Here are a couple of really obscure originals that did not even sniff the Top 100.

I was unfamiliar with "Break-A-Way" by Irma Thomas until about 10 years ago. Jackie DeShannon's record is really obscure. Irma Thomas's 1964 recording was the "B" side of "Wish Someone Would Care" which made #17.

Incredibly, "Break-A-Way" never charted!



"Break-A-Way" Irma Thomas 1964 "B" side

(One of my all-time favorite recordings; GREAT backup singers!!!)

Cover


"Break-A-Way" Jackie DeShannon 1964

The original recording of "Break-A-Way" starts at about 2:56. It is the second Jackie DeShannon record, following "When You Walk Into The Room".

Original


George Harrison had a #1 with his cover of "Got My Mind Set On You".

"Got My Mind Set On You" George Harrison 1987

Cover


"I've Got My Mind Set on You" James Ray 1962

Original