“Whipped Cream” by Allen Toussaint is best known in the version by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass from 1965. (Actually, it may be the album cover that is well known). That version was used in the TV show The Dating Game. The Alpert version is very similar to the original one by the Stokes from 1964.
Second Hand Songs, a great website, lists all of the versions.
I thought of “Downtown” because Anya Taylor-Joy performs it in the film Last Night in Soho which I just watched. If you’ve never heard it, try the unreal cover by Mrs. Miller. Yes, people listened to this stuff in the 1960s. I can’t explain it to you.
The hit version was recorded by Petula Clark in 1964.
“Got My Mind Set on You” was originally recorded by James Ray in 1962. George Harrison’s 1987 was a #1 single in the US. I thought of it because Ray’s version is in the recent film Last Night in Soho.
“When the Levee Breaks” was recorded by Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie in 1929 and covered by Led Zeppelin in 1971.
“Suicide Is Painless” was the theme song for the 1970 film M*A*S*H. An instrumental version was also used in the long-running TV show.
“I Call Your Name” is a 1964 Beatles song that was covered by the Mamas and the Papas. The first version was actually by Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas in 1963. This is the ideal kind of Beatles song to cover, one where the original is not overwhelmingly famous.
“Subterranean Homesick Blues” (1965) is Bob Dylan’s first great electric song. I can;’t imagine why anyone would cover this unique recording and Nilsson’s version is wretched. I’,m posting this now because of the Instragam post showing the cards Dylan held up during the video for the song.
The song has many great lines but my favorite is “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows” which inspired the name of the left-wing Weathermen.
“Shake Your Money Maker” is a 1961 blues record by the great Elmore James. Check out the cover by the first incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.
“The Times They Are A-Changin'” is probably Bob Dylan’s most famous protest song. It was released in 1964. There are many covers including versions by the Byrds and Nina Simone.
Sad! 