The world of music thrives not solely on original hits. Powerful reinterpretations and covers are vital to the history of music.
Many legendary performers have launched or transformed their careers by covering someone else’s song. This trend has turned some tracks into iconic standards, shaping their place in cultural memory. Among these, one song rises above all others in terms of recorded versions.
Today, 247 Tempo explores the origins of the most covered song in music history, its standout covers across genres, and why it continues to inspire artists today. You’ll also learn what makes a song coverable and which other tracks come close.
Whether you’re a music buff or casual fan, these slides reveal why great songs never fade—they evolve.
“Summertime”: the Most Covered Song Ever
As of 2025, the most covered song in music history is George Gershwin’s ‘Summertime,’ with over 2,100 recorded renditions. First performed in the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess, its lasting appeal has attracted a wide range of artists.
Why Covers Matter
Many top singers began their careers writing for others as opposed to performing for themselves. Covers allow artists to reinterpret classics in new, personal styles. Some covers become more famous than the originals, influencing generations of musicians.
Musical Legacy: Reimagining Songs
Songs like ‘Light My Fire’ and ‘Something’ were reinterpreted by unexpected voices like Jose Feliciano and Frank Sinatra. These performers gave new life to these hits through covers, showing off how great songs often transcend the artists who originally sang them.
Determining the Most Covered Song
247 Tempo used data from SecondHandSongs to identify the most covered song in the history of music. Christmas and folk songs were excluded from consideration. The real number of covers may be higher than reported due to undocumented or unprofessional versions. The database includes both classic and modern compositions.
Let’s dive into more information about ‘Summertime’ now.
Most Covered Song – ‘Summertime’
‘Summertime’ has an astonishing 2,169 recorded versions. It was originally performed by Abbie Mitchell in the 1935 opera ‘Porgy and Bess’. George Gershwin composed the music, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward.
Origins of ‘Summertime’
This song transcends generations, first recorded in 1935 by George Gershwin himself. It is a lullaby sung in the opera’s opening scene, inspired by African American spirituals.
Notable Covers – Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin’s rendition of ‘Summertime’ is one of her best-known performances and defining songs. Her raw, bluesy vocal style redefined this opera tune for the rock era. It showcased her emotional depth and vocal power.
Notable Covers – Jazz Icons
Jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong covered ‘Summertime’. Each version brought unique phrasing and instrumental interpretations. The song’s structure makes it ideal for improvisation, quickly becoming a staple in jazz vocal and instrumental repertoires.
Notable Covers – Soul & R&B Artists
Al Green and Lou Rawls added soulful depth to their versions of ‘Summertime’. Their covers highlight the song’s gospel and blues roots, including lush arrangements and emotional delivery.
Notable Covers – Folk & Pop Acts
Pete Seeger brought ‘Summertime’ into the folk tradition. The Righteous Brothers and others added pop flair to the song. Countless folk and pop renditions tend to emphasize storytelling and melody. These adaptations made the song accessible to broader demographics.
Why Artists Keep Covering ‘Summertime’
‘Summertime’ has a melody that is timeless and emotionally resonant, with lyrics that are poetic and universally relatable. Musicians are drawn to its flexibility across genres, crafting covers that serve as both homage and creative exploration.
More Contenders – Covered Classics
Other frequently covered songs throughout the history of music include ‘My Way’, ‘Yesterday’, and ‘Hallelujah’. Many come from the Great American Songbook or iconic 1960s pop. Covering classics from a variety of eras remains a rite of passage for many performers.
What Makes a Song Coverable?
While it will always depend on the message a performer wishes to share, there are many reasons why some songs are covered more than others. Strong emotional content and flexible melodies are key traits. Songs with simple but powerful structures invite creative spins.
No matter the reason, covers let artists pay homage to their inspirations while putting their stamp on a song that inspires them.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Shutterstock ID: 681809980, Photographer: Brian Goodman.