Another Ten Songs You May Not Know Were Covers: Once Bitten, Twice Shy (#1)

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It's time to complete this latest series of discussions dealing with songs that were big hit but, unknown to many, were actually covers. I tried to save the "big shocks" for last. Having said that, I feel fairly confident that JJ and Scott do know this is a cover. And here it is! #1: Once Bitten, Twice Shy The hair band Great White is forever linked with tragedy. As they took the stage at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island on February 20, 2003, their manager set off some "little" firecrackers. A spark caught the curtains and the material on the walls on fire, and the next thing you know one hundred people were dead, including Ty Longley, Great White's guitarist. They are also linked to this song, which is their biggest "mainstream" hit. It seems like all of those hair bands had "one big hit." And, as it's in this series, Great White's "one big hit" is a cover. Here's a shocker: Shaun Cassidy recorded this song in 1980. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LISTEN TO IT. Remember, I suffer so you don't have to. Mercifully, that's not the origins of the song. No, the song goes back to a legitimate source: Ian Hunter. The former Mott the Hoople lead singer turned solo career singer wrote and originally performed this song in 1975. Cleveland rocks, and so does Ian Hunter's original version of this song. Thanks for reading. Once Bitten, Twice Shy Written by Ian Hunter Originally recorded by Ian Hunter, 1975 Famously covered by Great White, 1989 Mama's little baby likes it short and sweet: