#1007. Lineage of Song: “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana

Patti Smith

In the style of Frank Sinatra

Don’t normally include parodies, but kind of felt I needed to, this time. Also worth noting that “Diamond” Dallas Page used an homage that was so close to “Teen Spirit” as his entrance music in WCW eventually he wasn’t allowed to use it anymore. WWE still used a version, though.

#1006. Lineage of Song: “Blackbird”

 

Beatles

Beyoncé 

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album received a ton of attention, especially when a country awards show opted not to spotlight it. But it’s slightly more a conversation about race than it is a country album. “Blackbird” was the Beatles’ song about the Civil Rights movement, so it was only appropriate she include it in the album.

#1005. Lineage of Song: “Tomorrow is a Long Time”

 

Elvis Presley 

Bob Dylan

Surely one of the bigger surprises, Bob Dylan writes it, Elvis covers it.

#1004. Lineage of Song: "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"

 

Nina Simone

The Animals

Elvis Costello

I’m such a nerd for the Animals. I think they deserve greater recognition for their contributions to music, between this and their masterful “House of the Rising Sun.” They may not have introduced songs, but their ability to interpret is genius-level.

#1003. Lineage of Song: “Hard Times Come Again No More”

The Longest Johns

Johnny Cash

Bob Dylan

Mavis Staples

Bruce Springsteen 

 

Joan Baez & Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris

Stephen Foster remains one of the most famous names in American music. Here’s one of his less well-known songs covered extensively, proving how deep his legacy goes.

#1002. Lineage of Song: “Smooth Criminal”

 

Michael Jackson

Alien Ant Farm

Here’s yet another I can’t believe I’m just now reaching, because I’ve always liked the Alien Ant Farm version, and my appreciation for the Jackson original has also increased over the years, to the point where it’s essentially my favorite of his songs.

On a different note, I’ve mentioned before how I plan these well in advance. This one comes from a block from nearly a year ago. As I write this I seem to really be reaching the end of the Lineage, which might conclude in just under thirty weeks. But we’ll see!

#1001. Lineage of Song: “Nothing Compares 2 U”

 

Prince

Sinead O’Connor

Here’s another I kind of can’t believe took so long to reach. By the time O’Connor did her version, not only did it define her popular career, but it really felt as if it was her song. But the spelling kind of is a dead giveaway that its origins are pure Prince. Prince’s career is peculiar in a lot of ways. He hit big in the ‘80s. But by the time he was fighting with his record label and changing his name to a symbol…He was a living legend people talked about as being hyper talented more than his output, or success, suggested. Then he was kind of the Super Bowl act that defined what those are apparently supposed to be, nostalgia shows where the performer(s) is a legend that can still perform at their peak. He became a throwback to all those careers Blues Brothers had to fight to include.