Prince’s Most Surprising Covers: Songs He Made His Own

When it comes to musical genius, few artists burn as bright or as boldly as Prince. Known for his electrifying guitar riffs, groundbreaking vocals, and provocative stage presence, Prince didn’t just create original hits—he reimagined songs by other artists and made them uniquely his own, turning covers into unforgettable moments. From Joni Mitchell’s folk classics to Radiohead’s alternative rock anthems, Prince’s range and versatility allowed him to breathe fresh life into songs you thought you knew.

Let’s dive into some of Prince’s most surprising covers that highlight his interpretive genius and show why he remains one of music’s greatest chameleons.

1. “A Case of You” – Joni Mitchell

Prince’s take on Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You” is a sublime showcase of his ability to translate deeply emotional lyrics into his own intimate style. Joni’s original is a haunting folk ballad, dripping with vulnerability. Prince took that same vulnerability but filtered it through his signature sensuality and soulful delivery, adding layers of emotion with a delicate guitar arrangement that felt both reverent and revolutionary.

He performed this cover live on multiple occasions, and each time, fans were stunned by his ability to honor the source material while making it fully his own. This wasn’t just a cover; it was a love letter from one artist to another, bridging genres and generations with effortless grace.

2. “Creep” – Radiohead

Who could have predicted that Prince would cover Radiohead’s moody alt-rock staple “Creep”? The song originally pulses with raw angst and a bleak self-awareness, but Prince flipped the script by injecting it with unexpected funk and soul elements.

His version strips back the guitar distortion and isolates the melody, transforming it from a post-grunge lament into a smooth yet poignant performance bursting with his trademark emotional intensity. It’s a transformative moment that proves Prince was not bound by genre or expectation—even when tackling a track so deeply entrenched in the ’90s rock zeitgeist.

3. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – The Beatles (performed with Tom Petty)

Yes, Prince’s legendary guitar solo during the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is forever engraved in music history. His rendition of The Beatles’ classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was anything but ordinary—it was electrifying, soulful, and downright virtuosic.

Sharing the stage with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, Prince’s blazing solo elevated the cover to new heights. His flawless musicianship and emotional fire reminded the world why he was more than just a pop icon; he was a master guitarist who could claim—and dominate—any tune handed to him.

4. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor

Originally written by Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U” gained global fame through Sinead O’Connor’s cover. But you might not know that Prince himself has performed his own emotionally raw version of this heart-wrenching ballad.

When Prince took the stage to perform “Nothing Compares 2 U,” he reclaimed the song with his unique vocal twists and melancholic delivery, putting a personal stamp on a track so heavily associated with O’Connor. This highlights how Prince’s songwriting genius extended beyond his own recordings—he could own any song he wrote, whether through another artist’s voice or his own.

5. “If I Was Your Girlfriend” – Diana Ross (live cover)

While Prince wrote and originally performed “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” his live cover of Diana Ross’s “Love Hangover” also stands out as an example of his transformative cover work. In classic Prince fashion, he infused the disco-soul track with a lush, sensual vibe that elevated a party favorite into an intimate experience.

Prince’s take was sultry and playful, reminding fans that covers weren’t just a nod—they were opportunities to infuse charisma and artistry on a whole new level.

Why Prince’s Covers Still Matter

Prince’s covers reveal the full extent of his musical versatility—his ability to slip into any style, evoke deep emotion, and reinterpret a song’s narrative while staying true to his own artistic vision. It’s a balancing act few can master, but Prince did it effortlessly, adding to his legacy as a fearless innovator.

His cover choices were also a reflection of his broad musical influences and respect for his peers, proving time and again that Prince was not just a solo superstar but a musical chameleon hungry for creative exploration.

Closing Thoughts

From the tender vulnerability of “A Case of You” to the genre-defying “Creep,” Prince’s most surprising covers dazzled fans and critics alike. They confirm that for Prince, music was a universal language connected by emotion, versatility, and undeniable talent.

Whether you’re a diehard Prince fan or just discovering his catalogue, these covers remind us why he wasn’t just the Purple One—he was a true musical genius who could make any song his own.

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By: koalafriend