Heart’s Version Of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” Isn’t The Only Rock Cover That May Be Better Than The Original
Heart’s rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” during the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors is often hailed as a cover that rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, the original. The performance, featuring Ann and Nancy Wilson alongside a full choir and orchestra, was a powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin, who were being honored that evening. The Wilson sisters brought a fresh emotional depth to the song, with Ann’s soaring vocals and Nancy’s delicate guitar work capturing the essence of the original while adding their unique interpretation. The performance was met with tears from the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, including Robert Plant, who later remarked that the cover had deeply moved him. This version of “Stairway to Heaven” became an instant classic, celebrated for its reverence to the original while standing as a masterpiece in its own right.
The success of Heart’s cover highlights a broader trend in rock music where some covers are seen as equal to or even better than the originals. One such example is Joe Cocker’s version of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Released in 1968, Cocker’s rendition transformed the original into a soulful, blues-infused anthem. His gravelly voice and the intense instrumental arrangement gave the song a new life, distancing it from the more whimsical tone of the original. Cocker’s version became a defining moment of his career, famously performed at Woodstock in 1969. The cover’s success led many to regard it as superior to the original, capturing the spirit of the late 1960s more profoundly.
Another example is Jimi Hendrix’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” Dylan’s original was a sparse, acoustic track, but Hendrix’s 1968 version turned it into a psychedelic rock masterpiece. Hendrix’s guitar work on the track is legendary, transforming the song into an epic and electrifying experience. Even Bob Dylan himself acknowledged the superiority of Hendrix’s version, incorporating elements of Hendrix’s interpretation into his own live performances of the song. Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower” is often cited as one of the greatest rock covers of all time, illustrating how a cover can take on a life of its own.
Johnny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” is another example where the cover arguably outshines the original. Cash recorded “Hurt” in 2002, towards the end of his life, and infused the song with a raw, haunting quality that spoke to his own life experiences. The accompanying music video, which juxtaposed images of Cash’s younger days with his frail, older self, added to the song’s emotional impact. Trent Reznor, who wrote and performed the original, admitted that Cash’s version felt like a different song entirely, one that he could no longer claim as his own. The cover became a defining moment of Cash’s late career, widely regarded as one of the most powerful covers ever recorded.
Eric Clapton’s version of “I Shot the Sheriff,” originally by Bob Marley, is another cover that gained significant recognition. While Marley’s original was a reggae classic, Clapton’s 1974 cover brought the song into the mainstream, infusing it with a blues-rock flair. Clapton’s smooth guitar work and laid-back vocals helped the song top the charts, introducing a wider audience to Marley’s music. While some purists may prefer the original, Clapton’s version is often credited with helping to popularize reggae music outside of Jamaica, making it a landmark cover in rock history.
Aretha Franklin’s cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect” is another iconic example. While Redding’s original was a powerful soul track, Franklin’s 1967 version became an anthem of the civil rights and feminist movements. Franklin’s rendition added a level of assertiveness and demand that was absent in the original, turning the song into a declaration of independence and empowerment. The cover was so successful that it overshadowed the original, with Redding himself reportedly remarking that the song now belonged to Franklin. Her version of “Respect” remains one of the most celebrated covers in music history, exemplifying how a cover can transform a song’s meaning and impact.
Each of these covers illustrates the power of reinterpretation in music. While the original versions of these songs are undoubtedly significant, the covers bring something new to the table, whether it’s a different emotional depth, a fresh instrumental arrangement, or a new cultural context. In some cases, these covers have become the definitive versions of the songs, showing that in the world of music, a cover can sometimes surpass the original in both artistry and impact.
These covers also highlight the versatility of the artists who performed them. Ann and Nancy Wilson, Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, and Aretha Franklin are all artists known for their ability to take a song and make it their own, imbuing it with their unique style and personality. Their covers have become part of their legacies, showing that a great cover is not just about paying tribute to the original but also about bringing a new perspective to the music. Whether it’s through powerful vocals, innovative guitar work, or a fresh emotional interpretation, these covers have left an indelible mark on the history of rock music.
