“Fever” is a well known Peggy Lee tune from 1958, but it wasn’t originally hers. In 1956, R&B singer Little Willie John released the first recording of “Fever,” written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell. The original version was highly regarded in its time, as was the version by Peggy Lee, which became her signature song. However, there are several covers that hold up to the first recordings. Here are just four of them.
4 Covers of “Fever” That Hold Up to the First Recordings by Little Willie John and Peggy Lee
The Cramps
The Cramps released their cover of “Fever” on their debut album Songs the Lord Taught Us from 1980. As early contributors to the psychobilly genre, The Cramps challenged the original version of “Fever” with their controlled chaotic sound. There was a cleverly changed lyric at the end of the song as well, stating “The Cramps were born to give you fever / Be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade / We give you fever.”
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The McCoys
In 1965, The McCoys released their version of “Fever” on the album Hang On Sloopy, which featured their biggest hit of the same name. However, their rendition of “Fever” is delightfully rock and roll, with lead singer Rick Derringer letting out strangled shouts and exclamations. It’s a distinctly 60s sound while also taking the song to experimental new heights.
A Fine Frenzy
Recorded for the 2007 film Dan In Real Life, A Fine Frenzy’s version of “Fever” is quick yet sultry, staccato yet slick. It’s stylistically reminiscent of the Peggy Lee version, but Alison Sudol keeps it singular to herself with her indie-style vocals.
Michael Bublé
Possibly the best known recording of “Fever” next to the Peggy Lee version is Michael Bublé’s. Released in 2003 on his self-titled album, Bublé’s signature lounge-singer vocals are smooth and jazzy. He brings it down to a sexy murmur before bursting into excitement on the word “fever.” Then, things ramp up a bit in the third verse; the band goes wild and Bublé gets to show off his vocal prowess.
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