The next song to reach #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 by two different artists is ‘Lean On Me,’ which first topped the charts in 1972 for its writer, Bill Withers.
That soulful rendition wasn’t exactly crying out to be recreated, but that didn’t stop R&B group Club Nouveau from trying their hand at it in 1987. The quintet made their version of the track the lead single on their debut album, Life, Love & Pain.
Club Nouveau cold reasonably be called a one-hit wonder based on the success of this song and their lack of subsequent hits. They did have several other top ten hits on the R&B chart, however, so that might make them more of a niche act with one breakthrough hit.
Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow
[Chorus]
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
(I’ll be your friend)
I’ll help you carry on
(Lean on me)
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
[Verse 2]
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill
Those of your needs
That you won’t let show
[Repeat Chorus]
[Bridge]
So just call on me brother
When you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem
That you’d understand
We all need somebody to lean on
[Chorus]
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
(When you’re not strong)
And I’ll be your friend
(I’ll be your friend)
I’ll help you carry on
(Lean on me)
For said
It won’t be long (Won’t be too long)
‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on
We be jamming
We be jamming (Hey, now)
We be jamming
Meet Me In Montauk 
It’s not a bad cover, but I like the Withers original better.
I really don’t think Club Nouveau’s version is worthy of #1. . . but then again, lots of songs that hit #1 aren’t that great. . . and lots of amazing songs never reached that peak.