Thank you all for your heartening comments! When I produce a cover song, I search the roots of that song. I then try to get into the spirit of it's oldest, genuine version.
I'm not a real singer, but used to be in the rhythm combo - sometimes even played melodies with banjo or mandolin.
Now, when I produce these all by myself at my home, I have to sing too. After many comments I'm now venturesome enough to sing with my tru roadworn (I'm 72 years old) voice.
My favourite comment came from a young man: "I can hear the miles behind you, which give you street credibility."