Song Poaching

I have a list of songs that should never be recorded or performed by anyone but the original artists. They are "signature" songs. That is, they are identified so closely with the original artist's recording that there should be a penalty for anyone else ever performing them. These songs, in addition to belonging to a special place and time, may also be classified as timeless.

• Ring of Fire, Johnny Cash
• Crazy, Patsy Cline
• Respect, Aretha Franklin
• (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, The Rolling Stones
• In the Summertime, Mungo Jerry
• Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen

These songs should not be performed by cover bands, karaoke wannabes or established commercial artists.

I am sure that there are more songs that should fit into this profile, but these are the most significant that come immediately to mind. Be on the lookout. Stop song poaching.