I like to know the origin of songs. I like to see the original and its descendants preserved. Which one will I listen to? The one that appeals to me, whether original or not. I think the history is important, many don't.
We should remember that a currently popular rendition may fade with time, and another will take its place.
In a comparison with classical compositions, one should not believe that the classical composition is fixed. Compare versions by different singers, instrumentalists and conductors, and considerable differences will appear. The "definitive" performance is just the one of the moment. This applies to all categories of music.