In music, the voice behind the microphone often gets all the credit, but the real story sometimes starts in a different room entirely. Many chart-topping tracks were originally penned by songwriters who never intended to sing them, or who passed them along to artists who turned them into global smashes. From unexpected collaborations to behind-the-scenes masterminds, these songs prove that authorship in the music industry is not always as obvious as it seems.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
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Whitney Houston’s 1992 powerhouse rendition of this song is legendary, yet it was written by Dolly Parton in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor and business partner Porter Wagoner. The song’s journey from country to pop ballad highlights the adaptability of well-crafted lyrics and melodies.
“Hound Dog” – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s signature performance of “Hound Dog” is often seen as the embodiment of rock ’n’ roll rebellion, but it was written by the prolific songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Originally recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952, Elvis’ version catapulted the song into mainstream fame.
“The First Cut Is the Deepest” – Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart’s 1977 version made this song widely popular, though it was written by Cat Stevens in 1967. The heartfelt lyrics about love and heartbreak have been interpreted by multiple artists over the years, proving that a strong song can endure through generations.
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie Imbruglia turned “Torn” into a 1997 international hit, yet the song was written and originally recorded in 1993 by the American band Ednaswap. Imbruglia’s clean pop-rock interpretation cemented its status, showing how timing and delivery can elevate a song beyond its origins.
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – Starship
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This 1987 anthem of love and perseverance, associated with the film Mannequin, was written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond. Starship’s dynamic performance gave the song its chart-topping energy, exemplifying the power of professional songwriting teams in crafting enduring hits.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” is widely associated with Cyndi Lauper, but the song was actually written by Robert Hazard in 1979. Hazard’s original version was performed from a male perspective and had a much darker, more sarcastic tone. When Lauper recorded it for her debut album She’s So Unusual, she rewrote the lyrics to reflect a female point of view and transformed it into a bright, defiant pop anthem.
“Twist and Shout” – The Beatles
Though The Beatles made “Twist and Shout” an enduring rock ’n’ roll favorite in 1963, it was originally written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns and first recorded by The Top Notes in 1961. The Beatles’ raw energy, particularly John Lennon’s raspy vocals, transformed it into a timeless crowd-pleaser.
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds
The iconic theme song from The Breakfast Club is synonymous with Simple Minds, but the Scottish rock band didn’t even write it. The track was penned by producer Keith Forsey and songwriter Steve Schiff, and it was famously turned down by a number of artists, including Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music and Billy Idol, before Simple Minds reluctantly agreed to record it at the urging of their record label.
“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
The rock-tinged anthem that catapulted Kelly Clarkson to international stardom was almost sung by a different artist entirely. Songwriters Max Martin and Dr. Luke originally offered the track to Pink, who passed on it. It was then given to pop star Hillary Duff, whose management also turned it down, citing that it didn’t fit her voice. The song finally landed with Clarkson, becoming one of her signature hits and a definitive pop-punk classic of the 2000s.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor
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Although Sinead O’Connor made this 1990 hit her own, the song was actually written by Prince in 1985 for his side project, The Family. Prince’s original version barely saw the light of day, but O’Connor’s raw emotional delivery turned it into a global phenomenon, showcasing how a songwriter’s work can transcend its initial vision.
