Hidden Gem Beatles Covers: 5 Versions You've Never Heard

This Friday, we're exploring hidden gem Beatles covers that deserve far more recognition. While everyone knows Elton John's "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" or Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help from My Friends," these five versions showcase how legends from different genres reimagined Beatles classics with stunning results. From the first mashup in pop history to Paul's personal favorite, these covers reveal new dimensions in familiar songs.

1. You Can't Do That by Harry Nilsson (1964)

Harry transformed this Beatles B-side into music history's first mashup song. While recording for his 1967 album Pandemonium Shadow Show, he wove references to 17 other Beatles songs into his cover, creating a sonic collage that impressed John and Paul so deeply that both named him their favorite American artist at a 1968 press conference. The cover stalled at #122 on U.S. charts but hit the top 10 in Canada, launching a close friendship between Harry and the band that would last for years.

Modern takeaway: Innovation often comes from reimagining what already exists. Harry didn't just cover a song. He created an entirely new art form by looking at familiar material from a fresh angle.

Songwriter credit: Lennon–McCartney, 1964

2. Yesterday by Marvin Gaye (1965)

Among more than 3,000 recorded versions of "Yesterday," Paul singles out Marvin's 1970 rendition from That's the Way Love Is as his absolute favorite. Produced by Norman Whitfield, Marvin transformed the acoustic pop ballad into an R&B masterpiece, adding bass, strings, and synths that brought new emotional depth to Paul's melody. Marvin once said he was searching for "other notes some place, in some dimension, between the cracks on the piano keys." He found them.

Modern takeaway: The best interpretations don't replicate. They transform. Marvin respected the original while fearlessly making it his own, showing how honoring source material and bold creativity can coexist.

Songwriter credit: Lennon–McCartney, 1965

3. I Need You by Steve Perry (1965)

Steve waited 24 years between solo albums before releasing Traces in 2018, and this George Harrison love song was the only cover he included. Steve heard the Beatles' bossa nova version as a teenager and always imagined it as a bigger R&B song. Before releasing his version, he played it for Olivia Harrison, who told him, "George would have loved this version." Steve's powerful vocals gave George's understated original a sweeping emotional weight that justified his decades-long vision.

Modern takeaway: Trust your instincts even when they differ from conventional wisdom. Steve held onto his interpretation for decades because he believed in it, and patience plus conviction delivered something genuinely special.

Songwriter credit: Harrison, 1965

4. Taxman by Junior Parker (1966)

Delta blues singer Junior Parker brought grit and soul to George's sardonic tax protest on his September 1970 album The Outside Man, produced by Sonny Lester. One critic described it as exploring "the song's soul traits" with "the detachment of a man who hasn't got anything to tax." Junior included three Beatles covers on the album, including "Tomorrow Never Knows." Tragically, he died in 1971, making this album one of his final creative statements.

Modern takeaway: Different life experiences create different interpretations. Junior's blues background gave "Taxman" a funky authenticity that contrasted beautifully with the original's British rock sensibility, proving great songs adapt to any genre.

Songwriter credit: Harrison, 1966

5. You've Got to Hide Your Love Away by Eddie Vedder (1965)

Eddie recorded this John-penned folk song for the 2002 I Am Sam soundtrack, staying remarkably faithful to the original arrangement while adding his signature powerful baritone vocals. Ranked #7 on Rolling Stone's "Best Lead Singers of All Time," Eddie proved that sometimes the best covers don't reinvent. They simply remind you why the original mattered. His version sounds like the song was written specifically for his voice.

Modern takeaway: You don't always need radical reimagining to create something worthwhile. Sometimes bringing your authentic voice to material you love is enough, especially when that voice is as distinctive as Eddie's.

Songwriter credit: Lennon–McCartney, 1965

Listen & Learn

Explore these hidden gem Beatles covers:

• You Can't Do That by Harry Nilsson

• Yesterday by Marvin Gaye

• I Need You by Steve Perry

• Taxman by Junior Parker

• You've Got to Hide Your Love Away by Eddie Vedder

Mini-FAQ

Q: What makes these Beatles covers "hidden gems"?

A: While covers like Elton John's "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" achieved mainstream fame, these five versions from Harry Nilsson, Marvin Gaye, Steve Perry, Junior Parker, and Eddie Vedder offer equally compelling interpretations that flew under the radar. They represent hidden gem Beatles covers that deserve far more recognition than they've received.

Q: Which Beatles cover does Paul McCartney consider his favorite?

A: Paul has stated that Marvin Gaye's 1970 version of "Yesterday" from the album That's the Way Love Is is his favorite among the 3,000+ recorded versions. Marvin transformed the acoustic ballad into an R&B masterpiece with added bass, strings, and synths.

Q: What was unique about Harry Nilsson's cover of "You Can't Do That"?

A: Harry's 1967 version is considered the first mashup song in pop music history. He wove references to 17 other Beatles songs into his cover, creating a sonic collage that impressed John and Paul so much they both called him their favorite American artist.

Q: Did George Harrison's widow approve Steve Perry's cover of "I Need You"?

A: Yes. Steve Perry played his version for Olivia Harrison before releasing it on his 2018 album Traces. After listening twice, she told him, "George would have loved this version," giving Steve the blessing he sought for reimagining the song as an R&B ballad.

Q: Why did these hidden gem Beatles covers resonate across different genres?

A: Great songs transcend their original arrangements. These hidden gem Beatles covers work because artists like Junior Parker brought blues authenticity to "Taxman," while Eddie Vedder's baritone gave new weight to "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away." Each interpreter honored the source while adding their unique voice.

How This Connects

These hidden gem Beatles covers embody the spirit of Here Comes the Sun and new beginnings. Just as these artists discovered fresh interpretations in familiar songs, leaders can find innovative approaches to established challenges. Each cover teaches us about transformation, respect for what came before, and the courage to add our own voice.

This philosophy of reimagining excellence aligns with the lessons in Dan's upcoming book, The Fab Four Pillars of Impact, where Beatles wisdom guides modern leadership. Explore more insights on transformation and innovation through our Daily Words of Wisdom.