The Most Sampled Loop in Music History

What do Skrillex, David Bowie, Salt-N-Pepa and basically every drum and bass track have in common? They've all used the Amen break, a four-bar drum solo that has become the most sampled loop in music history. Recorded in 1969, the six second sample originates from the song “Amen, Brother” by The Winstons, a funk and soul group from Washington, D.C. For many years, the solo was buried deep in musical archives—that is until hip-hop pioneer Lou Flores, aka “Breakbeat Lou,” featured it on his compilation, “The Ultimate Breaks and Beats.” Once producers caught wind of the solo, it took off, going on to change music forever.

#Sample #AmenBreak #Drums

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[johncroll]

The actual drummer- Gregory C Coleman, is mentioned only once in this video. From his Wikipedia page, "... Apart from sales of the original recording, Coleman never received any royalties from the widespread use of the sample.... Gregory S. Coleman died in Atlanta, Georgia, in April 2006. He was homeless, twice married and is survived by a daughter and step daughter. "

Ripped off man.

[chairshoe]

and the drummer who created it received no royalties and died homeless on the streets

[Breakbeats.]

Due to it being sampled so many times, the Amen Break is pretty much in the public domain. Had the Winstons defended the copyright they could have pocketed millions. However, this might have been at the expense of killing new geners of music.

[davidb]

It's crazy how a small snippet can spark an entire genre and culture.

[jjjose]

Just like many artists, only recognized after death.

[Helladamnleet]

This is heavily used in Powerpuff Girls

[dlazyace]

Every time I hear this loop it reminds me of late 80s-early 90s skateboarding videos home videos. Or Tony Hawk Pro skater games.

[reanetsemoleleki]

This sample is the Wilhelm Scream of music.

[cc]

The beat Sampled in more than 3000 songs but Gregory c Coleman never received any royalties the guy should be a millionaire but sadly died broke

[pdalmao]

I absolutely love how this sample transcends so many genres. From future trap to classic hip hop, it's just the most versatile few seconds of music I've ever heard.

[maxifisch]

Today, I learned about this loop and suddenly recognized it everywhere! It even played in the backround music in a mall I visited today.

[ollixpop]

i would always tap this beat on my desk during school but never knew where it came from

[victorlikesmetal]

Alex play the most Iconic drum solo
*plays porn hub community opening*

[roughhouse]

I'll recap all the comments below this one. "Guy didnt get paid." "Powerpuff girls." Done. Now you dont have to bother reading the rest of the comments.

[davehumphries]

Could you do one about the Wilhelm scream?

[kyototo.]

Drummer probably hasn’t seen ONE CHECK.

[mrkkwrfd]

I actually owned this record on a 45rpm. Used to listen to it all the time as a young kid. Loved the song! Too bad my youngest child(18) recently found it again in some boxes and now it's missing....

[vadim]

03:10 they actually showed him walking away from his musical career

[nothingiseverperfect]

smh i bet they stole that from Soulja Boy too

[MrEasye]

Its awesome how music can bring people together like that. Through one simple beat its has created love in almost all generes.