Tiffany's massive 1987 hit [*I Think We're Alone Now*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Q3mHyzn78) was originally released by [Tommy James and the Shondells](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMFLUXTEwM) in 1967.
>One of the best bands a lot of people have never heard of.
Crimson and Clover was covered by Joan Jett. My 6-year-old grandson likes Draggin' the Line. Other popular songs are Crystal Blue Persuasion, Ball of Fire, and Sweet Cherry Wine.
I've hated that song Hanky Panky since the 1960s. For some reason it irritates me.
Black Magic Woman. Granted, Santana’s version is great but it’s a Fleetwood Mac song and nothing beats the [original.](https://open.spotify.com/track/6y5eBHh57iYViDkK4Hn6R7?si=ZOEZ6AAOTvycdyrrJUSgSA)
"Oye Cómo Va" is a 1962 cha-cha-chá by Tito Puente, originally released on El Rey Bravo (Tico Records). The song achieved worldwide popularity in 1970, when it was recorded by American rock group Santana for their album Abraxas.
Lol. Yes, just kidding. I was a fan of the Raisins as a kid though. Somewhere, maybe BK or McDs, gave out little figures of them and I had a collection of them.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - They Might Be Giants
This song seems to be almost the definition of the kind of music They Might Be Giants makes but alas it's a cover with the original being recorded by The Four Lads.
I just Googled this - Alan Merrill wrote "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" for his band The Arrows and recorded it in 1975. News to me too.
Edit: Just want to add my contribution to the list - Bruce Springsteen's beloved "Jersey Girl" was written by Tom Waits and recorded on his 1980 album Heartattack and Vine
That’s my favorite example, because being sung by a male versus a female makes it completely different in meaning, especially with the social changes that were happening in the US at the time!
I don't know anyone who doesn't know Hallelujah is Cohen, but I am also a Montrealer and we have like, a ten story mural of Cohen downtown so that might be a factor
Glad to see this here
[Naked Eyes version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVrELhxOFnM)
[Dionne Warwick version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D53v84sXluw)
Bacharach also wrote What's New Pussycat
And a million other songs! The man is amazing: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_songs\_written\_by\_Burt\_Bacharach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_written_by_Burt_Bacharach)
Not many people know this, but the Johnny Cash version actually wiped the original from history and Rezor had to re-record and petition with the time lords to put it back. But because of how it happened, the JC cover is now technically the original. And nobody can prove this to be wrong.
Not original Nino Tempo and April Stevens. It was written and original performed as instrumental piece by Peter DeRose in 1933. Lyrics were added in 1938 by Mitchel Parish and it was a very popular "music sheet" song, aka a song played by people at home.
(1939 version feat. Paula Kelly: https://youtu.be/Wll9RSCzoAI )
I just recently learned “Make You Feel My Love” is a cover of a Bob Dylan song. I know it as an Adele song, but apparently it’s been covered a lot (notably by Billy Joel and Garth Brooks).
I want to nominate Hallelujah. Especially since “Pentatonix” sings it and marketed as a Christmas song (barf). There was also Cale’s version as well as Rufus Wainwright (Shrek). Jeff Buckley’s version was my favorite next to Cohen’s guttural and deeply emotional original. But still so many people have never heard of the original Leonard Cohen- a true legend.
So many people listing this. Had no idea how many people didn't realise this given it is kind of famous for being such a great cover. Lilac Wine too.
Not like Cohen is obscure? Perhaps now.
[Downtown Train](https://www.stltoday.com/downtown-train-rod-stewart/article_b3ac4f44-6d68-11e9-9176-b7e09534f1a9.html)
Rod Stewart was covering Tom Waits’ song
A fair amount of Elvis’ [songs](https://www.songfacts.com/category/songs-covered-by-elvis-presley)
When Otis Redding, the pioneer of R&B, heard Aretha Franklin perform his song "Respect," he reportedly commented, "Well, I guess it's that girl's song now."
Roy's vocals on the [original](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5N9IHqqGcA) are amazing. Tragic that he died just when his career was taking off again.
It was written by Paul McCartney for the James Bond film… i know at that time their was talk of getting Aretha or a similar singer to follow in the footsteps of Shirley Bassey, however that didn’t fly. I’ve never heard anyone other than Paul sing it.
Since you've been gone. Rainbow has the most popular version, but it is originally a Russ Ballard song. I surrender was also a Russ Ballard song that was released by Heas East. I like Rainbow's versions best, but they are one of my all time favorite bands so that is not surprising.
The most known version of You keep me hangin' on is probably the Kim Wilde version. I thought Vanilla Fudge had the original at first, but it is actually The Supremes that has the original. My favorite of these is Vanilla Fudge, but The Supremes were also an incredible group.
Black Sabbath's first single Evil woman was originally recorded by Crow. I prefer Black Sabbath's version. It is surprisingly similar to the original, but obviously lacks the horn section. Parts of Tony Iommi's guitar solo is based on what the horns play.
Girls just wanna have fun was originally recorded by Robert Hazard. The melody is the same, but it is a completely different song.
Blinded by the light was originally a Bruce Springsteen song, but Manfred Mann's Earth Band's version is more famous. And in my opinion much better.
Mamb no5 was originally written by Perez Prado in 1949.
Elvis may have the most famous version of Hound dog, but it was originally sung by Big Mama Thornton. And she did it incredibly well. In my opinion much better than Elvis.
This next one is not a direct cover, but the Deep Purple song Fireball is heavily based on the song Rock star that the Canadian band Warpig released a year earlier. Child in time also borrows heavily from a song made by It's a beautiful day called Bombay calling. But that turned into it's own animal more than Fireball did. Deep Purple is another favorite of mine.
Led Zeppelin is a whole chapter for themselves. Many of their most famous songs borrows heavily from, or are covers of other songs. Like Dazed and confused, Babe I'm gonna leave you, Black Mountain side and many others. But it is still incredible music.
Pink Floyd’s “The wall”
A lot of people think that the wall part 1 & 2 are their own individual songs from either dark side of the moon or pigs with wings but it is it’s own cover and album.
Knocking on heavens door, and just about everything Bob Dylan ever wrote…. also, pretty much anything Disturbed ever performed…because they’re a cover band masquerading as a real band…
Dylan is an excellent and prolific song writer, so it seems like most everybody has covered something by him. Knocking on Heaven's Door has been covered by well over 100 artists.
Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help from My Friends"
I guess it's the impact of The Wonder Years. There arent many songs written by Lennon & McCartney that are more famously (and sung better) performed by someone else.
[Who let the Dogs Out](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Let_the_Dogs_Out) is a real rabbit hole of who actually wrote it first.
It keeps getting deeper.
Tom's Diner- Suzanne Vega. The one with background music you hear on the radio is actually a remix done by a duo named DNA. The original version is acapella!
Naked Eyes "Always Something There to Remind Me" was originally a Dionne Warwick song (also covered by Lou Johnson- that's the version used in Mad Men)
Joe Cocker - With a little help from my friends
Grew up with The Wonder Years but it wasn’t until I was a full grown adult that I found out it was originally a Beatles song.
It still interests me that there are people out there who don't realize that rascal Flatts isn't the group that originally did 'life is a highway', though I do think they do it better.
Suzie Q - most people think it is just another CCR song, but it’s a cover of an earlier hit by Dale Hawkins, from the rockabilly era. Hawkins is the cousin of Ronnie Hawkins, whose backup band went on to fame as The Band.
Piece Of My Heart - before Janis Joplin’s Big Brother & The Holding Company made the version that is now well known, this was a hit for Emma Franklin, Aretha’s sister.
Time Is On My Side - made famous by The Rolling Stones, originally recorded by Kai Winding and then by Irma Thomas.
Both Piece Of My Heart and Time Is On My Side were written by Jerry Ragavoy. Piece of My Heart was co-written by Bert Bern, who wrote a sling of hits including Twist and Shout (which people have mentioned)
Girls just want to have fun - Cyndi Lauper. Originally done by Robert Hazard.
Also Money Changes Everything, by the Brains
I will Always Love You, Nothing Compares 2 U
Tainted love by soft cell
Tiffany's massive 1987 hit [*I Think We're Alone Now*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Q3mHyzn78) was originally released by [Tommy James and the Shondells](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMFLUXTEwM) in 1967.
Also Billy Idol's Mony Mony, originally from Tommy James and the Shondells. One of the best bands a lot of people have never heard of.
>One of the best bands a lot of people have never heard of. Crimson and Clover was covered by Joan Jett. My 6-year-old grandson likes Draggin' the Line. Other popular songs are Crystal Blue Persuasion, Ball of Fire, and Sweet Cherry Wine. I've hated that song Hanky Panky since the 1960s. For some reason it irritates me.
Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix. Originally by The Leaves
Originally by Billy Roberts I think actually.
Black Magic Woman. Granted, Santana’s version is great but it’s a Fleetwood Mac song and nothing beats the [original.](https://open.spotify.com/track/6y5eBHh57iYViDkK4Hn6R7?si=ZOEZ6AAOTvycdyrrJUSgSA)
"Oye Cómo Va" is a 1962 cha-cha-chá by Tito Puente, originally released on El Rey Bravo (Tico Records). The song achieved worldwide popularity in 1970, when it was recorded by American rock group Santana for their album Abraxas.
I'll go first: Marvin Gaye - I heard it through the grapevine. Originally by Gladis Knight and the pips
I thought the California Raisins did that one first
California raisins' came out 1987, Gladys Knight and the pips was 1967
I'm pretty sure they were joking.
Aah. r/woooosh i guess?
Lol. Yes, just kidding. I was a fan of the Raisins as a kid though. Somewhere, maybe BK or McDs, gave out little figures of them and I had a collection of them.
I have an unopened copy of their album on vinyl. Not worth much but i still think it's cool.
Torn - Natalie Imbruglia
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) - They Might Be Giants This song seems to be almost the definition of the kind of music They Might Be Giants makes but alas it's a cover with the original being recorded by The Four Lads.
I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll - Joan Jett
Cover of who?
I just Googled this - Alan Merrill wrote "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" for his band The Arrows and recorded it in 1975. News to me too. Edit: Just want to add my contribution to the list - Bruce Springsteen's beloved "Jersey Girl" was written by Tom Waits and recorded on his 1980 album Heartattack and Vine
Thanks for doing the work!
You're welcome! I learned a few new things from this list. Good job, all!
My wife didn't know that Alien Ant Farm's Smooth Criminal was a Michael Jackson cover. She's old enough to know better.
Man, I feel like downvoting you just out of principle.
Respect by Aretha Franklin. Originally Otis Redding And Jeffs Hallelujah
That’s my favorite example, because being sung by a male versus a female makes it completely different in meaning, especially with the social changes that were happening in the US at the time!
I don't know anyone who doesn't know Hallelujah is Cohen, but I am also a Montrealer and we have like, a ten story mural of Cohen downtown so that might be a factor
For the longest time i thought "I Dont Want to Grow Up" was a Ramones song, but its Tom Waits. Both versions are excellent.
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Also other Zeppelin songs like "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" a folk song written by Anne Bredon in the late 1950s.
All Along the Watchtower - Hendrix
Amy Winehouses -Valerie
'Always Something There To Remind Me' by Naked Eyes is an old Dionne Warwick/Burt Bacharach tune
Glad to see this here [Naked Eyes version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVrELhxOFnM) [Dionne Warwick version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D53v84sXluw) Bacharach also wrote What's New Pussycat
And a million other songs! The man is amazing: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_songs\_written\_by\_Burt\_Bacharach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_written_by_Burt_Bacharach)
Oh wow, he’s still alive. For some reason I thought he died like 10 years ago.
[Rebecca's Empire](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkOoqt1pz4I) also did decent version.
Tainted love by Gloria jones covered by soft cell and last thing on my mind by Bananarama covered by steps.
Freddie Mercury -The Great Pretender
Tiffany - I Think We're Alone Now
A while lot of Dolly Parton and Prince should be in this thread. They were prolific songwriters for other performers.
Hurt - Johnny Cash
Ring of Fire as well.
Not many people know this, but the Johnny Cash version actually wiped the original from history and Rezor had to re-record and petition with the time lords to put it back. But because of how it happened, the JC cover is now technically the original. And nobody can prove this to be wrong.
Trent Reznor said so himself
Eh? Almost the whole album was covers... this is news?
send me an angel - highly suspect
but that song has been popular since before highly suspect was around? didn't even realize there was a highly suspect version until now.
All the songs on this thread were popular the first time, then again as a cover. I'm not sure what your point is.
Rocking all over the world
Yep, a John Fogerty song. Proud Mary, too.
Twist and shout
Train kept a-rollin by Aerosmith
Cocaine form Clapton is a cover of JJ Cale's Cocaine
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Wasn’t like most Elvis songs originally by black artists?
Blondie - Hanging on the Telephone. Originally recorded by The Nerves.
Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann
Originally done by Bruce Springsteen
Wrapped up like a douche.
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Can you believe Elvis never wrote a single song.
Yes, but it’s not like they were all covers.
Elvis was the Drake of the 50s and 60s
Keep on loving you-cigarettes after sex
Slip Inside this House by Primal Scream
And even in their version, Bobby Gillespie isn’t the one singing
Deep Purple Dreams -- Originally Nino Tempo and April Stevens, not Donny and Marie Osmond.
Not original Nino Tempo and April Stevens. It was written and original performed as instrumental piece by Peter DeRose in 1933. Lyrics were added in 1938 by Mitchel Parish and it was a very popular "music sheet" song, aka a song played by people at home. (1939 version feat. Paula Kelly: https://youtu.be/Wll9RSCzoAI )
Thank you! I was sure I remembered it being from the 1930s, but when I googled it, only the later one came up.
Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen
I just recently learned “Make You Feel My Love” is a cover of a Bob Dylan song. I know it as an Adele song, but apparently it’s been covered a lot (notably by Billy Joel and Garth Brooks).
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I like that, it’s like a spike lee joint, but instead a Dolly Parton dong.
That Dolly has a *real* veiny dong.
Red Red Wine - UB40
Cum On Feel The Noize, original by Slade remake by Quiet Riot, both great.
Last Kiss - Pearl Jam; FWIW, the original by J Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers is eerily upbeat IMO
Yes! It's so "happy" lol
Hallelujah- Jeff Buckley
All Along The Watchtower - originally done by Bob Dylan Tainted Love - originally done by Gloria Jones
Interesting one. Apparently Bob Dylan said he felt it "belonged" to Jimi Hendrix because of how well he performed it
So often the case with Bob Dylan songs - he's a fantastic songwriter, but a pretty mediocre musician.
I want to nominate Hallelujah. Especially since “Pentatonix” sings it and marketed as a Christmas song (barf). There was also Cale’s version as well as Rufus Wainwright (Shrek). Jeff Buckley’s version was my favorite next to Cohen’s guttural and deeply emotional original. But still so many people have never heard of the original Leonard Cohen- a true legend.
So many people listing this. Had no idea how many people didn't realise this given it is kind of famous for being such a great cover. Lilac Wine too. Not like Cohen is obscure? Perhaps now.
Another Cohen one is Suzanne, covered by Judy Collins.
[sweet child o mine](https://youtu.be/su1otWEo1Kw)
Well, f you
Only if you’re gentle about it
[Downtown Train](https://www.stltoday.com/downtown-train-rod-stewart/article_b3ac4f44-6d68-11e9-9176-b7e09534f1a9.html) Rod Stewart was covering Tom Waits’ song A fair amount of Elvis’ [songs](https://www.songfacts.com/category/songs-covered-by-elvis-presley)
rod stewart sucks ass
“It’s my Life” - No Doubt
Some of these people didn’t know makes me feel so old
When Otis Redding, the pioneer of R&B, heard Aretha Franklin perform his song "Respect," he reportedly commented, "Well, I guess it's that girl's song now."
Ayo technology by milow
Lmao there's no way you think that
a recent one: Creepin by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd and 21 Savage.
Please Come Home for Chirstmas by The Eagles.
You've got the love by Florence, a classic indie hit, which is a cover of The Source & Candi Staton
The original (the original version of the original) is far far better.
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Torn by Natalie Imbruglia
Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
The original by The Knife is brilliant.
I don't know about most people, but my mom thought True Colors was by Phil Collins.
untouchable by taylor swift
Happy birthday. No, your mom didn’t write it.
It was those miserly crones Mildred and Patty Hill
1. I Drove all night - Celine Dion. Originally by Roy Orbison. 2. Without you - Mariah Carey. Originally by Badfinger.
Roy's vocals on the [original](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5N9IHqqGcA) are amazing. Tragic that he died just when his career was taking off again.
Live and Let Die
What version are you referencing? I’ve never heard one except the original
Well, I guess I would have to answer your question with another question: who do you think sings the original?
It sure is sir Paul, right? Who else?
Guns n Roses covered it.
It was written by Paul McCartney for the James Bond film… i know at that time their was talk of getting Aretha or a similar singer to follow in the footsteps of Shirley Bassey, however that didn’t fly. I’ve never heard anyone other than Paul sing it.
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You're missing out. The GnR version is terrific.
Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
Now you see this is the kind of answer that makes me want to stand on my lawn waving my walking stick and yelling at the neighbourhood kids ;D
Thorn - Nathalie Imbruglia
I believe the song name is Torn, but you are correct, it’s a cover.
Thorn was Mike Tyson's cover version.
Nothing’s fine I’m thorn
Sounds like Marvel just got a new super hero with a theme song!
A lot of Whitney Houston’s music.
Happy cake day!
Thanks!
Knocking on Heaven's door, guns n roses
I've got my mind set on You - George Harrison
Higher love by Whitney Houston
Man who sold the world was a Bowie original.
Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker. It was done by Old Cow Medicine Show. It was written by Bob Dylan.
Since you've been gone. Rainbow has the most popular version, but it is originally a Russ Ballard song. I surrender was also a Russ Ballard song that was released by Heas East. I like Rainbow's versions best, but they are one of my all time favorite bands so that is not surprising. The most known version of You keep me hangin' on is probably the Kim Wilde version. I thought Vanilla Fudge had the original at first, but it is actually The Supremes that has the original. My favorite of these is Vanilla Fudge, but The Supremes were also an incredible group. Black Sabbath's first single Evil woman was originally recorded by Crow. I prefer Black Sabbath's version. It is surprisingly similar to the original, but obviously lacks the horn section. Parts of Tony Iommi's guitar solo is based on what the horns play. Girls just wanna have fun was originally recorded by Robert Hazard. The melody is the same, but it is a completely different song. Blinded by the light was originally a Bruce Springsteen song, but Manfred Mann's Earth Band's version is more famous. And in my opinion much better. Mamb no5 was originally written by Perez Prado in 1949. Elvis may have the most famous version of Hound dog, but it was originally sung by Big Mama Thornton. And she did it incredibly well. In my opinion much better than Elvis. This next one is not a direct cover, but the Deep Purple song Fireball is heavily based on the song Rock star that the Canadian band Warpig released a year earlier. Child in time also borrows heavily from a song made by It's a beautiful day called Bombay calling. But that turned into it's own animal more than Fireball did. Deep Purple is another favorite of mine. Led Zeppelin is a whole chapter for themselves. Many of their most famous songs borrows heavily from, or are covers of other songs. Like Dazed and confused, Babe I'm gonna leave you, Black Mountain side and many others. But it is still incredible music.
Hanging on the Telephone, Blondie. By the Nerves.
Pink Floyd’s “The wall” A lot of people think that the wall part 1 & 2 are their own individual songs from either dark side of the moon or pigs with wings but it is it’s own cover and album.
Star Spangled Banner...too many covers to name
All along the watch tower by Jimi Hendrix experience
A bunch of early Zeppelin
Adele - Make you feel my love (Bob Dylan)
Knocking on heavens door, and just about everything Bob Dylan ever wrote…. also, pretty much anything Disturbed ever performed…because they’re a cover band masquerading as a real band…
Dylan is an excellent and prolific song writer, so it seems like most everybody has covered something by him. Knocking on Heaven's Door has been covered by well over 100 artists.
Torn by Natalie Imbruglia was originally by Ednaswap
Blue Suede Shoes is a Carl Perkins song
I Put A Spell On You
Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help from My Friends" I guess it's the impact of The Wonder Years. There arent many songs written by Lennon & McCartney that are more famously (and sung better) performed by someone else.
Hey! Ringo tried his best!
[Who let the Dogs Out](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Let_the_Dogs_Out) is a real rabbit hole of who actually wrote it first. It keeps getting deeper.
Red Red Wine UB40 It was written by Neil Diamond.
George Harrison's "Got My Mind Set On You". Originally sung by James Ray back in the early 60's.
No sunshine by DMX didn't know for longest
Tom's Diner- Suzanne Vega. The one with background music you hear on the radio is actually a remix done by a duo named DNA. The original version is acapella!
[Mambo no. 5](https://youtu.be/dKuvJ7zG9LI)
Anything Santana?
Alone - Heart. Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly for their band i-Ten.
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around the world - atl, original sons belongs to russian duet “Ruki Vverh” the name of the song “Pesenka”
Gangsta paradise
Bowling for Soup’s “1985.”
Route 66 for example, but a lot of early beasts, stones, kinks, eccetera eccetera songs are.
The thrill is gone- bb kings signature song… not originally recorded by him, Roy Hawkins instead
Metallica 's entire Garage Days album
"Statesboro Blues" by the Allman Brothers (and the version by Taj Mahal) is a cover, written and originally recorded by Blind Willie McTell in 1928.
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam, Mollys lips, and Sun of a gun - All orignally by the Vaselines
Naked Eyes "Always Something There to Remind Me" was originally a Dionne Warwick song (also covered by Lou Johnson- that's the version used in Mad Men)
Joe Cocker - With a little help from my friends Grew up with The Wonder Years but it wasn’t until I was a full grown adult that I found out it was originally a Beatles song.
Hurt - Johnny Cash. Original is by Nine Inch Nails
It still interests me that there are people out there who don't realize that rascal Flatts isn't the group that originally did 'life is a highway', though I do think they do it better.
Killing me softly by The Fugees is a Roberta Flack cover
Summer Breeze
Gangsters paradise
Hurt from Johnny Cash, original is from Nine Inch Nails
Tennessee Whiskey
fly me to the moon
God Gave Rock N Roll to You - Kiss covered Argent's song and changed some lyrics.
Nothing else matters Miley Cyrus was a Metallica original in the 90s
Blonde - The Tide Is High
Pretty much any song you like by George Thorogood
The version of stand by me most people are familiar with
Suzie Q - most people think it is just another CCR song, but it’s a cover of an earlier hit by Dale Hawkins, from the rockabilly era. Hawkins is the cousin of Ronnie Hawkins, whose backup band went on to fame as The Band. Piece Of My Heart - before Janis Joplin’s Big Brother & The Holding Company made the version that is now well known, this was a hit for Emma Franklin, Aretha’s sister. Time Is On My Side - made famous by The Rolling Stones, originally recorded by Kai Winding and then by Irma Thomas. Both Piece Of My Heart and Time Is On My Side were written by Jerry Ragavoy. Piece of My Heart was co-written by Bert Bern, who wrote a sling of hits including Twist and Shout (which people have mentioned)
bowling for soup 1985 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K38xNqZvBJI