25 iconic songs that were massive hits for more than one artist

"A Hazy Shade of Winter" was released as a single in 1966 with the legendary duo of Simon & Garfunkel. It was a top-15 hit for for the boys, and one of the duo's more "fast-paced" tunes, though plenty of folk sensibility still catered to all fans, regardless of musical preference. Fast forward more than 20 years, and Gen-X listeners massively embraced an even more up-tempo and somewhat edgier version from all-girl rockers The Bangles (minus the "A" in the title). That version, from the Less Than Zero soundtrack, reached No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Kelly Clarkson didn't waste any time parlaying her American Idol victory into mainstream pop stardom. On the heels of that initial Idol triumph, Clarkson earned a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with this ballad, which also appeared on her 2003 debut record Thankful. Three years later, another reality show competition winner, British singer Leona Lewis, who won the third season of The X Factor, delivered a stellar rendition that made it to the top of the UK Singles chart.

Critics and hardcore Bob Dylan fans often regard Jimi Hendrix's version of this rock classic, from Electric Ladyland, as arguably the best cover of any track in the folk legend's catalog. Even among Hendrix's stable of memorable and beloved tunes, his take on "All Along the Watchtower" is widely regarded as some of his best work. It's another expectational guitar performance for the legendary entertainer. Hendrix's version came out six months after original November 1968 release from Dylan, who actually tried to perform it more in the Hendrix style going forward.

A country and pop favorite, "Always on My Mind" has been recorded more than 300 times, according to AllMusic. Both Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley each enjoyed moderately successful versions of the love song in 1972, however, it is Willie Nelson's 1982 Grammy Award-winning version that is most recognizable. It topped the country charts in the United States and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Five years later, the Pet Shop Boys, of synth-pop fame, delivered an upbeat, stellar dance version of the track that went to No. 1 in the UK and reached No. 4 on the U.S. Hot 100.

Another classic tune that has been covered by throngs of artists spanning multiple genres and one of the greatest love songs ever written, "Can't Help Falling in Love" first became a major hit thanks to Elvis Presley's rendition from his 1961 film Blue Hawaii. That version remains the signature recording of the track, which went to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Then, 32 years later, the song reached No. 1 on the same chart thanks to the reggae/pop version from English fave UB40 (perhaps known better for its other chart-topping hit cover song, "Red Red Wine," originally by Neil Diamond), which sat there for seven weeks. 

England's Slade had a No. 1 hit in the United Kingdom with "Cūm On Feel the Noize" in 1973. But, internationally, it can be argued that the amped-up, hard-rocking Quiet Riot effort, released 10 years later, remains the most recognizable version of the campy tune. Quiet Riot's cover reached No. 5 on Billboard's Hot 100, earned gold status, and the video was an MTV staple. It also helped the band's Metal Health release become the first heavy metal album to top the Billboard 200 in the United States. But, for those who enjoy the Slade original, give a listen to Oasis' take, which also shines. 

There is quite the history associated with this song, co-written by Carole King, of avoiding physical temptation between a taken boy and the girl smitten with him. As of March 2025, it was one of nine songs to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 by two different artists; first, for the legendary Steve Lawrence in 1963; then, in 1971, by a 13-year-old Donny Osmond. Not to be dismissed, New Jersey pop group The Happenings had its own top-20 hit with the track in 1968.

It's actually hard to keep track of just how many musical artists have covered or performed this legendary Leonard Cohen piece from 1984. Though the song never cracked the Top 40, Cohen's original is his most recognizable track. However, Jeff Buckley's version from 1994's Grace album, arguably is the most renowned. A critical success, Buckley's haunting presence on both with guitar and vocals is mesmerizing to the ears. It's like listening to musical greatness being born in real time. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles chart.

Originally written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, who recorded the original version of the song in 1960, and truly celebrated via the Bobby Fuller Four's 1965 cover (which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100), "I Fought the Law" is considered one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time. It certainly helped The Clash gain attention in the U.S., when its version was included on the American version of its eponymous debut album from late 1979, thus making it the band's first single released in the States. Now, the Clash were so much more than this mainstream cover, but it essentially opened the door for the world to hear what would become punk rock greatness.

One of the most recognized songs of all time, there are several versions out there. The first came via Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1967, which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Cash Box Top 100, and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, a year later, Marvin Gaye's standout take went to No. 1 on both charts, and has widely been considered the gold-standard version. While the tune has that memorable soul sound, it's a gut-wrenching song about someone finding out that his lover is getting it on with somebody else. Ouch.

Dolly Parton earned country success with her original recording from the first half of the 1970s, and there's no denying how special that version is to many. An ode to mentor Porter Wagoner, Parton's version actually went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the U.S. on two different occasions. However, Whitney Houston's cover for 1992's The Bodyguard, which she starred in as her film debut, was a mainstream juggernaut. In addition to being an example of pop perfection, it introduced a new generation of fans to Parton's music. Houston's version won Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female and six Billboard Music Awards. It also went No. 1 in roughly 25 countries and just might be the definitive recorded moment of Houston's legacy.

Co-written by Motown icon Barry Gordy, "I'll Be There," filled with plenty of soul, but built for pop success, was the fourth No. 1 hit in a row for the famed Jackson 5 in 1970. Fast forward 22 years, and Mariah Carey gave the song a whirl, in duet form with then-little-known R&B singer Trey Lorenz, for her MTV Unplugged special. The updated, modernized, perhaps more sultry, version of the song topped several charts in the U.S., and was No. 1 on the UK Singles chart.

Another classic from Bob Dylan, and a hit for the icon in 1973. "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" cracked the top 20, then gained even more fame for a new generation during the 1990s via Guns N' Roses. The band does a strong job of amping up Dylan's track, and most rock fans are probably more familiar with the latter than the former. While Guns' studio version can be found on the Days of Thunder soundtrack and an altered take on Use Your Illusion II, this cover always seems best when played live — most notably, during the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.

Featuring the iconic lyrics "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?," "Lady Marmalade," by Labelle, the funk pop-rock group featuring Patti LaBelle, drew rave reviews. That act took it to No. 1 in 1974. There was always a campy, steamy vibe to the track, which made it a perfect choice to be covered in modern-day form for the Moulin Rouge! (2001) soundtrack. Contemporary stars Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa, and Pink did the honors on that version and brought a Y2K girl-power vibe in its new iteration. And, to no surprise, delivered a chart-topping performance that was more noteworthy than the movie it supported. 

Bill Withers wrote and performed "Lean and Me," which went to No. 1 for the singer on the both the soul and Hot 100 charts in 1972. Though some critics feel Withers is an underrated singer, the song defined his performing career. In 1987, the rather little-known R&B/pop act Club Nouveau recorded its own version, one that was more steeped for mainstream, MTV/dance audiences. It also went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and proved to be only notable hit from the act.

Another popular track co-written by the iconic Carole King, "The Loco-Motion" is one of the great R&B dance tracks of all time. It also seems to be a guaranteed hit for most who have recorded it, as the song cracked the top five in the Billboard Hot 100 for three different acts. First, in 1962, by Little Eva, which proved to be the defining musical moment of her career. Then in 1974, rockers Grand Funk Railroad delivered a more amped-up, groovier take that was produced by Todd Rundgren, and also went to No. 1. In 1988, Australian star Kylie Minogue enjoyed international success with her poppier version of the song, which peaked at No. 3. 

Yet another Bob Dylan tune, but this one came well into his career from 1997's Time Out of Mind record. More than a decade later, Adele would give it a go on her smash debut album, 19. It proved to be a top-30 hit for the rising star, who used the song to help introduce the world to her immense talent. Prior to Adele's memorable effort, Billy Joel delivered an admirable take the same year as Dylan, and Garth Brooks topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with his 1998 version that was featured in the Hope Floats soundtrack (along with another version from Trisha Yearwood; the two would marry several years later) and a Grammy Award nomination.

Bob Dylan's original version came out in March 1965, and has remained one of his most popular tracks ever since. However, its cover of "Mr. Tambourine Man" might be the song The Byrds are best known for. The Byrds' rendition, which came out less than a month after Dylan's release, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and gained the band international popularity. The group's version offered a more pop sound for the airwaves and has remained a staple of classic rock radio. Both versions are in the Grammy Awards Hall of Fame.

More from Motown. This soulful, pop/doo-wop classic, first recorded by the Marvelettes in 1961, was the first Motown single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the signature track of the act, but wouldn't be the last time the song topped the same chart. Yes, the Beatles recorded a version two years later, but it was The Carpenters, from 1975, who delivered a seemingly more rockin' version, complete with Karen's usual standout drumming and strong vocals. 

"Proud Mary" was a certified hit for Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, one listen to the version by Ike and Tina Turner — which, let's just get it out there, was all Tina — and made even better live, is quite legendary. The then-husband-and-wife duo released theirs two years after the CCR original, and it peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100, then won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group. It's an almost musical rollercoaster of a version, and blues'ed to the hilt, starting slow and building up to steady. Then the horns and drums kick in, and Tina gets going for a rollicking good time.

While Otis Redding enjoyed success with this song that he wrote and first recorded in 1965, it was Franklin who made "Respect" an anthem — not just for herself, but women everywhere — when she souled it up with a reworked version two years later. When comparing the two, there are noticeable differences, though both are up-tempo. Each is told from different gender points of view. However, Franklin's is empowering, with her background singers adding to the bombast and overall vocal aggressiveness that made men — and women — absolutely listen to what the "Queen of Soul" was preaching.

Casual music fans might not realize just how much of an international hit Venus has been — and remains — over the years. The psychedelic pop rock number was written by Robbie van Leeuwen, whose Dutch band Shocking Blue made it a No. 1 single in nine countries, including the U.S., in 1969. Then, in 1986, English pop tarts Bananarama scored one of its biggest hits with a popular version, which was an MTV staple, and also topped the charts in America and five other countries. 

Percy Sledge's soul-fueled, impactfully emotional original version of "When a Man Loves a Woman," from 1966, remains one of the more special moments in music history, It's a song that stands the test of time, and will continue to do so after reaching No. 1. Numerous covers of the song followed, but it wasn't until long-haired crooner Michael Bolton, who made his mainstream mark covering soft-rock and R&B/soul classics like this, took "When a Man Loves a Woman" to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 a quarter-century later after Sledge's immortal original.

Another iconic tune from Motown, and one of the most recognizable tracks performed by the Supremes. That classic version was recorded in 1966 and went No. 1 on the Hot 100, and remains one of the signature tracks of the Motown era. Shortly after, American psychedelic rockers Vanilla Fudge put out a darker, heavier version that was also a top-10 hit. Then, in 1986, Kim Wilde, who had a hit five years earlier with "Kids in America," delivered her own, '80s polished version that again topped the Billboard Hot 100.

The hard-driving, dirty-sounding version of "You Really Got Me" became the Kinks' signature tune — notably for Dave Davies' power chords on the guitar — in 1964. It reached No. 7 in the United States, and influenced countless later bands from the punk and heavy metal genres. One, in particular, being Van Halen, who covered the song on its stellar self-titled 1978 debut album. It was a top-40 hit that introduced the band to the masses, and coupled with the legendary instrumental "Eruption," began the iconic legacy of guitar hero Eddie Van Halen.