9 Songs That Became No.1 Hits for Multiple Artists

In this article, we’ll take a look at nine songs that became chart-toppers for multiple artists on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. From soulful ballads to energetic dance numbers, these tracks proved their staying power by reaching the top of the charts more than once, and often in totally different styles, decades apart.

Let’s dive into these nine timeless tunes that were No.1 hits for different artists across genres and generations.

9 Songs that were chart-toppers for several artists

1. “Go Away Little Girl”

Steve Lawrence (1963) and Donny Osmond (1971)

Originally a soft pop ballad, “Go Away Little Girl” became a No.1 hit first for crooner Steve Lawrence in 1963. His version leaned heavily into the orchestral pop style of the early 1960s.

Nearly a decade later, in 1971, teen idol Donny Osmond revived the track with a more bubblegum pop flair and a youthful energy that helped it top the charts again. Both versions showcased how a great melody can transcend generations while adapting to different musical tastes.

2. “The Loco-Motion”

Little Eva (1962) and Grand Funk Railroad (1974)

Little Eva’s original version of “The Loco-Motion” in 1962 was a bubbly pop hit with a dance-craze twist, classic for that era – who could forget Chubby Checker‘s ‘The Twist’.

However, 12 years later, Grand Funk Railroad transformed it into a rock anthem, layering in gritty guitars and a hard-driving rhythm that gave it a new edge. Despite the stylistic shift from pop to rock, both versions got people dancing all the way to No.1.

3. “Please Mr. Postman”

The Marvelettes (1961) and The Carpenters (1975)

The Marvelettes made history in 1961 when they became the first Motown act in history to score a No.1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The did it with “Please Mr. Postman,” a soulful, doo-wop-influenced classic with a teenage spirit.

Over a decade later in 1975, sibling pop duo The Carpenters gave the track a soft rock/pop twist, showcasing Karen Carpenter’s smooth and iconic vocals. Although this version was more radio-friendly, it still retained the heart of the original.

4. “Venus”

Shocking Blue (1970) and Bananarama (1986)

Dutch rock band Shocking Blue took “Venus” to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in 1970 with a psychedelic-tinged rock sound and a hypnotic guitar riff.

Sixteen years later, Bananarama gave the track an energetic synth-pop makeover that screamed 1980s music and it worked like a charm,

Both versions were international hits, proving the song’s timeless appeal despite each rendition capturing the spirit of a different era.

5. “Lean on Me”

Bill Withers (1972) and Club Nouveau (1987)

Bill Withers‘ original “Lean on Me” is a soul classic, a raw, emotional, and heartfelt song, built on piano and gospel-inspired vocals.

Fifteen years later, Club Nouveau brought it back to the top in 1987 with a complete genre flip, turning it into a funky, upbeat R&B hit with a go-go rhythm. Same message but a totally different vibe.

6. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”

The Supremes (1966) and Kim Wilde (1987)

The breakup anthem was a No.1 hit for Motown legends The Supremes in 1966. Their rendition has a classic soul sound and features signature Diana Ross vocals.

Two decades later in the late 1980s, Kim Wilde reinvented “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” as a modern track, transforming it into a high-energy synth-pop hit that the youth loved. Same chart-topping success despite being 21 years apart.

7. “When a Man Loves a Woman”

Percy Sledge (1966) and Michael Bolton (1991)

Percy Sledge’s heart-wrenching soul ballad “When a Man Loves a Woman” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966 and became an instant classic with its emotional rawness.

25 years later, Michael Bolton used his powerful rock vocals to create another unforgettable rendition. Although his version was more polished and dramatic and lacked Percy‘s rawness, it became a huge adult contemporary hit, appealing to a new generation of ballad lovers.

8. “I’ll Be There”

The Jackson 5 (1970) and Mariah Carey (1992)

At the beginning of the new decade, The Jackson 5 released “I’ll Be There” – a hit that blended soul, pop and R&B and showcased the stunning vocals of a young Michael Jackson.

In 1992, Mariah Carey delivered a breathtaking live cover of the song during her MTV Unplugged set, combining gospel, pop, and adult contemporary sound. An iconic song performed by even more iconic artists, it’s hard to imagine it being anything other than a timeless hit.

9. “Lady Marmalade”

Labelle (1975) and Christina Aguilera / Lil’ Kim / Mýa / Pink (2001)

Last but not least is “Lady Marmalade” which originally was a funky hit for Labelle in 1975. This version, which was a fusion of soul, R&B, and disco remained relevant for decades and inspired the stars of the early ’00s.

The stars of the future – Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and Pink joined forces in 2001, and created a high-energy blend of hip-hop and pop. Their chart-topping rendition featured in the ‘Moulin Rouge!’ soundtrack album.

Final thoughts

Some songs are so timeless that multiple artists have taken them to the top of the charts. Whether transformed from soul to pop, rock to dance, or Motown to synth, each version brought something new to the table while still capturing the essence of the original.

It’s rare for a song to reach No.1 once, let alone twice with different artists. Since these tracks have proven to be special on two occasions, perhaps it’s time for a third artist to remind the public how good these songs are and reach the top once again.