Here’s a song I might have known was a cover if I were a little older, or a little more up on the 1960s Dutch rock scene.
In 1969, psychedelic rock band Shocking Blue released ‘Venus’ in the Netherlands and saw it reach #1 in nine countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Lead singer Mariska Veres, often compared to Cher, delivers the track with an alluringly sultry nonchalance.
Seventeen years later, English pop trio Bananarama recorded ‘Venus’ and scored their only U.S. #1 hit, though the song peaked at #8 in their native UK. Their version was an MTV staple in the mid-80s, when I heard it repeatedly and assumed it was an original.
‘Venus’ is one of just nine tracks to make it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 by multiple artists. Bragging rights go to any commenters who can name one or more of the other eight (without Googling!).
A goddess on a mountain top
Was burning like a silver flame
The summit of beauty and love
And Venus was her name
[Chorus]
She’s got it
Yeah, baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire, at your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire, at your desire
[Verse 2]
Her weapons were her crystal eyes
Making every man mad
Black as the dark night she was
Got what no-one else had
Wow!
[Chorus]
She’s got it
Yeah, baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire, at your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire, at your desire
[Bridge]
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
[Chorus]
She’s got it
Yeah, baby, she’s got it
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire, at your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire, at your desire
Meet Me In Montauk 
Maybe it’s too early in the morning, but I couldn’t think of any number 1s by two artists without googling. Having now looked at the list, I doubt I would have gotten any at any time of the day, so I too am curious if anyone else can.
This was not the “Venus” song I expected to come out of my speakers. This is somewhat familiar, but I can’t say I recall the newer version as an MTV staple. Meanwhile, the question initially seemed easy, but I’m still contemplating and no song (let alone 9!) is immediately coming to mind.
I want to say someone had a hit with a song from one of those compilation cover albums, but Dana’s comment suggests that’s not the case. George Michael covering “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is one that popped into my mind though I doubt it was a #1 single for either Elton John or George Michael.
How can you not know Bananarama’s ‘Venus’???
I am passing on this contest as you probably already knew 😊