The Beatles and Their Cover Songs: A Journey Through Their Musical Influences
The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music, not only revolutionized the genre with their original compositions but also embraced a diverse range of musical styles through their cover songs. This article delves into the cover songs sung by The Beatles, their original versions, and the preferred versions by the band.
Introduction to The Beatles' Cover Songs
During their early years, The Beatles were heavily influenced by various musical genres, from rock and roll to rhythm and blues. They covered numerous songs, incorporating their unique style and artistry to create versions that became iconic in their own right. This article lists some of the notable covers by The Beatles and highlights the original versions of the songs and the preferred versions by the band.
Notable Covers by The Beatles
The Beatles’ cover repertoire included songs from a variety of genres and artists, showcasing their versatility and passion for the music they loved.
The Top Notes - "Please Please Me"
Original Artist: The Top Notes (1961)
Preferred Version: The Beatles’ version from Please Please Me (1963)
The Beatles are widely recognized for their version of "Please Please Me," from the album of the same name. This version is iconic and is often considered the definitive rendition, capturing the band's raw energy and unique sound. The track remains a staple of The Beatles' live performances and studio recordings.
The Marvelettes - "Please, Please, Please"
Original Artist: The Marvelettes (1961)
Preferred Version: The Beatles included this on Beatles for Sale (1964)
The Beatles’ version of "Please, Please, Please" from Beatles for Sale reflects their admiration for Motown. This track showcases a more polished, polished and rhythmic style, infusing the original soulful sound with their own unique twist.
Chuck Berry - "Rock and Roll Music"
Original Artist: Chuck Berry (1956)
Preferred Version: The Beatles rendition on With The Beatles (1963)
The Beatles’ version of "Rock and Roll Music" from With The Beatles captures their rock roots perfectly. This high-energy and lively rendition highlights the band’s raw talent and their early interest in rock and roll.
The Shirelles - "Baby, It's You"
Original Artist: The Shirelles (1960)
Preferred Version: The Beatles performed this on Please Please Me (1963) with Ringo Starr on lead vocals.
The Shirelles’ "Baby, It's You" was one of The Beatles’ early covers. Ringo Starr took the lead vocals on this version from Please Please Me, showcasing a softer side of The Beatles and their ability to adapt to different vocal styles.
Little Richard - "Don't Let Me Down (I'm Yours)"
Original Artist: Little Richard (1956)
Preferred Version: The Beatles version from Beatles for Sale (1964)
The Beatles’ version of "Don’t Let Me Down (I'm Yours)" from Beatles for Sale is often considered a high-energy and dynamic cover. It reflects their respect for Little Richard’s energetic and innovative style while adding their own style and flair.
Barrett Strong - "Money (That's What I Want)"
Original Artist: Barrett Strong (1959)
Preferred Version: The Beatles version on With The Beatles (1963)
The Beatles’ version of "Money (That's What I Want)" on With The Beatles is characterized by its raw and powerful energy. The track showcases the band’s early experimentation with different tempos and styles, bringing a unique touch to the original track.
The Kinks - "If You Tolerate This, It's Gonna Be The End of Us"
Original Artist: The Kinks (1964)
Preferred Version: The Beatles performed this during live shows but it was never officially recorded in the studio.
One of the notable live performances by The Beatles includes their rendition of "If You Tolerate This, It's Gonna Be the End of Us." While it wasn’t officially recorded in the studio, this track becomes a highlight of The Beatles’ live shows, reflecting their ability to engage and captivate their audience.
Bobby Scott - "Honey Don't"
Original Artist: Bobby Scott (1960)
Preferred Version: The Beatles included this on Please Please Me (1963)
The Beatles’ cover of "Honey Don't" from Please Please Me showcases their softer side. This track highlights the band’s versatility and their ability to adapt to different genres and styles, making their cover versions as beloved as the originals.
General Notes on The Beatles' Covers
The Beatles often performed covers of songs they loved and were influenced by, particularly rock and roll and rhythm and blues tracks. Their approach to covering songs went beyond mere replication; they infused their own interpretations and artistry, contributing significantly to their early popularity and success.
Many of these cover songs became as popular, if not more so, than the original versions. The Beatles’ versions often featured innovative arrangements, distinctive lead vocal performances, and unique instrumentation, making them stand out and solidifying their legacy.
The preference for certain songs varied among band members but they shared a common love and admiration for the material they chose to cover. Their unique style and creative interpretation allowed them to bring new life to classic tracks and cement their place in the annals of rock history.
In conclusion, The Beatles' cover songs are a testament to their musical diversity and their ability to infuse their creativity into the styles they loved. Their cover versions remain cherished by fans and continue to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide.