Maturing is realizing just how many country hits from your favorite artists are actually covers. As though Pandora's Box, this isn't a rabbit hole for the faint of heart. The deeper you trawl, the more 'originals' turn out to be covers from artists that hardly got the recognition they deserved.
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Of course, covers aren't inherently bad. If an artist covers a song and people like the cover more, then that's perfectly fine. However, some covers became such huge hits that the originals faded into onscurity, and the mega star gets all the credit.
This is a shame both for the original artist and for the fans who may be disappointed to learn their favorite artist didn't actually write their favorite song.
All that being said, let's dive into four huge hits that are actually covers.
Amarillo By Morning — George Strait
The most surprising may be George Strait's signature hit "Amarillo By Morning." George Strait covered the song in 1982, years after the original release.
"Amarillo By Morning" was originally penned by Terry Stafford and released in 1973.
Wagon Wheel — Darius Rucker
That's right, Darius Rucker's most popular and famous song isn't an original. The history of this single is pretty interesting, and is one Rucker covered in 2014.
"Wagon Wheel" was originally penned by the Old Crow Medicine Show in 2004. Although it was pretty successful, it doesn't compare to the heights Darius Rucker took it to.
The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia — Reba
"The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia" isn't just a mouthful, it's also a cover. Reba released the cover in 1991. I can see why she covered it, it's a brilliant song.
The song was originally released in 1973 by Vicki Lawrence. In my humble opinion, I think the original is a little better. Take a listen, you'll see what I mean.
Ol' Red — Blake Shelton
"Ol' Red" is one Blake Shelton's more popular classics. It may surprise you to learn that he isn't the mastermind behind the song. It may surprise you further, however, to learn that it's a cover from a George Jones song.
George Jones originally cut "Ol' Red" in 1990, and Blake Shelton covered the song in 2001. He went one step further, however, as he also named his Nashville bar Ol' Red. Now that's taking the cake.
