15 Most Covered Artists
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15 Most Covered Artists

15 Most Covered Artists

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” ― Oscar Wilde

So when one of your songs is covered by another artist, you should feel flattered. Some of the covers are indeed better than the original (some but not many!)

Below we list the 15 most covered artists of all time.

Songs by The Beatles songs have been covered 9860 times.

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the most influential band of all time.

Their most covered / sampled song? Here, There and Everywhere (1966), covered more than 226 times.

Frank Sinatra‘s songs have been covered over 1572 times.

Francis Albert Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer, actor and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century.

Not surprisingly, his most covered / sampled song is Theme From New York, New York (1980), covered more than 43 times by other artists.

Elvis Presley tunes have been covered over 1294 times.

Elvis Aaron (Aron) Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), also known simply as Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “The King”.

His most covered / sampled song? Can’t Help Falling in Love (1961), covered by more than 128 other artists.

15 Most Covered Artists

Songs recorded by Michael Jackson have been covered 1074 times.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Dubbed the “King of Pop”, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest entertainers in the history of music.

Human Nature (1982) is his most covered / sampled song – 118

Stevie Wonder’ songs have been covered / sampled 1068 times.

Stevland Hardaway Morris (born May 13, 1950), better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. A prominent figure in popular music, he is one of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the history of music.

His most covered / sampled tune? My Cherie Amour (1969) with over 65 versions.

Bob Dylan songs have been covered or sampled over 941 times.

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for more than fifty years.

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (1973) has been covered / sampled at least 62 times.

Songs by The Rolling Stones have been covered or sampled at least 827 times.

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of band leader Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica, keyboards), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass guitar), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (piano).

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1965) is their most covered / sampled tune, with over 123 artists finding they could fine satisfaction.

15 Most Covered Artists

David Bowie was covered 777 times.

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie was an English singer-songwriter and actor. He was a leading figure in the music industry and is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s.

His most sampled / covered song is Under Pressure (1981) with over 51 covers.

ABBA songs have been covered or sampled at least 723 times.

ABBA is a Swedish pop supergroup formed in Stockholm in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group’s name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names. They became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, topping the charts worldwide from 1974 to 1982.

Dancing Queen (1976) is their most covered / sampled tune with 85.

Bing Crosby songs have been covered / sampled at least 715 times.

Harold Lillis “Bing” Crosby Jr. (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977)[1][2] was an American singer, comedian and actor. The first multimedia star, Crosby was a leader in record sales, radio ratings, and motion picture grosses from 1931 to 1954.

It will come as no surprise that White Christmas (1942) is his most covered / sampled song – 224.

John Lennon as a solo artist has been covered / sampled 671 times.

John Winston Ono Lennon MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in history.

It won’t surprise you to learn that Imagine (1971) is his most copied song – at least 241 samples or cover versions.

Queen songs have been covered 647 times.

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1970. Their classic line-up was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals) and John Deacon (bass). Their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock.

We Will Rock You (1977) is their most covered / sampled tune with nearly 200 other artists enjoying the song.

Black Sabbath songs have been covered 614 times.

Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music.

War Pigs (1970) with over 57 associated versions, either covers or samples, is their most copied song.

15 Most Covered Artists

Nat King Cole tunes have been covered 577 times.

Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965), known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American vocalist and jazz pianist. He recorded over one hundred songs that became hits on the pop charts.

His most sampled / covered song is Smile (1954) with at least 53 versions or samples.

U2 have been covered 574 times.

U2 are an Irish band from Dublin, formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). Initially rooted in post-punk, U2’s musical style has evolved throughout their career.

With or Without You (1987) is their most sampled / covered song, with over 83 artists using the song.

15 Most Covered Artists We would like to thank https://www.whosampled.com/ for many of the stats associated with this post. We receive no financial reward for mentioning them – we just love ’em!

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