In the world of music, some songs become timeless anthems, resonating with listeners across different generations. These songs achieve a legendary status, capturing the hearts and minds of countless fans. But behind every famous track, there is always an original version, a first recording that lays the foundation for its eventual acclaim. This initial recording is often crafted with a raw passion and creativity that sets the stage for its future success.
The journey of a song from its original version to becoming a widely recognized hit involves numerous steps. It may go through various stages of production, including arranging, mixing, and mastering. Sometimes, artists and producers might revisit the track multiple times, making changes and improvements to enhance its appeal.
Along the way, the song may be performed live, covered by other artists, and shared across different media platforms, all of which contribute to its growing popularity. Our latest blog post will delve into the beginnings of 11 renowned songs, exploring their debut versions and the artists who first brought them to life.
These initial renditions, often performed by artists who might not have achieved the same level of fame as the songs themselves, hold a special place in the history of music.
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1. Red Roses for a Blue Lady by John Laurenz (1948)
The first version of “Red Roses for a Blue Lady” was performed by John Laurenz in 1948. This classic tune, written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, became an enduring favorite thanks to Laurenz’s heartfelt delivery. John Laurenz, a talented baritone, brought a unique warmth and sincerity to the song, capturing the melancholic yet hopeful sentiment of a man trying to win back his lover with a bouquet of red roses. The song’s simplistic yet poignant lyrics and melody resonated with many listeners, making it a popular choice for romantic serenades and nostalgic recollections. Listen to it here.
2. Close to You by Richard Chamberlain (1963)
“Close to You” was first recorded by actor-singer Richard Chamberlain in 1963. Known for his starring role in the TV series “Dr. Kildare,” Chamberlain ventured into music, bringing his smooth and soothing voice to this Burt Bacharach and Hal David composition. Although it wasn’t a major hit at the time, Chamberlain’s rendition of “Close to You” is notable for its heartfelt interpretation and laid-back style, which later inspired the more famous version by The Carpenters. His performance added a tender, introspective quality to the song, highlighting its potential as a timeless romantic ballad. Listen to it here.
3. That’s What Friends Are For by Rod Stewart (1982)
Rod Stewart first recorded “That’s What Friends Are For” in 1982, introducing audiences to the heartfelt song written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. Stewart’s raspy, emotive vocals brought a raw sincerity to the track, emphasizing the comforting message of friendship and support. Although this version wasn’t a major commercial success, it laid the groundwork for the song’s later popularity. Dionne Warwick’s 1985 rendition, featuring Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John, turned it into a chart-topping hit, but Stewart’s original recording remains a testament to his ability to convey deep emotion through music. Listen to it here.
4. Singin’ In The Rain by The Rounders (1929)
“Singin’ in the Rain” was first performed by The Rounders in 1929. This iconic song, written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, debuted in the early sound film “The Hollywood Revue of 1929.” The Rounders, a popular vaudeville act of the time, brought an infectious energy and joy to the song, which perfectly captured the optimistic spirit of the era. Their lively performance, complete with playful harmonies and cheerful instrumentation, set the stage for the song’s enduring popularity. It became a quintessential piece of American musical heritage, later immortalized by Gene Kelly in the 1952 film of the same name. Listen to it here.
5. Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Charles Hart (1927)
The first version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was recorded by Charles Hart in 1927. Written by Lou Handman and Roy Turk, this poignant ballad was brought to life by Hart’s expressive tenor voice. Hart’s performance captured the sorrowful longing and emotional depth of the lyrics, which explore themes of love and separation. His voice was characterized sincerity and clear articulation, making the song a memorable piece of the era’s musical landscape. Although it gained widespread fame through Elvis Presley’s 1960 version, Hart’s original remains a significant contribution to early American popular music. Listen to it here.
6. Rock Around The Clock by Sonny Dae & His Knights (1954)
“Rock Around the Clock” was first recorded by Sonny Dae & His Knights in 1954. This groundbreaking song, written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers, marked a pivotal moment in the history of rock and roll. Sonny Dae’s energetic and upbeat rendition captured the rebellious spirit of the emerging rock culture. His lively performance, characterized by driving rhythms and catchy melodies, laid the foundation for the song’s later success. Bill Haley & His Comets’ 1955 version would go on to become a defining anthem of the rock and roll era, but Sonny Dae’s original recording remains an important precursor to the genre’s explosive popularity. Listen to it here.
7. Unchained Melody by Todd Duncan (1955)
“Unchained Melody” first appeared as a performance by actor-singer Todd Duncan in the 1955 prison drama “Unchained.” Composed by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret, this version showcased Duncan’s rich baritone voice, bringing a deep emotional resonance to the song’s theme of longing and hope. Duncan’s performance was a pivotal moment in the film, capturing the despair and yearning of the characters. His rendition laid the groundwork for the song’s enduring legacy, leading to numerous covers by artists across genres. Duncan’s interpretation remains a testament to the song’s powerful emotional impact and its timeless appeal. Listen to it here.
8. Love on a Two Way Street by Lezli Valentine (1968)
The first version of “Love on a Two Way Street” was recorded by Lezli Valentine in 1968. Written by Sylvia Robinson and Bert Keyes, this soulful ballad showcased Valentine’s tender and emotive vocals, which perfectly conveyed the song’s themes of love and heartbreak. Although it didn’t achieve major commercial success initially, Valentine’s version laid the foundation for The Moments’ 1970 hit rendition, which became a staple of classic soul music. Listen to it here.
9. Hound Dog by Big Mama Thornton (1952)
“Hound Dog” was first recorded by Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton in 1952. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this blues-infused track showcased Thornton’s powerful and gritty vocal style. Her commanding performance, characterized by a raw and assertive delivery, brought a fierce energy to the song’s defiant lyrics. Thornton’s version was a significant hit on the R&B charts and became a defining moment in her career. It laid the groundwork for Elvis Presley’s 1956 rock and roll rendition, but Thornton’s original remains a landmark recording in the history of blues and rock music. In 2024, she will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside Dionne Warwick, Foreigner, Cher, and other renowned bands and artists. Listen to it here.
10. I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton (1973)
Dolly Parton first recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1973. Written as a farewell to her mentor and business partner Porter Wagoner, the song features Parton’s heartfelt and sincere vocals, which perfectly capture the bittersweet emotion of the lyrics. Her performance is characterized by its simplicity and emotional depth, making it a standout in her illustrious career. The song became a country music classic and later gained international fame through Whitney Houston’s 1992 rendition for the film “The Bodyguard.” Parton’s original version remains a poignant and timeless declaration of enduring love and gratitude. Listen to it here.
11. As Time Goes By
“As Time Goes By” reached its peak popularity in the 1940s. The hit tune was originally recorded by Rudy Vallée in 1931. The song is a timeless ballad with a nostalgic theme, touching on love and the passage of time. Its lyrics emphasize the constancy of love and its enduring nature along the passage of time. Vallée’s recording captures the nostalgic and romantic essence of Herman Hupfeld’s lyrics, setting the stage for its enduring popularity. Listen to it here.
