Old vs. New: Which One is For You?

By TJ Lewis

Out of these hit songs, which artist made the best cover for you?

Are you a die-hard fan for the original, or does the new version have more appeal?

These Boots Are Made For Walkin’

By Nancy Sinatra
Covered by Loretta Lynn and Jessica Simpson

“These boots are made for walking…and one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you”

This hit song was recorded by Nancy Sinatra in 1965. It landed on the music charts in 1966 and reached No. 1 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and on the UK Singles Chart. Later that year, just two months after Sinatra released the song, Loretta Lynn included her cover of the song on her own chart topping album, You Ain’t Woman Enough. Many other artists followed suit, covering the song, including The Supremes, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lil’ Kim, and Jessica Simpson. Simpson’s version was her fifth Top 20 single in the United States.

Killing Me Softly

By Lori Lieberman
Covered by Roberta Flack and The Fugees

“Strumming my pain with his fingers…killing me softly with his song”

Lori Lieberman released this slow, haunting ballad in 1972. A year later Roberta Flack spent 5 non-consecutive weeks at the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her version. In 1996, the song was covered, yet again, by the revolutionary group, The Fugees. Leading vocals in one of her most iconic songs of all time, Lauryn Hill, belted cool chords on the track for The Fugees’ The Score album. Known for its timeless sound, The Fugees’ version hit No. 1 on music charts around the world, and took home a Grammy.

You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me

By Dusty Springfield
Covered by Elvis Presley and Tom Jones

“You don’t have to say you love me, just be close at hand”

This song was a hit record for English singer Dusty Springfield in 1966. It was her most successful hit single and gained more popularity with other musicians’ takes. Elvis Presley covered the song in 1970 and reached No. 11 on the music charts in the US. Tom Jones added his flare to it in 1976 when he performed his cover on TV during the late night musical variety series, The Midnight Special.

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay

By Otis Redding
Covered by Percy Sledge and Cher

“I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay, watchin’ the tide, roll away…”

Written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper, this song was recorded by Redding twice in 1967. Redding tragically passed the same year, but his song lived on, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Percy Sledge, a singer of soul and gospel, covered the song in 1969, and later that year, Cher put her own spin on the classic.