The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record (George Michael), no dispute found — built on James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” break already in this catalog. The reason Clyde Stubblefield was never credited as a songwriter (rhythm isn’t copyrightable the way melody is) is documented on that page, not here.
Used by independents?
Unconfirmed — the page doesn't yet document enough sampler detail to tell.
Quick Facts
Released1990
AlbumListen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
GenrePop, Dance, Soul
LabelColumbia / Epic
ProducerGeorge Michael
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — George Michael (+ the Funky Drummer credit already documented in this catalog)
Smoothradio → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Gavin Bradley → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — built on the widely-used “Funky Drummer” break; an iconic single with one of the most famous music videos of its era.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriter of record and no dispute found.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
The James Brown break looped here (already in this catalog)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)George Michael
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
An iconic supermodel music video
The video featured Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford lip-syncing the song — widely credited with cementing their careers. George Michael deliberately does not appear, a symbolic choice reflecting the song’s themes about moving beyond his old pop-idol image.
TIME · read it →
Why Stubblefield was never credited as a songwriter
Drummer Clyde Stubblefield was never credited as a songwriter on the original “Funky Drummer” specifically because rhythmic contributions are not considered copyrightable the way melody and lyrics are — already established via the existing Funky Drummer page in this catalog.
Gavin Bradley (Liner Notes) · read it →
A genuinely layered secondary remix — really a medley of three songs
A 1990 remix combined the original vocals with George Michael’s own rendition of Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life” (emulating Caron Wheeler’s phrasing), a sample of the fiddle riff from Sinéad O’Connor’s “I Am Stretched on Your Grave,” and a recreated loop from Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance” (itself referencing the “Buffalo Gals” scratches).
Gavin Bradley (Liner Notes) · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
Built on James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” break
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
FR
George Michael (estate)
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 4)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass