Song Clearance Sheet
5 sources citedLe Freak
Disco1970s119BPM
G majKey
More around 120 BPM → · More in G major →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →, Deezer →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters of record (Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards), no dispute found — one of the most-sampled records ever, connecting to “Good Times” by the same duo already in this catalogue. The “born from spite” Studio 54 origin is documented factually, with the original profane chant described but not reproduced.
Quick Facts
Released1978
AlbumC’est Chic
GenreDisco, Funk, R&B
LabelAtlantic Records
ProducerNile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards
Recorded atPower Station, New York City
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — Atlantic; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
One of the most-sampled and best-selling records of the disco era; connects to “Good Times” by the same duo, already in this catalogue.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriters of record.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Same band and songwriters (already in this catalogue)
Same album, “C’est Chic” (this batch)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards
A “born from spite” origin, described not quotedOn New Year’s Eve 1977, Grace Jones invited Rodgers and Edwards to Studio 54, but the door staff — not recognizing them and lacking notice from Jones — turned them away, reportedly even as one of their own hits played inside. They returned to Rodgers’ apartment with champagne and jammed out of frustration; the original chanted chorus was a direct profane insult aimed at the doorman, later sanitized into a family-friendly phrase for release. The specific profanity is intentionally described, not reproduced.
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
The label hated it at first
Rodgers recalled that executives hated the song on first hearing — by the time the ~7½-minute demo finished in a conference room, everyone else had quietly left, leaving only Rodgers, Edwards and their own attorney.
Songfacts · read it →
A historical nod woven into the song
The lyrics directly reference “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” composed by Edgar Sampson — a real historical connection woven into the track. No lyrics reproduced.
Jukebox Time Machine · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
A six-million-selling, much-sampled disco #1
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
LF
Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards (Atlantic)
The confirmed songwriters of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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References
Every source cited on this page — 5 in total
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 21)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass