Question

What are the main similarities and differences between the original and cover versions of each of these songs? Compare and contrast the vocal performances of Big Joe Turner and Bill Haley, and Junior Parker and Elvis Presley in their versions of these songs. In each case, do you think that the cover version was a "rip-off" of the original, or that it was a new treatment of the original? In your opinion, which version has a better "feel"? Why?

Answer 1

Answer: Original songs share the same lyrics as cover songs, but have different beats, and with that different feels.

Explanation: Big Joe Turner has more elements of the blues and Bill Haley has a rock and roll approach.

Junior Parker also has elements from the blues and soul, and Elvis Presley makes a song more of rock and roll and country.

The original songs have a deep meaning.

Cover versions are a "rip-off" of originals, in a social context. It is a form of cultural appropriation, and sometimes the cover artists becomes more popular and often treated as original creators.