Cover Songs That Transformed Compositions, And Defined Musical Careers

By Steve Kraske,

Published November 6, 2017 at 3:47 PM CST

After Lori Lieberman wrote and recorded "Killing Me Softly with His Song" in 1971, Roberta Flack, left, made a splash with her own rendition of the song. The Fugees, right, had a huge (and terminal) hit with the composition more than 20 years later.

For as long as there has been recorded music, there have been cover songs. Today, music writer Ray Padgett shares the stories behind some of the greatest cover songs of all time — from Whitney Houston's version of a Dolly Parton classic to Johnny Cash's take on an easily-overlooked Nine Inch Nails track. We also hear from callers about the cover songs that made an impact on them.

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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