Cover Version - Often when a black artist made a recording, the same song would be released by a white artist. The version by the white artist would be played on radio stations catering mainly to white audiences. The versions produced by white artists were most often not as raunchy as the versions produced by black artists. More often than not, the versions by white artists sold more copies. Two examples are: Tutti Frutti, originally released by Little Richard, a black artist, was re-recorded by Pat Boone, a white artist. Sh-Boom was originally released by a black group, The Chords, and re-recorded by a white group, The Crew Cuts.
Why weren't white artists like Elvis Presley and Bill Haley considered to be "cover artists"? Find out how to find out in the file "Speaking engagements and gigs" available from Harry Hepcat's home page.