A cover version, also known as a cover song, remake, revival, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a song by a singer or composer other than the song’s original performer or writer. It originally referred to a cover of a song that was made available at the same time as the original to compete with it. It now refers to any revision made after the initial one.
The term “cover” has been used for many years to refer to a competing recording of a song made to compete with the previously released (original) version. Examples of songs that have been covered include Hank Williams’ 1952 song “Jambalaya” and Paul Williams’ 1949 hit song “The Hucklebuck.”
Both have multiple hit versions and were included in the well-known hit parade. The idea of an original recording of a well-known song would have appeared strange until the middle of the 20th century since musical entertainment was thought to be generated live, even if it was performed at home using a copy of the sheet music, by memory, or recorded on a phonograph.
In fact, getting as many artists to perform a piece of music was one of the main goals of publishing sheet music. Due to this, competing cover or “copycat” versions would compete for popularity and the song would become more significant than the performing artist.
Some musicians in earlier eras had highly successful careers doing revivals or reworkings of songs that had previously been popular, even by performing modern covers of current successes. Since the 1950s, musicians have paid homage to the original singer or group by playing what they refer to as “cover versions” of songs.
Also Read: What are some songs where the band or musician later added new verses to the song after it was already popular?
