Music Career talk 25

Special announcement next week. Now on with the show;
The subject today or I guess tonight is "cover songs" or covering other peoples songs.
Sometimes it's the best way to get noticed. Lots of artists have made a career out of other peoples songs. Of course I will give you examples, but let talk about why??
Some artists don't have the ability to write great songs but are great artists!! That should not stop them from having a great career, just ask Rod Stewart. I'm not saying Rod didn't write any of his own songs I'm just saying. When I go to hear an artist or band I like to hear a cover, it gives me an idea of how one artist interprets other peoples work. If it sounds the same as the original artist then most of the time it's a pass for me. If I see a band playing Beatles songs and they do it well I guess that's okay.
There are a number of bands that have exploded with success from other people’s material. Before I start naming names there are some rules to covering other people's songs, like say legal permission either through the artists themselves, their publishing companies, or the Harry Fox Agency. Just make sure you have permission so you don't get your butt in an expensive law suite.
Here are some artists who really know how to make a cover song their own;
Ray Charles (Elanor Rigby), Joe Cocker (With a Little Help from My friends),
Van Halen (Dancing in the Streets), Marilyn Manson (Sweet Dreams), Led Zeppelin (the first L.P.and that's a fact)Great White (Once Bitten), Quiet Riot (Cum on feel the Noise)the Beatles and the Stones all did covers dare I say even No Doubt, the list goes on. Then there's the other list of cover songs that didn't come out very well, let’s not deal with that. If you decide to spend your time covering a song on record or live in your set, make it your own, make the original artist proud and make sure you have permission. Have a good night.