The Top Five Versions Of 'Hey Joe'

Think of the song "Hey Joe" and you think of Jimi Hendrix, right? I know I did until finding out Hendrix not only didn't write it, but he wasn't even the first to record it. In fact, there have been over 1,800 versions of the song recorded since it was originally written back in the mid to late 50s by folk musician Billy Roberts. Below are the top five versions of this classic murder ballad.

5) Robert Plant & Band Of Joy

Robert Plant was only around 18 when he recorded this with his pre-Zeppelin band, Band of Joy. Listen to the power in his voice. This is just what Jimmy Page was looking for in a lead vocalist.

4) Love

One of the most underrated bands from the 60s was Love, and one of the most underrated singers from that decade is most definitely the band's frontman Arthur Lee. Robert Plant was a huge fan of Lee and Love and I can see why.

3) Johnny Rivers

The haunting backing vocals on this track by Johnny Rivers from 1968 are what stand out most. But listen to the way Rivers delivers his lead vocals. Man, this is some trippy stuff.

2) Charlotte Gainsbourg

The most recent version of "Hey Joe" is from British and French actress/singer Charlotte Gainsbourg. An already haunting song, this may be the most haunting of them all. The song was released in 2014, and the video above currently has 1 million views.

1) Jimi Hendrix

The iconic version. The best version. The Hendrix version. What strikes me most about this recording is Jimi's vocals. There's a sadness that he brings to the song's main character, who sees a friend's life about to take an irreversible, dark, and deadly turn.