In honor of John Lennon’s 71st birthday, we put together a playlist of Beatles and Lennon covers, as performed by some of 2011’s most popular musicians. Due to the high volume of videos, we split this post in two. So if you missed Part I, check it out here!
Regina Spektor, ‘Real Love’ (audio only)
After Lennon died, the remaining three Beatles covered ‘Real Love’ several times in concert as a tribute. Spektor recorded Lennon’s solo track ‘Real Love’ in 2007 after covering it at a NYC concert. She released it on the Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur CD.
U2, ‘Helter Skelter’
U2 covers Beatles songs at concerts all the time, frequently playing ‘Helter Skelter’! The track is also often covered by Aerosmith and was featured in the Beatles-themed musical-movie ‘Across the Universe.’
Jonas Brothers, ‘Hello, Goodbye’ (audio only)
The Jonas Brothers love to cover the Beatles (which is ironic, because people used to say they’d be the next Beatles). They’ve done ‘Let It Be,’ ‘Hey Jude,’ and ‘Drive My Car,’ in addition to this version of ‘Hello, Goodbye,’ which was recorded for a Target commercial announcing their Camp Rock sweepstakes.
Bruno Mars, ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’
Mars only sings the chorus and hook on his recent hit ‘Billionaire’ with Travie McCoy, so in lieu of a rapper to sing the intro, he launches the track with a cover of the Beatles’ ‘Money (That’s What I Want).’ His ’60s-inspired style works perfectly with this Beatles tune!
Lady Gaga, ‘Imagine’
The title track on Lennon’s solo Imagine album is probably his most famous—and one of our favorites! Lady Gaga pays tribute to the singer-songwriter in a simple, honest performance: just her and a piano, singing about peace. She was performing at a Human Rights Campaign dinner where she was advocating for equality and gay rights.
What is your favorite Beatles song? Which cover do you think was the best?