John Anderson Was an Expert Song Stylist. These 5 Recordings Show Why

John Anderson, who died on 21 October aged 71, was known for making other artists’ songs his own as well as recording hits such as “Straight Tequila Night” and “Seminole Wind”. His version of Dire Straits’ “When It Comes to You” reached number three on the country chart and helped establish a pattern of covers and reinterpretations that became a distinctive part of his career.

The article highlights five recordings that show Anderson’s range as a stylist. They include a forceful take on Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City”, a lively cover of the Georgia Satellites, and versions of songs first recorded by Chris Knight, Van Morrison and Doug Supernaw. Anderson’s “It Ain’t Easy Being Me” followed Knight’s 1998 debut by three years, while his “Five Generations of Rock County Wilsons” came eight years after Supernaw’s 1993 recording.