Me and Bobby McGee: Who Did It First Before Janis Joplin?

Song: Me and Bobby McGee (1969) Artist: Roger Miller Writers: Kris Kristofferson, Fred Foster Me and Bobby McGee has certainly made the rounds. It has been recorded or performed so many times by so many musicians to try to list them all would just invite endless corrections and offers of the “best” version. Sorry, no, … Read more

Jet Airliner: Who Did It First Before Steve Miller Band?

Song: Jet Airliner Artist: Paul Pena (Covered by Steve Miller Band) Album: New Train Writer: Paul Pena Think of the Steve Miller Band. Are you thinking,”big old jet airliner, don’t carry me too far away?” Chances are many of you are. It is one of Steve Miller Band’s most popular songs. Believe it or not, … Read more

Evil Woman: Who Recorded It Before Black Sabbath?

Song: Evil Woman Don’t Play Your Games With Me (1969) Artist: Crow Writers: Larry Wiegand, Dick Wiegand, Dave Wagner Album: Crow Music Most people probably know the song, Evil Woman Don’t Play Your Games With Me from the cover done by Black Sabbath, under the song name Evil Woman. The original, however, was released by the band Crow, … Read more

After Midnight by Eric Clapton: Who Did It First?

Song: After Midnight (1965 Liberty Records: Liberty #55931, 1972) Artist: J.J. Cale Album: Naturally (Shelter Records 1972 Imagine living in your car while Eric Clapton has tremendous success with your song and slowly becomes a legend. Imagine earning royalties from this that allow you to not only eat but to go on recording music. Now … Read more

Who Did ‘Black Magic Woman’ Woman First Before Santana?

Fleetwood Mac English Rose album

Song: Black Magic Woman (1969) Artist: Fleetwood Mac – Peter Green Album: English Rose (Epic) Starting with the lyrics ‘don’t turn your back on me baby,’ Black Magic Woman, is best known for the Santana version from 1971. The original, and the best, is from Fleetwood Mac, off the album English Rose, in 1969. The song … Read more

Always On My Mind: Who Did It First Before Willie Nelson?

Willie Nelson Always On My Mind album cover

Song: Always On My Mind (1982) Artist: Willie Nelson Album: Always On My Mind (Columbia) Despite the likes of Elvis, Brenda Lee, and The Pet Shop boys having recorded it, Willie Nelson’s version of ‘Always on My Mind‘ is still considered the definitive version, not to mention the song for which he is most known. … Read more