Revisiting Hits: Artists Who Found Success by Reworking Their Songs
Artists often find success by revisiting and reworking their own songs. Neil Sedaka had a hit with his doo-wop tune "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" in 1962. In 1975, he released a slow, piano-driven version of the song that reached No. 8 on the Hot 100. Eric Clapton's emotional rock anthem "Layla" was a hit in 1972, and he later recorded an acoustic version for MTV's Unplugged in 1992, which reached No. 12 on the Hot 100. Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" was a Southern rock classic that peaked at No. 19 on the Hot 100 in 1974. A live version from their 1976 album reached No. 38 on the Hot 100. Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" hit No. 10 on the Hot 100 in 1977. In 1986, they collaborated with Run-DMC on a rock and rap fusion version that reached No. 4 on the Hot 100.