This week, I’m joined by Jay Sweet to build a playlist of 20 popular songs you didn’t know were cover songs. From massive radio hits to tracks that feel inseparable from the artists who made them famous, we dig into recordings that actually started somewhere else entirely.

Some of these reveals genuinely caught us off guard, and the result is a playlist that’s equal parts familiar, surprising, and conversation-starting — perfect for anyone who loves uncovering the hidden history behind the songs they know by heart.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

Gladys Knight & The Pips – I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Originally By The Miracles)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Woodstock (Originally By Joni Mitchell)

Judas Priest – Diamonds & Rust (Originally By Joan Baez)

Quiet Riot – Cum On Feel The Noize (Originally By Slade)

Joan Jett – I Love Rock N Roll (Originally By The Arrows)

Led Zeppelin – Dazed & Confused (Originally By Jake Holmes)

Santana – Black Magic Woman (Originally By Fleetwood Mac)

Steve Miller Band – Jet Airliner (Originally By Paul Pena)

KISS – God Gave Rock N Roll To You (Originally By Argent)

Heart – Alone (Originally By i-Ten)

Huey Lewis & The News – Do You Believe In Love? (Originally By Supercharge)

Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody (Originally By Les Baxter)

Billy Ray Cyrus – Achy Breaky Heart (Originally By The Marcy Brothers)

Juice Newton – Angel of The Morning (Originally By Evie Sands)

Natalie Imbruglia – Torn (Originally By Ednaswap)

Laura Branigan – Gloria (Originally By Umberto Tozzi)

Toni Basil – Mickey (Originally By Racey)

The Spinners – Working My Way Back To You (Originally By Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons)

Soft Cell – Tainted Love (Originally By Gloria Jones)

Whitney Houston – The Greatest Love Of All (Originally By George Benson)