Less Known Original Versions of Well Known Songs

Bob Dylan originally wrote all along the watchtower, jimi hendrix a couple of months later recorded his own version.

The Robert Johnsons could have been posted in the Old Timey thread (sorry to nitpick but I would like to see that thread get as much traffic as possible)

I also posted the original recorded "Rising Sun" from 1934 (which was not by Leadbelly)

But continuing with this thread:

Sonny Dae & The Knights - Rock Around The Clock (1954)

The Arrows - I Love Rock & Roll (1975)

Twist & Shout - The Top Notes (1961)

Kai Winding - Time Is On My Side (1963)
Yes THIS is the original version, not Irma Thomas. The backing vocals are by Cissy Houston (Whitney's mother), Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick.

Earl Jean -- I'm Into Something Good (1964)
The first time I heard Herman's Hermits' version it struck me that this song seemed to have been written (by Goffin-King, FWIW) for a girl to sing

Three from Motown:

The Temptations - War (1969)

The next year it would a #1 pop hit for Edwin Starr

The Undisputed Truth -- Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (1972)

Later in the year the Temptations would take the song to #1

Johnny & Jackey - Someday We'll Be Together (1961)

8 years later this song would be a #1 hit for Diana Ross & The Supremes, as well as the final #1 record of the 1960s

Whisky in the Jar - Thin Lizzy
Original by The Dubliners

Back Where I Come From - Kenny Chesney
Original by Mac McAnally

The Thrill is Gone - BB King
Original by Roy Hawkins

Georgia on my Mind - Ray Charles
Original by Hoagy Carmichael

Led Zeppelin When the Levee Breaks

From Memphis Minnie

Could also go in the old times thread.

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Led Zeppelin When the Levee Breaks

From Memphis Minnie

Could also go in the old times thread

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Then put it there (it's a much nicer neighborhood), preferably with a link

Or you could start a "songs Led Zeppelin stole" thread (if TD has the space for that)

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I look at this song and some of their other "steals" not as stolen but taking something and making it their own. Much the way Dylan viewed Hendrix covering all Along the watchtower.

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Dylan is the credited writer on Hendrix's version of "All along The Watchtower" and has received all composer royalties. Not the same thing at all.

Page is a thief

In the spirit of equal time and board goodwill I'll post a link to this thread, where I pointed out the Beatles did it too (if not as often or as blatantly as Zep)

Baton Rouge's Slim Harpo wrote "I'm a King Bee" which was covered by the Rolling Stones. His "I've Got Love If You Want It" was modified to become the Who's "I'm the Face" (and it was covered straight by the Kinks).

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Or you could start a "songs Led Zeppelin stole" thread (if TD has the space for that)

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For real though.

Dazed and confused- Jake Holmes

Black Waterside-Bert Jansch

Taurus-Spirit