,” Lulu
Original Artist: David Bowie

When discussing “The Man Who Sold the World,” many think of either David Bowie’s original from 1970 or Nirvana’s popularized cover from 1995. However, it was Lulu’s 1974 cover that truly made waves, reaching No. 3 in the U.K., proving that sometimes the most memorable interpretations come from unexpected sources.

26. “The Tide Is High,” Blondie
Original Artist: The Paragons

Blondie’s “The Tide Is High” achieved massive success as a No. 1 hit in 1980, but its roots are found in the reggae-infused original by the Jamaican band The Paragons. Guitarist Chris Stein has commented on how the original’s brilliance inspired their rendition, proving that recognizing and honoring musical influences can lead to great reinterpretations.

27. “This Flight Tonight,” Nazareth
Original Artist: Joni Mitchell

It may seem surprising, but Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight” found a second life when covered by the Scottish rock band Nazareth. Initially included in her 1971 album Blue, the song resonated with Nazareth during their tours, leading them to cover it two years later. Their version peaked at No. 11 in the U.K., highlighting the unpredictable journey of a song across genres.

28. “Time Is on My Side,” The Rolling Stones
Original Artist: Kai Winding

Leave it to The Rolling Stones to take a jazz-infused R&B track like “Time Is on My Side” and transform it into a rock sensation. Initially recorded by Kai Winding and his orchestra in 1963, the song was later covered by Irma Thomas before becoming a hit for The Rolling Stones, who took it to No. 6 in America, showcasing the transformative potential of musical reinterpretation.

29. “Twist and Shout,” The Beatles
Original Artist: The Top Notes

While “Twist and Shout” is inextricably linked to The Beatles, it was originally recorded by The Top Notes in 1961. The Isley Brothers also had a Top 20 hit with it in 1962, but it was The Beatles’ energetic cover that propelled it to No. 2 in the U.S., illustrating how a cover can become even more iconic than the original.

30. “With a Little Help From My Friends,” Joe Cocker
Original Artist: The Beatles

Although “With a Little Help from My Friends” is a beloved Beatles song, it did not achieve significant chart success initially. In contrast, Joe Cocker’s soulful interpretation in 1968 soared to No. 1 in the U.K., with Paul McCartney later describing it as “very imaginative,” showcasing how a unique cover can redefine a song’s legacy.