• From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Topic: Similar but different: THE MOST NON PERFORMING SONGWRITERS.

SORRY GUYS
I apology for the inconvenience, but in fact the question should have been this one.
WHO ARE THOSE GREAT SONGWRITERS WRITING FOR OTHER BANDS, and maybe they perform sometimes.
I think a good example is our old friend NEIL DIAMOND who wrote brilliant songs, but a lot of his songs were PERFORMED BY OTHERS, at least in the beginning.
- I'M A BELIEVER for THE MONKEES
- GIRL YOU'LL BE A WOMAN SOON

CAROLE KING is a fantastic example. Together with her partner "in crime" GERRY GOFFIN.
- In the 60ties she wrote a lot of songs for others: Aretha Franklin, The Monkees and many more.
SOME EXAMPLES OF HER GREAT TALENT.
1) 1961: "Take Good Care of My Baby" performed by Bobby Vee
2) 1962: "The Loco-Motion" performed by    Little Eva
3) 1966:  "Don't Bring Me Down" performed by The Animals
4) 1964: "I'm into Something Good" performed by    "Earl-Jean" McCrea, but better known HERMAN'S HERMITS.
5) 1967: "Pleasant Valley Sunday" pêrformed by The Monkees
6) 1968: "Wasn't Born to Follow" performed by The Byrds. But one of the greatest hits was YOU'RE SO VAIN ny James Taylor.
SURPRISED? I was overwhelmed discovering this.
- In the 70ties she "popped up" as a singer

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Similar but different: THE MOST NON PERFORMING SONGWRITERS.

Paul Simon wrote a lot of songs performed by others as well.  As did Willie Nelson, Barry Manilow (who also wrote a lot of advertising jingles to pay the bills), and a lot of other artists.  With few exceptions, they aren't born famous.  They've got to pay their dues, and that includes selling songs. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
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  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: Similar but different: THE MOST NON PERFORMING SONGWRITERS.

I'd think it would be very flattering to have another artist cover your song. Zurf mentions Willy Nelson...I think he wrote Crazy which was made so very special by Patsy Cline. While I like Willy's version, Patsy's is so special.

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: Similar but different: THE MOST NON PERFORMING SONGWRITERS.

Felice and Boudleaux Bryant wrote a ton of songs more succesful for the cover artist than for them;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudleaux_ … ice_Bryant

Although he was a lyricist, he may fall under the catagory you're looking for;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Taupin

Ditto for this guy;Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hunter_(lyricist)

And last but not least, this guy might take the cake. Ladies and gents, LEADBELLY;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadbelly

"Lead Belly has also been covered by Ry Cooder, Lonnie Donegan, Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, Gene Autry, The Beach Boys, Odetta, Led Zeppelin, Billy Childish (who named his son Huddie), Mungo Jerry, Nirvana, Paul King, Michelle Shocked, Tom Waits, Ron Sexsmith, British Sea Power, Rod Stewart, Ernest Tubb, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The White Stripes, The Fall, The Doors, Smog, Old Crow Medicine Show, Spiderbait, and Raffi, among many others."

Give everything but up.
  • From: Stockton Ca
  • Registered: 2007-10-19
  • Posts: 192

Re: Similar but different: THE MOST NON PERFORMING SONGWRITERS.

Leiber and Stoller.  a great many early rock and roll songs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Leib … ke_Stoller

Holland, Dozier, Holland. a ton of  motown hits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland-Dozier-Holland

6 Reply by dino48 (edited by dino48 2008-08-27 05:15:10)

  • dino48
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Similar but different: THE MOST NON PERFORMING SONGWRITERS.

I think one of the best songwriters out there that has been overlooked by alot of people has too be Carol King,she has written alot of great music for james taylor, the drifters etc.She went to  school with Neil sedaka ,Paul simon. I also think the other person who is not mentioned much is Elton Johns partner Bernie Taupin,he writes most of the lyrics too eltons songs.I am very glad too see some of the other members remember Patsy Cline,She was a great singer.                    dino

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman