Cover Songs: Good, Bad, and Ugly

Many of us are familiar with the concept of cover songs. One artist will re-record a song written and performed by another artist, usually resulting in a newer, updated sound. Sometimes these covers are enjoyable, and sometimes we long for the original recording. What you may not realize is that the idea of the cover song goes way back to the beginning of popular music in America, when the racial divide was at its worst. “Good looking, clean-cut” white artists were hired to sing “cleaned-up” versions of songs by black performers. This would ensure good radio air-play and better album sales. However, the result was sometimes so completely different that it is difficult to recognize the “original” song.

Below I have two examples of this happening, both from the year 1954. I would like you to listen to each of these examples and generously comment on the following aspects:

1. What are the similarities between the two versions? Be detailed!
2. What are the main differences between the two versions? Be detailed!
3. Which version do you believe was more marketable in 1954, and why?
4. Which version do you believe to be more “authentic”, and why?

Please use at least 75 words for each response (8 total). I’m looking for three scholarly (complete) sentences for each of the four questions above, for each of the two examples. Have fun with this – some of these questions ask for personal opinion. Feel free to give it!

Format:

Example 1: Sh-Boom

1.

2.

3.

4.

Example 2: Shake, Rattle, and Roll

1.

2.

3.

4.