Songs with Earlier Histories Than the Hit Version

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Tagged: Ian Hunter

1970s, Rock

Once Bitten Twice Shy

Written and first recorded by Ian Hunter (UK #14/AUS #29 1975).
Also recorded by Shaun Cassidy (1980).
Other hit version by Great White (US #5/UK #83 1989).

From the wiki: “‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’ was written in 1975 by Ian Hunter (‘Ships‘), from his debut solo album Ian Hunter. The single peaked at #14 on the UK Singles Chart.

“‘Once Bitten’ was first covered by Shaun Cassidy on his 1980 LP, Wasp. In 1989, the song was covered again, by Great White, on their fourth album …Twice Shy. It was this version released as a single that peaked Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.”

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1970s, Rock

Ships

Written and first recorded by Ian Hunter (1979).
Hit version by Barry Manilow (US #9/MOR #4/CAN #29 1979).

From the wiki: “Ian Hunter (‘Once Bitten Twice Shy‘) began writing ‘Ships’ when he was with Mott The Hoople (1969-1974) but didn’t record it until 1979, for his solo album You’re Never Alone With A Schizophrenic. The song has been described as a hymn-like ballad about Hunter’s relationship with his father.

“‘Ships’ was soon after recorded by singer Barry Manilow for his sixth studio album, One Voice. Hunter recalled to Mojo magazine: ‘That whole Manilow thing was quite amusing. That guy’s no slouch when it comes to arranging. His dad had died and the song struck him that way, too.'”

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