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The ill-fated singer’s track horrified Nashville but drew in a wider audience
Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper’s song was transformed into a disco classic in the 1970s
The Northern Irish songwriter’s 1935 track, covered in a spectrum of styles, is commemorated in the town where it was written
Written for a film soundtrack, the 1967 track by his band The Lovin’ Spoonful celebrates everyday pleasures
The singer’s 1973 track has been covered by greats such as Elvis Presley and Millie Jackson
Hartford said it ‘violated the principles of songwriting’ — but it went on to earn him a fortune
The 1960 song was picked up and adapted for a new audience in the following decade
The song was popularised by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, but two hellraising actors were instrumental in its revival
The Drifters were the first to record a song written from the heart by Doc Pomus
His spoken-word song was a call to black Americans to rouse themselves
The singer’s original was a far cry from the highly charged versions that followed
The folk singer found success with her 1961 track, though it took decades for her to be awarded full royalties
The singer recorded it twice — the second time at Folsom Prison itself — while many others jumped aboard the train
Sparked by a 1931 miners’ strike, this rallying cry has been adopted and adapted through the decades
The singer’s hit came at a time of pollution disasters and rising anguish about the planet
Tim Hardin’s tune has proved eminently adaptable since he recorded it in 1967
Covered by everyone from Joan Baez to Mick Jagger, the song’s greatest champion was Johnny Cash
Endorsements and innovation are king in a competitive market
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