Song Clearance Sheet
4 sources citedVoodoo Ray
Acid House1980s122BPM
D majKey
More around 120 BPM → · More in D major →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record (Gerald Simpson), no dispute found regarding this song’s own rights — a foundational entry in UK acid-house history.
Quick Facts
Released1988
GenreAcid House, Electronic
LabelRham! Records
ProducerGerald Simpson
Recorded atMoonraker Studios, Manchester
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — Gerald Simpson
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — originally Rham! Records; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
A foundational UK acid-house record, later remixed by house pioneer Frankie Knuckles for the US release.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriter of record and no dispute found.
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Gerald Simpson
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
An iconic hook born from a memory error
The hook “voodoo ray” is actually a truncated “voodoo rage,” spoken by Peter Cook on the “Bo Diddley” sketch from Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s “Derek and Clive Live.” Limited sampling memory on Simpson’s Akai S900 forced the tail of the phrase to be cut off — accidentally creating the track’s title and hook. Dudley Moore’s yelled “later!” from the same sketch was also used. No lyrics reproduced.
909originals · read it →
From 808 State to solo
Simpson was an early member of 808 State, contributing to their debut album and the hit “Pacific State” — he reportedly departed after a dispute over money and royalties, going solo shortly before creating this track.
Wikipedia · read it →
Institutional recognition
Later remixed by house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles for the US release on Warlock Records.
Insomniac · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
The first British acid house single
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
VR
Gerald Simpson (Rham! Records)
The confirmed songwriter of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 12)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass