Best Free Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Rock, Country, Folk, Blues & More!

In 1988, Tracy Chapman released a hit song called "Fast Car," which became a top 10 hit with her original version.

Fast forward to 2023, and Luke Combs decided to cover this classic. He included his rendition of "Fast Car" on his "Gettin Old" album and released it as a single. This cover became a huge success, reaching #1 on the charts in both the United States and Canada. It also made it into the top 10 in several other countries.

"Here Comes The Sun" is a song by The Beatles that they released in 1969 as part of their album "Abbey Road." Interestingly, George Harrison wrote this song while taking a break from the busy life of the Beatles at Eric Clapton's home.

Notably, Richie Havens and Steve Harley also released their own versions of this song.

In 1982, John Mellencamp had a major hit with "Jack And Diane" when it was released as a single from his album "American Fool."

This song marked a significant milestone for Mellencamp as it became his first #1 hit in both Canada and the United States.

"Love Me Tender" is one of Elvis Presley's most cherished and iconic songs. The song's origins trace back to the Civil War-era ballad "Aura Lee." Ken Darby wrote Elvis's version, using music adapted from "Aura Lee." The lyrics convey a deep and tender expression of love.

This beautiful song was released as a single on September 28, 1956, and it quickly became a massive hit. It also played a prominent role in Elvis's film, which shares the same name as the song and was released shortly after.

Notably, "Love Me Tender" marked Elvis's debut in the movie, originally titled "The Reno Brothers." The film was a western drama, and this song served as its theme. Because the song became such a success, the film's title was changed to match the song's title.

Elvis recorded "Love Me Tender" on August 24, 1956, at 20th Century Fox Stage One in Hollywood, California. He only needed a few takes to capture the song's simplicity and heartfelt sincerity, which added to its charm and appeal.

Me And Bobby McGee, likely Kris Kristofferson's most renowned song, surprisingly was never put out as a single by the artist.

The song was featured on his first album in 1970. However, the only single from that album was a track titled "To Beat The Devil," which unfortunately didn't make it onto the charts.

Interestingly, after Janis Joplin recorded her own version in 1971, the album was reissued under the title "Me And Bobby McGee." Yet, even with this re-release, Kris Kristofferson didn't release a single of the song himself.

Nowhere Road is a track from the 1987 album "Exit 0."

The song made its mark by reaching #20 in the United States and an impressive #7 in Canada. It was co-written by Steve Earle and Reno Kling.

A noteworthy detail is that Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson covered this song for their 1996 album titled "Wanted! The Outlaws."

The Joker marked a significant achievement for Steve Miller as his first #1 song. It soared to the top of the charts in the United States and also had a remarkable journey in several European countries, securing a spot in the top 10 in many of them.

Interestingly, in September 1990, the song was featured in a Levi's television commercial. This unexpected exposure propelled the song back to #1 in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, and it also made its way into the Dutch top 40.

This classic song is from the 1973 album titled "The Joker."

In 2005, English musician Fatboy Slim covered the song and even managed to chart in the top 40 with his rendition.

Three Jolly Coachmen is a song featured on The Chad Mitchell's Trio's 1962 album titled "Mighty Day on Campus."

"Three Jolly Coachmen" is a folk song that tells the humorous and somewhat irreverent story of three travelers and their experiences. The song is characterized by its catchy melody and playful lyrics, which are often associated with the folk music revival of the early 1960s.

The Chad Mitchell Trio was known for their harmonious and lively performances of folk songs, and "Three Jolly Coachmen" is one of the many songs that contributed to their popularity during that era.

Tougher Than The Rest is a love song by American rock musician Bruce Springsteen. It was released as a single from his 1987 album "Tunnel of Love." The song's theme revolves around commitment and resilience in a relationship, with lyrics that express enduring love and dedication.

In contrast to some of Springsteen's earlier, more rock-oriented songs, "Tougher Than the Rest" is known for its tender and introspective quality. The album "Tunnel of Love" explores themes of love, relationships, and self-reflection, making this song a fitting addition to the album's thematic context.

The song found commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving positive reviews from critics. Springsteen has included "Tougher Than the Rest" in various concerts and tours throughout his career, making it a fan favorite. It has also been covered by other artists, highlighting its enduring appeal and influence.

Additionally, a music video was created for the song, featuring footage from Springsteen's live performances. "Tougher Than the Rest" remains a beloved track in Springsteen's extensive catalog, appreciated for its sincerity and emotional depth.

Vincent achieved remarkable success in 1972 when it reached #1 in the UK and landed in the top 10 in the US, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, my cover of Don McLean's "Vincent" has garnered positive feedback.

You can find the original track on Don McLean's 1971 album, "American Pie."

 Wild World held a special place in Cat Stevens's heart, serving as a deeply personal expression of his emotions, particularly the pain of parting ways with a loved one. Through this song, he delivered a heartfelt message, a plea for understanding and kindness in a world often perceived as harsh and unforgiving.

While it appeared to be a farewell song, it also carried the idea that the world is a place of both wonder and challenges.

This iconic song made its debut on November 23rd, 1970, as part of the album "Tea for the Tillerman." This album played a pivotal role in solidifying Cat Stevens's reputation in the music industry.

His melodious tunes resonated with people worldwide, making a lasting impact. It offered a refreshing change during a time when the music scene was dominated by the high-energy beats of rock and roll.

Words Of Love was written by Buddy Holly and released it in 1957, but the song did not chart. It's found on the album "Buddy Holly". Buddy also sang harmony with himself on this song. In 1993 a compilation album called Words Of Love was released and it reached #1.

The Diamonds did a doo-wop version of this song also and scored a #13 hit in the summer of 1957. Essentially this was Buddy Holly's first hit song as a writer, not as a performer. The Diamonds also performed the song on a live TV show called Circus Time. It also later appeared on a 1962 Mercury album called Pop Hits.

Yesterday When I Was Young is a timeless song performed by the talented Roy Clark. Released in 1969, it has since become one of his signature tracks and a notable success in his career.

The song, originally written in French as "Hier Encore" by Charles Aznavour, tells a reflective and introspective story of the passage of time and the regrets that can come with aging. Roy Clark's rendition beautifully captures the song's emotional depth and sincerity, making it a beloved classic.

With its poignant lyrics and Clark's heartfelt delivery, "Yesterday When I Was Young" has resonated with audiences for generations, reminding us of the bittersweet nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.