Secondhandsongs __link__ Now
Entries often include the record label, the specific album or single release, and even the "Work" ID (the underlying composition). The SecondHandSongs API
A: Yes. We do not host or distribute audio files. We only link to legal sources (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music) and index metadata. Copyright ownership remains with the rights holders.
Covers were frequent and focused on "reworking" tunes, particularly within jazz standards.
Launched in 2003, SecondHandSongs started as a passion project to answer a simple question: “Who sang this song first?” Today, we are the definitive crowd-sourced archive for: secondhandsongs
The accuracy of SecondHandSongs relies heavily on its strict moderation policy. Anyone can register to submit data, but new entries do not immediately go live.
A: To avoid licensing fees and DMCA issues. We are a database, not a jukebox. Click the external links to listen.
Cover songs have been around since the early days of music. In the 1920s and 1930s, artists like Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday recorded cover versions of popular songs to introduce them to new audiences. The 1950s and 1960s saw a surge in cover songs, with artists like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles recording their own versions of existing songs. Entries often include the record label, the specific
| Feature | SecondHandSongs | Discogs | WhoSampled | Spotify | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Cover versions & origins | Physical releases | Samples & remixes | Streaming playback | | Metadata | Song lineage, original artist | Catalog numbers, pressing details | Breakbeats, loops | User playlists | | Search by Cover | Yes (best-in-class) | Limited | Yes (samples only) | No (algorithmic suggestions only) |
SecondHandSongs is built on data integrity and ease of use. The platform offers several powerful features for music enthusiasts:
Artists record secondhand songs for various reasons: We only link to legal sources (YouTube, Spotify,
If you are new to the site, here is how to start your rabbit hole journey:
The Ultimate Guide to SecondHandSongs: The Internet’s Premier Cover Song Database
The SecondHandSongs database is a comprehensive, community-driven resource dedicated to tracking the history and lineage of musical works through , adaptations , and samples . Launched as a collaborative platform, it serves as an "IMDb for songs," allowing researchers and enthusiasts to identify original performers and trace how a single composition has been reimagined over time. Key Database Features
In the vast landscape of music history, the original performance of a song is only the beginning of its journey. Many songs take on a second, third, or even thousandth life through cover versions, adapting to new genres, eras, and interpretations.