Most Covered Songs of All Time
These songs have inspired thousands of artists to create their own versions. Discover why some songs become cover favorites.
All-Time Most Covered
Yesterday
The Beatles (1965)
The most covered song in history. Paul McCartney's melancholic ballad has been recorded by everyone from Elvis to Boyz II Men.
Summertime
George Gershwin (1935)
Originally from the opera Porgy and Bess, this jazz standard has crossed every genre imaginable.
Georgia On My Mind
Hoagy Carmichael (1930)
Made immortal by Ray Charles, this song became the official state song of Georgia.
My Way
Claude Francois / Frank Sinatra (1969)
Originally a French song, Sinatra's version became his signature. Elvis, Sid Vicious, and thousands more have covered it.
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen (1984)
Cohen's masterpiece was barely noticed until covers by John Cale and Jeff Buckley revealed its greatness.
Imagine
John Lennon (1971)
Lennon's utopian anthem has been covered at peace rallies, talent shows, and by major artists worldwide.
Modern Cover Favorites
These songs from recent decades have become go-to choices for cover artists.
Creep
Radiohead (1992)
The band famously tired of playing it
Mad World
Tears for Fears (1982)
Gary Jules version became more famous
Toxic
Britney Spears (2003)
A favorite for genre-bending covers
Jolene
Dolly Parton (1973)
The White Stripes version went viral
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana (1991)
Covered in every genre from jazz to orchestral
Nothing Compares 2 U
Prince/Sinead O'Connor (1985)
Written by Prince, famous via O'Connor
Hurt
Nine Inch Nails (1994)
Johnny Cash's version redefined the song
Take Me to Church
Hozier (2013)
Modern anthem for cover artists
What Makes a Song "Coverable"?
Melodic Simplicity
Great songs often have simple, memorable melodies that work across arrangements.
Universal Themes
Love, loss, hope—themes that resonate with every generation of performers.
Harmonic Flexibility
The chord progressions allow for reinterpretation in different genres.
Cultural Impact
Iconic songs that everyone knows, making covers instantly recognizable.
Cover Song Fun Facts
"Yesterday" Record
The Beatles' "Yesterday" holds the Guinness World Record for most cover versions, with over 3,000 recorded versions.
Songwriting Royalties
Every time a cover is played, the original songwriter earns royalties. Hit songs earn millions from covers alone.
Chart Comebacks
Many songs return to charts decades later thanks to viral covers. Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" re-charted in 2020 from a TikTok video.
Talent Show Staples
"Hallelujah" is so frequently performed on talent shows that some competitions have banned it.
Genres Built on Covers
Jazz Standards
Jazz has always been about interpretation. Standards like "Autumn Leaves" and "My Funny Valentine" have been recorded thousands of times.
Classic Rock
Rock bands regularly cover each other. Led Zeppelin famously drew from blues; countless bands have covered the Beatles and Stones.
YouTube/Social
The digital age created a new cover culture. YouTube artists have built careers entirely on creative covers of popular songs.
Explore Cover Versions
Discover your favorite songs reimagined by talented artists.