The Pretenders Lindisfarne Paul Davidson While the original Allman Brothers release of the song did not chart, "Midnight Rider" was much more successful in cover versions. Gregg Allman's solo version of the song, released in 1973, was its biggest chart success; it was a top 20 hit in the U.S. and Canada. A cover by Jamaican singer Paul Davidson represented its biggest peak in the United Kingdom, where it hit number ten. Country artist Willie Nelson also recorded a version of the song that peaked at number six on U.S. country charts. The Who T. Rex Bob Marley & The Wailers Sex Pistols Al Stewart Paul McCartney & Wings Neil Young