Imagine
“Imagine” was written and performed by John Lennon and released in 1971 as a part of his album of the same name. It quickly became a worldwide hit. The album also was a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the US and UK charts.
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Lennon described the song’s inspiration: “I was just sitting at the piano and I had this idea for a song that would speak to people about peace, love, and unity. I wanted to write something that would help bring people together and that’s how ‘Imagine’ was born.”
Over the years, “Imagine” has been covered by a wide range of artists, from Elton John and Madonna’s to Lady Gaga and Shakira. We’ve included a variety of the best of these cover versions below.
Here's John Lennon's original song with 280 million views:
“Imagine” has been covered by artists around the world. We’ve included some of the best covers by various artists below. Listen to them all and see if there are any new bands you want to listen to.
Also, if there’s a good cover version that we should add, tell us! Leave us a comment in the comment section with the name of the artist and a link to their performance.
Modonna
Sam Tsui and AHMIR
Elton John
Antonio Banderas and The Calcutta Sabera Foundation Girls
Joseph Vincent
Lady Gaga
Chris Kläfford
Shakira
Simone Kopmajer
Coldplay, ft. Emmanuel Kelly
Joan Baez
Herbie Hancock’s Imagine Project, feat. P!Nk, Seal, India.Arie, Jeff Beck, Konono N°1, & Oumou Sangare
Nicole Henry
Avril Lavigne
Pentatonix
Chris Cornell
Ray Charles
Ruth Anna Mendoza
Queen + Paul Rodgers, live at Hyde Park
Keb’ Mo
Boyce Avenue
UNICEF World Version
Emeli Sandé
Nas feat. Pitbull
Music Travel Love & Friends
Keiko Lee
Blues Traveler
Ituana
Susan Boyle
Alex G & Gustavo Guerrero (English and Spanish)
Cindy Blackman Santana ft. Carlos Santana
Eva Cassidy
Daniela Ismerio
Playing For Change
Sawyer Fredericks
Julian Lennon
Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler
Davina Michelle
Etta James
David Garrett
REO Brothers
Dominique
Janet Devlin
Felix Irwan
King Krule
Which is your favorite? Is there another cover song that we should add? Let us know in the comments.