10 Acts Whose Biggest Hit Was a Cover Song
With bands like Disturbed, Bad Wolves and Weezer recently scoring gigantic hits by covering old classics, it’s worth noting that this isn’t anything new for the rock world. Some of the most iconic artists in rock and metal history got their biggest hit with a cover, despite building a discography filled with unforgettable cuts.
Elvis Presley's most successful song was a cover of Big Mama Thornton. The crown jewel of Elvis’ untouchable body of work, “Hound Dog,” sold 10 million copies globally and became the King’s second highest-selling single of his career. “Hound Dog” also topped the U.S. pop chart for 11 weeks, cementing a record which stood for a staggering 36 years.
Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett created one of music’s most illustrious solo careers after leaving the Runaways. Though Jett has graved the U.S. Top 40 a total of nine times, her only No. 1 hit is “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” a cover of an Arrows song from the ‘70s. Most people don’t even know Jett’s megahit is a cover, proving how synonymous the song is with rock’s leather-clad queen.
Tesla’s "Signs” is instantly recognizable, but it was the second time the song was a huge hit. Five Man Electrical Band popularized the cut in 1971, selling half a million copies of the single. When Tesla made their version of “Signs,” it peaked all the way at No. 8, besting the original which only hit No. 24. Thanks to “Signs,” Tesla sold a million copies of their 1990 album, Five Man Acoustical Jam.
Check out these 10 Acts Whose Biggest Hit Was a Cover Song in the Loud List above.
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