What percentage of Beatles songs was covered by other bands in formal recordings during the years?

BRY2K

Wow, even for a Beatles fan like me this is a tough one. The question is tough in that The Beatles recorded a number of cover versions themselves in the early days. Also, a straw poll of the Lennon/McCartney catalogue would not include any tracks by Harrison. What further complicates the issue is that artists and bands are STILL recording their music. Allowing me the liberty of some broad generalizations here is my math: Between 1964 and 1970 they released fourteen official albums. The rough estimate of songs recorded over that era is 300. The site (referenced below) names approximately 169 individual Beatles' songs that have been covered by others. As you will see, some tunes like Yesterday and Eleanor Rigby have been recorded and released by well over sixty artists. All said and done, based on my rough math above, AT LEAST 56% of their catalogue! Whew! http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/an-interview-with-beatles-record-and-memorabilia-collector-jesse-barron/ http://www2.wmin.ac.uk/clemenr/covers/coversfull.html Sep 14 08, 11:51 AM