A pivotal figure in outlaw country with a song that was always going to be his to sing, and songwriter behind the song shows the power of telling your own story. LA Freeway, originally by Jerry Jeff Walker, covered by Guy Clark.

Outro music is Love at the Five and Dime by Nanci Griffith.

We pay tribute to a musical giant, focusing on the moment where is started to get the recognition he deserved, and a cover where everyone reinforced that recognition. Surfer Girl, originally by The Beach Boys, covered by Paul Simon.

Outro music is Brian Wilson, by Barenaked Ladies.

An episode remembering a towering talent who broke new ground in unexpected ways, and covers by a couple of other remarkable talents who are clearly appreciated, but not enough and for not enough reasons. Everyday People, originally by Sly and the Family Stone, covered by Taj Mahal, and by Jeff Buckley.

Outro music is Underdog, also by Sly and the Family Stone.

A beautiful song that subtly obscures its musical roots by an artist with surprising connections to the genre, and a cover that goes all in on everything. I Can See Clearly Now, originally by Johnny Nash, covered by Hothouse Flowers.

Outro music is Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls, and we guarantee it will all make sense.

A no-nonsense dance hit that has depth beyond what you usually see in a no-nonsense dance hit, and a cover that embraces the story and an artists peculiar place in the world. Pink Pony Club, originally by Chappell Roan, covered by Rick Astley.

Outro music is Together Forever, also by Rick Astley.

A lifetime of curious musical collaborations and a killer song that needed to find the right band. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo, originally by Johnny Winter And, covered by Rick Derringer.

Outro music is an utterly improbable cover of Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo by Mean Gene Okerlund. If you know you know, and if you don’t you’re going to want to take a look at the video link we post.

A stunning song that perfectly captures the complexity of a musical and cultural genius, and a cover that strips the song down to almost nothing, but has so much to offer. Life On Mars?, originally by David Bowie, covered by Seu Jorge.

Outro music is Bowie’s Starman, also covered by Seu Jorge, because we can’t get enough of this guy. We think you’ll agree.

Rather than debating who put whose chocolate in which peanut butter, we see the results of someone really knowing what to do with some good ingredients. Without You, originally by Badfinger, covered by Harry Nilsson.

Outro music is Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procul Harum.