Al Kooper: Words On Sampling

[Kooperman]

A Defining of Terms

Who writes the songs the whole world sings?

By Al Kooper/ FEBRUARY 1999

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I received a phone call today from a journalist who was using my quotes in a debate about songwriting. It seems that there are more than a few lawsuits emanating from the Hip-Hop community about who-did-what. Some people feel that if they come up with a signature bass riff, guitar line, or drum-loop, they are entitled to be songwriters. Bullshit. They are entitled to be musicians, producers, or arrangers.

For the complete column, click here:

http://www.alkooper.com/oldcolumns01.html

[desdemona]

I agree totally, I can't start to count the number of times i've recognized artists words or musical phrases used in today's pop music, I've always wondered if any one of them was compensated, some isn't obvious. I'm sure alot of new artists are influenced by the music of the past and unknowlingly blend licks and phrases that aren't their own, but I agree these past artists are due their credit.