These 12 Legendary Songs Became Bigger Than Their Original Versions

These 12 Legendary Songs Became Bigger Than Their Original Versions

Some of the most unforgettable songs in music history aren’t actually the original versions.

Artists have taken existing tracks and completely reimagined them, breathing new life into melodies and lyrics that might have otherwise faded away.

These covers didn’t just match the originals—they soared past them, becoming cultural touchstones that defined entire eras and reshaped how we hear music.

1. Respect – Aretha Franklin

Otis Redding penned this soulful tune about a man asking for respect when he comes home.

But when Aretha Franklin got her hands on it in 1967, everything changed.

She flipped the perspective entirely, transforming it into a powerful declaration of dignity and self-worth.

Her iconic spelling out of R-E-S-P-E-C-T became a rallying cry for both the civil rights and feminist movements.

Franklin’s version didn’t just overshadow the original—it became the definitive anthem of empowerment.

Today, most people don’t even realize Otis Redding recorded it first, because Aretha’s fiery vocals and commanding presence made the song entirely her own.

2. I Love Rock and Roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

British band The Arrows released this track in 1975, but it barely made a ripple.

Fast forward to 1981, and Joan Jett turned it into pure electricity.

Her gritty, rebellious cover became an instant hard-rock classic.

The pounding drums and Jett’s snarling vocals captured the raw energy of rock music perfectly.

The song shot to number one and stayed there for seven weeks, cementing Jett as a rock icon.

It became one of the most recognizable anthems of the entire decade, proving that sometimes a song just needs the right voice to unleash its full power and attitude.

3. Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

Robert Hazard wrote and recorded this song first, but his version carried a darker, more cynical tone.

When Cyndi Lauper got hold of it in 1983, she completely reinvented its meaning.

Lauper turned it into a joyful celebration of female independence and fun.

Her playful vocals and colorful personality made the song irresistible.

The music video, with its vibrant 80s fashion and carefree spirit, became an MTV staple.

Lauper’s version became a defining pop hit of the decade, and most people have no idea a male artist recorded it first with a totally different vibe.

4. Valerie – Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson

Indie band The Zutons released this catchy tune in 2006, and it enjoyed modest success in the UK.

But Amy Winehouse’s soulful 2007 rendition with Mark Ronson changed everything.

Her voice brought raw emotion and retro soul energy that the original lacked.

The production felt fresh yet nostalgic, blending modern beats with vintage flair.

Winehouse’s version became a massive hit across Europe and beyond.

Today, the song is synonymous with her legacy, and many fans don’t even know The Zutons recorded it first.

Her powerful delivery made it impossible to imagine anyone else singing it.

5. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

Dolly Parton wrote this tender ballad about leaving her mentor and business partner in 1973.

Her country version was heartfelt and beautiful, but Whitney Houston’s 1992 cover reached stratospheric heights.

Featured in The Bodyguard soundtrack, Houston’s version showcased her incredible vocal range.

That iconic a cappella opening still gives listeners goosebumps decades later.

The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, topping charts worldwide for months.

Houston’s powerhouse performance turned it into a universal anthem of love and loss that transcended genres completely.

6. Killing Me Softly with His Song – The Fugees / Lauryn Hill

Lori Lieberman first performed this song, and Roberta Flack later made it famous in the 1970s.

But The Fugees’ 1996 version introduced it to an entirely new generation.

Lauryn Hill’s soulful vocals blended perfectly with hip-hop beats and production.

The reimagined arrangement felt both fresh and respectful to the original’s emotional core.

The track became a massive international hit, topping charts across multiple continents.

Hill’s passionate delivery and the group’s innovative sound proved that classic songs could be reinvented for modern audiences without losing their heartfelt essence and meaning.

7. The First Cut Is the Deepest – Sheryl Crow

Cat Stevens wrote this heartbreak anthem, and several artists recorded it before Sheryl Crow’s turn.

But her 2003 version became the most radio-friendly and enduring interpretation.

Crow’s raspy, emotional vocals brought vulnerability and relatability to the lyrics.

The production felt polished yet authentic, making it perfect for mainstream audiences.

Her cover climbed charts worldwide and introduced the song to millions who’d never heard earlier versions.

Crow’s interpretation struck a perfect balance between honoring the original’s spirit and making it distinctly her own, proving her skill at breathing new life into classics.

8. If I Were a Boy – Beyoncé

BC Jean originally recorded this thought-provoking song about gender roles and relationships.

But when Beyoncé released her version in 2008, it reached a global audience instantly.

Beyoncé’s emotional delivery amplified the song’s impact tremendously.

Her powerful voice conveyed the frustration and longing in the lyrics perfectly.

The accompanying music video, showing Beyoncé in a gender-reversed scenario, added another compelling layer.

Her rendition became the definitive version for most listeners worldwide, and many people remain completely unaware that someone else recorded it first.

Beyoncé’s star power and artistry made it unforgettable.

9. Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinéad O’Connor

Prince wrote this haunting ballad and his band The Family recorded it first in 1985.

But Sinéad O’Connor’s stripped-down 1990 cover gave it worldwide fame.

Her raw, vulnerable performance was utterly mesmerizing.

The iconic music video, featuring just her face as tears rolled down her cheeks, became unforgettable.

O’Connor’s version topped charts in dozens of countries and won numerous awards.

Her interpretation brought out the song’s emotional depth in ways the original couldn’t match.

Today, when people think of this song, they picture Sinéad’s tearful face, not Prince’s original composition.

10. Hound Dog – Elvis Presley

Blues singer Big Mama Thornton recorded this gritty tune in 1952, and it was a hit in the R&B charts.

But Elvis Presley’s 1956 version transformed it into a rock-and-roll phenomenon.

Elvis brought youthful energy and rebellious attitude that captivated teenagers everywhere.

His hip-shaking performances caused controversy and made him a superstar overnight.

The song became one of the best-selling singles of the 1950s.

While Thornton’s original had raw blues power, Elvis’s version defined a musical revolution and changed popular culture forever, making him the undisputed King of Rock and Roll.

11. The Best – Tina Turner

Bonnie Tyler recorded this song first, but it didn’t make much commercial impact.

Tina Turner’s 1989 cover turned it into a triumphant anthem that defined her comeback era.

Turner’s powerful, raspy voice brought unmatched conviction to every line.

The song’s message of unwavering support and love felt personal when she sang it.

It became one of the most iconic tracks of her legendary career.

The song has been used in countless commercials, movies, and sporting events since.

Turner’s electrifying performance made it impossible to imagine anyone else delivering those lyrics with such fierce passion and authenticity.

12. Lady Marmalade – Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa & Pink

Labelle released this funky disco track in 1974, and it was a hit in its time.

But the 2001 Moulin Rouge! remake featuring Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and Pink modernized it spectacularly.

The star-studded collaboration brought together different vocal styles and personalities perfectly.

The glamorous music video and movie tie-in created massive buzz.

This version topped charts worldwide and won a Grammy Award.

Many younger listeners mistakenly believe it was the original because it became so culturally dominant.

The remake proved that classic songs could be successfully reinvented for new generations with the right artists and vision.