The song was written in 1981 by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove and first recorded the same year by country singer David Allan Coe. George Jones, Chris Stapleton, and Justin Timberlake have gone on to perform covers of the Country song.
2. "Green Green Grass of Home"
Answer: Johnny Darrell
Written by Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. and first recorded by Darrell in 1965. Jerry Lee Lewis and Pop vocalist Tom Jones - his first venture into Country music - went on to record their own versions of the song. Jones's version became a number one hit in 1966. The lyrics refer to a prisoner about to be executed, reflecting on happier times in his life.
3. "I Will Always Love You"
Answer: Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has long been admired and respected in the world of Country music. Dolly wrote and performed this song in 1973. At the time she wrote the song, she had decided to begin a solo career and end her partnership with Country music singer Porter Wagoner.
The song was later performed by Whitney Houston in the film "The Bodyguard". Both versions are very different. While Dolly's version is a beautiful ballad, Whitney's powerful voice brought the song to a whole new level.
4. "Hallelujah"
Answer: Leonard Cohen
First released in 1984, it took a few years for this beautiful song to gain popularity. When it did, it soared to success. Cohen's lyrics explore the complex human feelings of faith, loss, and hope along with biblical references. The song was featured in the original film "Shrek". Neil Diamond, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, and k.d. Lang have all performed covers of this memorable song.
5. "I Shot the Sheriff"
Answer: Bob Marley
This protest song was first recorded and sung by Marley. He was referring to shooting police in self-defense. It appeared on his 1973 album "Burnin'" with his backup group The Wailers. Eric Clapton later recorded his own version of the song without the Reggae that was prominent in Marley's version.
6. "Respect"
Answer: Otis Redding
While Aretha Franklin has long been associated with the song, it was Redding who wrote the song and first recorded it in 1965. Franklin later added the "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" chorus. Franklin's cover embodies the respect she wants from her partner.
7. "The Shape of You"
Answer: Ed Sheeran
Sheeran has collaborated with several songwriters and written songs for other vocalists. "The Shape of You" was originally written for singer Rhianna but he later decided to sing it himself. The song was released in January 2017 and appeared on his third studio album. Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid were co-writers.
8. "Like a Rolling Stone"
Answer: Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's self-proclaimed "long piece of vomit" was released in the summer of 1965 by Columbia Records. First written as a poem, the length of the song, over six minutes, was problematic at first for the record label. It became a hit after it was released by Columbia and has been covered by Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, and the Rolling Stones.
9. "Solitary Man"
Answer: Neil Diamond
Diamond began his successful music career writing songs for other singers. When he began writing his own music to perform himself, he catapulted to success. "Solitary Man" was written, composed, and originally recorded and released by Neil Diamond in 1966.
He also wrote the hit song "I'm a Believer" which was covered by The Monkees that same year and "Red, Red Wine" which became UB40's signature song.
10. "Downtown Train"
Answer: Tom Waits
Waits originally wrote and sang the song. However, he was not a self-promoter. Singer Rod Stewart recognized the song's potential and covered it in his album "Storyteller". The song became a hit.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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