Copycatters Revisited

November 19 is a date to remember for sure in the music industry. Once a song is declared a hit, recording artists by the droves try to monopolize on its success, some even hoping to make it better. See what you think about the following copycatters and which version gets your #1 vote or hits a sour note! 

Today in Music History: November 19

Click  'Copycats' & Fun Facts for more!

With a song's success comes covers that are often just as successful, sometimes even more so. The era is different, the genre may vary, the beat possibly is of a quicker or perhaps a slower tempo, even the gender of the artist may change but the lyrics...they remain the same. Comparisons are always interesting as is the perception of the listeners. A version liked by one is not always liked by all.

Who is your favorite?

1955 Carl Perkins recorded 'Blue Suede Shoes' at Sun Studios in Memphis. The rock 'n' roll classic became a US No.2 & UK No.10 hit for Perkins in 1956.

'Blue Suede Shoes' has been covered by many acts including Elvis Presley and John Lennon. Listen and see if you have a preference. (The Lennon version doesn't begin until about a minute into the video.)

1964 The Supremes became the first all girl group to have a UK No.1 single when 'Baby Love' went to the top of the charts. Written and produced by Motown's main production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, it was also the second of five Supremes songs in a row to go to No.1 in the United States.

In 2002, Emma Bunton performed at Party at the Palace, an event that was held at Buckingham Palace Garden on 3 June 2002 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Her solo performance at the event was a cover of The Supremes' 1964 hit 'Baby Love'.

1966 The Supremes started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Keep Me Hangin' On', the group's 7th US No.1. It made No.8 in the UK.

In 1986, Kim Wilde had a UK number two hit with her version of The Supremes' song "You Keep Me Hangin' On", which also went on to be a major US hit, topping the U.S. charts in 1987.

 

1983 Tina Turner made her first chart appearance in over ten years with her version of the Al Green hit 'Let's Stay Together'.

In 1971, Al Green's release of "Let's Stay Together" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and remained on the chart for 16 weeks and also topped Billboard's R&B chart for nine weeks. Billboard ranked it as the No. 11 song of 1972.

 One Hit Wonder on This Day...

1988 Robin Beck was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'First Time'. The song was from a TV advertisement for Coca-Cola which session singer Beck had recorded. It made the American a One hit wonder.

Multi Chart Topper on This Day...

"Can't Fight The Moonlight" reached #1 in Australia, where it was their highest selling single in 2001. It also topped the charts in the UK, The Netherlands and New Zealand. Despite being closer to a dance number, it topped the US Country charts because of Rime's background.

2000 LeAnn Rimes started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Can't Fight The Moonlight', the singer's first UK chart topper. Written by Diane Warren and featured on the soundtrack of the film Coyote Ugly.

Albums on This Day... 

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  1988 Bon Jovi started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with lead single from the band's album New Jersey, 'Bad Medicine', which became the group's third US No.1, and a No.17 hit in the UK.

• 2000 The Beatles started an eleven-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with The Beatles 1. The album features virtually every number-one single released from 1962 to 1970. Issued on the 30th anniversary of the band's break-up, it was their first compilation available on one CD. The world's best-selling album of the 21st century, The Beatles 1 has sold over 31 million copies.

• 2001 Mick Jagger released his new solo album 'Goddess In The Doorway'. First day sales stood at 954 copies.  

• 2006 George Michael went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Twenty Five' the singers sixth UK No.1 album.






And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...