The Beatles' Influence on Popular Music: Originals vs Covers

The music of The Beatles has left an indelible mark on the world of pop music. Beyond their groundbreaking original compositions, the band has also become notable for the numerous covers that have been created by other artists. In this article, we explore some examples of can you name some songs that were originally written and recorded by The Beatles but later covered by other artists, focusing on the significance of these songs and their cover versions.

The Evolution of The Beatles' Music

Many of The Beatles' songs were originally created and recorded with a specific vision in mind. However, some of their compositions have been reinterpreted by other artists, often resulting in unique and memorable versions. A clear example of this is the song Golden Slumbers. Before becoming a solo track for Paul McCartney, the song was adapted from a 16th-century poem titled Cradle Song, which was later set to music in 1885 by W.J. Henderson.

The original poem, written by Thomas Dekker, has a charming simplicity with lyrics describing a lullaby:

Golden slumbers kiss your eyes,
Smiles awake you when you rise.
Sleep pretty wantons do not cry,
And I will sing a lullaby.
Rock them rock them lullaby,
Care is heavy, therefore sleep you,
You are care and care must keep you,
And I will sing a lullaby.
Rock them rock them lullaby.

Paul McCartney saw this poem in an old piano book and adapted it into his own tune, resulting in the widely popular Golden Slumbers.

Twist and Shout: A Pioneering Cover

Twist and Shout is a quintessential example of a song that was not just covered but transformed by The Beatles. This song was originally recorded by The Isley Brothers and popularized by Little Richard. The Beatles' version, recorded in a single take, captured the raw energy and spirit of the original.

One notable aspect of this recording is its opening aah crescendo, which has been described as one of the greatest moments in rock history. Although the song was not originally composed by The Beatles, their interpretation significantly contributed to its enduring popularity and influence.

Concert Performances and Collaborations

Not limited to studio recordings, The Beatles also performed several of their songs live, which later inspired covers by other artists. For instance, Paul McCartney often performed Something in concert, both alone and collaboratively with other musicians, such as when he performed it with Elton John. Additionally, George Harrison's solo performance of Something at the Concert for Bangladesh further contributed to its popularity.

Furthermore, the band's concert performances included songs like "You've Really Got a Hold On Me" and "Til There Was You." During the Royal Variety Performance, George Harrison's solo in "Til There Was You" was particularly impressive, showcasing the solo's quality and the band's overall performance.

Albumingured Covers and Original Compositions

Beatles for Sale features the song "Words of Love," which has been noted for its accuracy in sound, often citing its Buddy Holly-style delivery. Another standout cover by The Beatles is "Dizzy Miss Lizzie," from the album Help!, which has a brilliant performance and a unique sound compared to its original.

The song "Help!" was the last album to contain covers, with its final recording being a brief performance of "Maggie May." However, Help! also featured other original compositions that became fan favorites.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of The Beatles in the world of music is profound, as evidenced by the numerous covers of their songs. Their original compositions, their concert performances, and their studio recordings have all inspired countless artists to cover and reinterpret their music. This article only scratches the surface of the myriad ways in which The Beatles have influenced popular music through both their original work and their covers.

Through these covers, the enduring appeal and timeless quality of The Beatles' music continue to captivate new audiences, making them an essential part of the fabric of popular music.