Have you ever been listening to a reggae song and wondered who wrote it? It might surprise you to learn that many of the genre’s classic tracks are actually covers. From Bob Marley to Steel Pulse, here are 10 reggae songs you may not have known were originally written by someone else. Whether it’s a melodic tune from the 1970s or a modern-day hit, these iconic covers will make you appreciate the power of music in a whole new way.
1. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “No Woman, No Cry” (Original: Vincent Ford)
One of the world’s most beloved reggae songs, Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “No Woman, No Cry” is a classic cover. Originally written and recorded by Vincent Ford in 1974, the song was given new life when Marley and The Wailers released their version the following year. With its uplifting message and catchy beat, it quickly became one of the band’s signature songs. Marley made some minor changes to the lyrics but kept much of Ford’s original structure intact. As a result, he created a timeless track that has become a beloved part of reggae culture around the world. Although Ford’s original version is still enjoyed by fans today, it’s Marley’s definitive version that will be remembered for generations to come.
2. Jimmy Cliff – “Many Rivers to Cross ” (Original: Jimmy Cliff)
Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross” is one of the most popular reggae songs ever recorded and it is also a cover. The song was written and recorded by Jimmy Cliff himself in 1969 and released on his debut album, Jimmy Cliff. Although the song became an instant classic, its popularity increased exponentially when it was covered by rock bands like Earth Band in 1979 and Aretha Franklin in 1983. Since then, it has become a staple of contemporary chart music, as well as being performed by many other reggae artists over the years.
Despite its numerous covers, Cliff’s version remains the definitive version of this classic track. His passionate delivery and powerful lyrics have struck a chord with millions around the world and continue to resonate today. With its simple yet emotive composition and timeless message, it is easy to see why this track has been so enduringly popular for over five decades.
3. The Maytals – “Pressure Drop” (Original: Toots & The Maytals)
The Maytals’ “Pressure Drop” is one of the most beloved reggae songs of all time and it was actually a cover song. Written by Toots & The Maytals in 1969, the song was originally released on their album “Monkey Man”. Although the track was a success for the band, it wasn’t until The Clash covered it in 1979 that its popularity truly exploded. From then onwards, “Pressure Drop” has been covered by numerous other artists including UB40, David Byrne, and Jimmy Page.
The lyrics of this classic track are as relevant today as they were when first written and capture perfectly both the joys and struggles of life. The infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it an ideal party anthem while its thoughtful message can provide comfort and solace during difficult times. As such, it’s no surprise that “Pressure Drop” continues to be one of the most popular reggae songs around today.
4. Desmond Dekker – “Israelites” (Original: Desmond Dekker & The Aces)
Desmond Dekker’s “Israelites” is one of the most iconic reggae songs ever recorded. Released in 1968, the track was a massive hit for Dekker and The Aces, reaching Number 1 on both the British and American charts and selling over a million copies worldwide. However, what many people don’t know is that this classic track was actually a cover version.
The song was originally written by Desmond Dekker and The Aces but it wasn’t until they released their debut album “Israelites” in 1969 that the world took notice. With its catchy hook, melodic chorus, and thoughtful lyrics, it quickly became one of the definitive reggae songs of all time. It has since been covered by numerous other artists including Bob Marley & The Wailers, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, and Rock Bands such as Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.
To this day, “Israelites” remains an incredibly popular track amongst reggae fans around the world and its legacy continues to be felt in contemporary chart music today. It stands as a testament to both Dekker’s musical genius and his place as one of the greatest reggae artists of all time.
5. Aswad – “Don’t Turn Around” (Original: Tina Turner)
Aswad’s cover of Tina Turner’s 1988 hit “Don’t Turn Around” is an enduring reggae classic and one of the most recognizable songs of the genre. Originally released as a single in 1989, Aswad’s version has since gone on to become one of their signature songs, with its heavy beats and catchy hooks ensuring it remains a staple on dance floors around the world.
While Aswad’s reworked version is undoubtedly definitive, it was originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Robert Hazard in 1979. It wasn’t until Tina Turner released her own version in 1988 that it became a global hit, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Aswad took this classic track and put their own unique stamp on it, transforming Hazard’s original into a reggae anthem for generations to come. Since its release, it has been covered by numerous other artists including Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. But for many fans around the world, Aswad’s rendition will always be remembered as the definitive version.
6. Shaggy – “Oh Carolina” (Original: The Folkes Brothers)
Shaggy’s 1995 international hit “Oh Carolina” is one of the most beloved reggae songs of all time. Its infectious beat and catchy hooks have made it a mainstay on dance floors for decades, and it has since been covered by numerous artists including John Lennon, Bob Marley, and Earth Band.
But few people know that Shaggy’s classic track was actually a cover, originally written and recorded by Jamaican ska band The Folkes Brothers in 1960. The song was an instant hit in Jamaica and soon became a classic of the ska genre. It wasn’t until Shaggy released his own version nearly 35 years later that it gained wider attention, reaching number one on the contemporary chart in both the US and Europe.
Since its release, Shaggy’s version has become an enduring reggae classic, with its upbeat tempo and memorable chorus ensuring it remains a staple in clubs around the world. While other artists have tried to put their own spin on this classic track, none can come close to matching the energy of Shaggy’s original rendition.
7. Maxi Priest – “Close to You” (Original: The Carpenters)
Maxi Priest’s 1988 hit single “Close to You” is one of the most beloved reggae songs of all time. Over the years, it has become a signature song for Maxi Priest and his distinctive style, as well as a staple in clubs and on radio playlists around the world.
But few people know that this classic tune was actually a cover version, originally written and recorded by American pop duo The Carpenters in 1970. The soft rock ballad became an instant hit and soon became one of their signature songs. It wasn’t until over 18 years later that Maxi Priest released his own version, making it his own with its reggae-infused beat and memorable chorus.
Since its release, Maxi Priest’s version has become just as iconic as the original, earning him legions of fans across the globe. While other artists have tried to put their own spin on this classic track, none can come close to matching the energy of Maxi Priest’s definitive version.
8. UB40 – “Red Red Wine” (Original: Neil Diamond)
UB40’s 1983 hit single “Red Red Wine” is one of the most beloved reggae songs of all time. The track was a major success for the band and remains one of their best-known songs to this day.
Few people know, however, that “Red Red Wine” was originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond in 1968. It was released as part of his debut album Just for You and became an instant hit in the US and UK pop charts.
It wasn’t until 15 years later that UB40 decided to put their own spin on this classic track with their reggae-infused version. Their rendition quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1983 and staying there for three weeks.
Since its release, UB40’s version has become just as iconic as the original, earning them legions of fans across the globe. While other artists have tried to put their own spin on this classic track, none can come close to matching the energy of UB40’s definitive version.
9. Toots & The Maytals – “54-46 Was My Number” (Original: Toots & The Maytals)
Toots & The Maytals’ “54-46 Was My Number” is one of the most beloved reggae songs of all time. Written and recorded by the Jamaican legends in 1968, this track was an instant hit with fans around the world.
The song’s lyrics tell a story of Toots Hibbert’s time spent in prison after being arrested for possession of cannabis. It became a signature tune for the band and remained popular throughout their career.
What many don’t realize is that this classic song is actually a cover version of another song by Toots & The Maytals, which was released two years prior in 1966. Titled “54-46”, it was originally recorded for Jamaica’s Studio One label and became an immediate success.
Toots & The Maytals’ reworking of this classic track added a reggae feel to the original, which was more ska-driven. This new approach proved to be a winning formula as “54-46 Was My Number” quickly rose up the contemporary chart rankings and has since become one of their signature songs.
10. Steel Pulse – “Taxi” (Original: Chaka Demus & Pliers)
Steel Pulse’s “Taxi” is a reggae classic. Released in 1988 as the second single from their album, Earth Crisis, this track quickly became an anthem for fans around the world.
What is often missed by listeners is that this classic reggae tune is actually a cover song. Originally recorded by Jamaican duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, it was released on their debut album in 1987 and quickly became a hit in Jamaica and beyond.
Steel Pulse took an already successful track and infused it with their own reggae-inspired sound, creating a definitive version of the song. The band’s signature harmonies and trademark horn section add depth to the original track, creating a unique take on what is now considered to be one of the finest covers ever produced by rock bands or reggae artists alike.
The success of “Taxi” proved to be huge for Steel Pulse and paved the way for them to become one of the most well-known reggae acts in the world today. While Chaka Demus & Pliers may have created the original version of this classic tune, it’s Steel Pulse who have made it into what it is today – an undeniable fan favorite and arguably one of Elvis Presley’s greatest covers ever produced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reggae music is full of classic songs that have been covered by various artists throughout the years. From Vincent Ford’s “No Woman, No Cry” to Chaka Demus & Pliers’ “Taxi”, the genre has seen many of its iconic tunes transformed into something new and exciting. Covers like these have helped to keep reggae music alive and well and introduced it to a whole new audience. Whether you’re familiar with the originals or not, these iconic covers are sure to bring out the best in any reggae fan.
