Since we’ve already listed some of the best songs that we mistakingly thought were sung by Black people, it’s time to list songs that were originally sung by White people, but Black people performed even better.
Suggested Reading
The list is long, including some of the best vocalists of this current and last century, including Whitney Houston, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Luther Vandross. What other artists do you think should have made our list?
Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You”
Did you know that one of Whitney Houston’s most popular records was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974. We love Dolly and we all know she can sang, but even Dolly said Whitney tore it up. Whitney took this single to new heights in 1992, thanks to it being released on The Bodyguard soundtrack.
Prince – “Creep”
Who doesn’t love Radiohead’s Creep? Well, Radiohead is sick of it, but we sure are not. It’s a beautiful, mournful song. At the Coachella Music Festival in 2008, Prince shocked fans when he gave an incredible rendition of Radiohead’s debut single: “Creep.” Despite his incredible performance, labels attempted to take down all videos of the show. But, Radiohead loved the cover so much that they attempted to keep it up.
Aretha Franklin – “Bridge over Troubled Water”
Originally released by the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel in 1970, Aretha Franklin released her version less than a year later. As you would expect, her version made the record sound more like a gospel record than an American folk song.
Michael Jackson – “Come Together”
Who would’ve thought that someone as talented as Michael Jackson would need to cover another artist’s song? But, he did so in 1987, creating his version of The Beatles’ 1969 song. Look the Beatles’ version is classic, stunning. But Michael brought a whole new energy and bravado to an absolutely fantastic song.
Stevie Wonder – “We Can Work It Out”
Before Michael Jackson covered the Beatles in 1987, Stevie Wonder did it more than a decade later in 1970 with another song. While the Beatles’ 1965 version is good, great even, Stevie Wonder brought more flair and spirit to the record. Just listen.
Dionne Warwick – “That’s What Friends Are For”
Rod Stewart originally sang this song in 1982 and it was cool, but when Dionne Warwick covered it along with Gladys Knight and Elton John, she brought this record a whole new level of popularity. Plus, it was released as a charity single for AIDS, so it also helped save lives.
Donny Hathaway – “A Song For You”
I grew up listening to Donny Hathaway’s incredible voice. I still have memories of my parents playing his music when I was a child, especially this song. But, I had no idea that his most popular record was a cover until years later. Leon Russell’s 1970 version is good, don’t get me wrong, but Hathaway took it to a new stratosphere. The piano at the beginning of the song —timeless.
Ike & Tina – “Proud Mary”
Tina Turner has a reputation for beautifully covering songs you wouldn’t expect. Her versions of Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and The Beatles’ “Come Together” are excellent, but this cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 song is amazing.
Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”
“All Along the Watchtower” is a chill rock song 1967 rock song by Bob Dylan. But, Rock legend Jimi Hendrix took this record to new heights in terms of energy, popularity and musicianship.
Charles Bradley – “Changes
“Changes” is one of Black Sabbath’s best songs. But, Charles Bradley may have one-upped them in the 2013 version of the record. Fans of the Netflix show, Big Mouth will recognize this record since it serves as the opening theme for the show.
“Luther Vandross – Superstar
I tend to forget that this song was released by The Carpenters in 1971 because when Luther Vandross got his hands on it in 1983, he absolutely owned it. Just listen to how amazing his voice is and the emotion he brings to the record.
Run-DMC – “Walk This Way”
How many artists on this list can say they got the original artist to appear on their cover? Originally released by Aerosmith in 1975, the legendary rock group hopped on Run-DMC’s hip-hop cover in 1986.
Boyz II Men – “Yesterday”
The Beatles have to have some kind of record for having the most covered catalog in history. Boyz II Men brought their classic 90s soul to the song and it helped launch the Philadelphia group into mainstream superstardom.
Lauryn Hill – “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”
Probably the longest gap between covers on this list, this song originally came out in 1967 and was sung by Frankie Valli. More than 30 years later, Lauryn Hill recorded her version and as expected, she beautifully sings the lyrics as if she wrote them herself.
Lenny Kravitz – “American Woman”
Although this song is called “American Woman” it was originally sung by the Canadian band The Guess Who in 1970. Lenny Kravitz brought his own energy to the song but still kept the rock aspects of the record.
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