When it comes to the famous song “Wagon Wheel,” many people may not know that it was originally written by Bob Dylan and reworked by Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. However, over the years, several artists have released their own versions of this iconic tune. Still, who has the most popular version of “Wagon Wheel”? In this blog post, we will delve into some of the most popular renditions and determine who holds the crown for the most famous take on “Wagon Wheel.”
Bob Dylan’s Original
Before we dive into the various covers of “Wagon Wheel,” it’s essential to acknowledge its origins. Bob Dylan initially wrote the chorus to this song in a rough draft of “Rock Me Mama,” which was never officially released. It was only in 1997 that Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show discovered Dylan’s unfinished version while browsing through some bootleg tapes. He then sought Dylan’s permission to complete the song, and “Wagon Wheel” was born.
While Dylan’s original version of the song may have never been officially released, his influence on the song cannot be ignored. Dylan’s lyrical genius formed the basis of the iconic chorus that has remained a constant in “Wagon Wheel” through all its many iterations.
Old Crow Medicine Show’s Version
In 2004, Old Crow Medicine Show released their take on “Wagon Wheel” as part of their album “O.C.M.S.” The band’s bluegrass twist on the song gave it a new life of its own, and it wasn’t long before their version became a hit.
Old Crow Medicine Show’s release peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has since become a staple of music festivals, weddings, and concerts worldwide. Their version’s popularity is what inspired several other artists to create their own renditions.
Darius Rucker’s Cover
While the Old Crow Medicine Show’s version of “Wagon Wheel” was already popular, it was Darius Rucker’s cover that truly made the song a household name. Rucker’s release of “Wagon Wheel” in 2013 was a defining moment in his career, marking one of his most significant hits.
Rucker’s take on the song is more rooted in country music and uses a slower tempo compared to Old Crow Medicine Show’s upbeat version. Despite this, Rucker’s cover peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has since sold over five million copies in the United States alone, making it the most commercially successful version of “Wagon Wheel.”
The Popularity of Other Covers
While Old Crow Medicine Show and Darius Rucker’s versions are the most well-known, other artists have created covers that have gained considerable popularity. One notable example is the cover by Nathan Carter, an Irish country singer, whose rendition of the song became a viral hit in Ireland. Carter’s version topped the Irish charts and helped to introduce “Wagon Wheel” to a whole new audience.
Another version of “Wagon Wheel” that has gained significant attention is by Mumford & Sons, a British folk band. While their take on the song did not reach the same level of commercial success as Rucker’s, it has become a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several artists have released their own versions of “Wagon Wheel” over the years. While the song’s origins lie with Bob Dylan and Old Crow Medicine Show, it was Darius Rucker’s cover that took the song to the next level and made it a commercial success. However, other covers by Nathan Carter and Mumford & Sons have also gained significant popularity and show how this song’s timeless quality has touched people from all parts of the world and genres of music. Today, “Wagon Wheel” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music fans.
FAQ
Do Wagon Wheels still exist?
Yes, Wagon Wheels do still exist! Wagon Wheels are a popular snack food that have been around for over 70 years. They were first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1948 by the biscuit company known as Burton’s Biscuits.
Initially, Wagon Wheels were made up of two chocolate-covered biscuits with a marshmallow center, and were available in only one flavor – chocolate. Over the years, variations of the classic Wagon Wheel have been introduced, including ones with vanilla and raspberry flavors, as well as ones containing Jammie Dodger-style fillings.
Today, Wagon Wheels are still made by Burton’s Biscuits, which has its headquarters and main manufacturing facility in Llantarnam in south Wales. In recent years, there has been some controversy surrounding Wagon Wheels, with some claiming that they are not as big as they once were. However, Burton’s Biscuits has stated that the size of Wagon Wheels has not changed, and any difference in the perceived size is likely due to nostalgia or changes in individual perception over time.
Wagon Wheels are still being produced and enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you prefer the classic chocolate flavor or one of the newer variations, there’s a Wagon Wheel out there for everyone. So, if you’re a fan of this classic British snack, you can rest assured that you can still find it on store shelves today.
Are Wagon Wheels and moon pies the same?
Wagon Wheels and Moon Pies are two different types of snacks that may appear similar, but they are not quite the same. Wagon Wheels are chocolate-covered biscuits that are very popular in the UK, while Moon Pies are a favorite in the Southern United States.
Wagon Wheels were first introduced in the UK in 1948 by biscuits maker Peek Freans. They are made up of two malted biscuits with a marshmallow filling in the center and covered in chocolate. However, the original Wagon Wheels were much larger than the ones sold today, and they were made with jam instead of marshmallow. Despite this evolution, the snacks still became a go-to for children in the UK and remains so to this day.
On the other hand, Moon Pies have been around in America since the early 1900s and were originally made as a treat for coal miners. They are made up of two round graham crackers with a marshmallow filling in the center and covered in chocolate or other flavored coatings like vanilla or lemon. They are most commonly associated with the southern United States, where they are a beloved part of the local culture and can be found in every grocery store.
So while both snacks feature marshmallow fillings sandwiched between two biscuits or graham crackers and covered in chocolate, they are not exactly the same. Wagon Wheels are available internationally and feature a similar profile to the MoonPie, but they were “invented” long after the Southern favorite. Furthermore, Choco Pies are popular in South Korea, but they were directly inspired by the MoonPie which has been around for much longer and has become an important part of Southern American culture.