Mother Popcorn cover art
Song Clearance Sheet
4 sources cited

Mother Popcorn

Funk1960s
116BPM
G majKey
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM, Deezer
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record, no dispute found — directly connected to “Cold Sweat” (this batch) via a shared beat/structure, with Maceo Parker’s template-setting funk sax solo.
Quick Facts
Released1969
GenreFunk
LabelKing Records
ProducerJames Brown
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of recordJames Brown
Wikipedia · checked Jul 2026
The current administratorNot confirmed — originally King Records; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — a much-sampled funk staple; covered by Aerosmith (“Live: Bootleg”).
Songfactschecked Jul 2026
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriter of record and no dispute found.
Compiled from public sourceschecked Jul 2026

The two permissions you need, and who holds them

The song itself (the writing)James Brown
A two-part 1969 single (#1 R&B, #11 Pop) — the highest-charting of Brown’s several 1969 “Popcorn” dance songs. Shares a similar beat/structure with “Cold Sweat” (this batch), faster and more rhythmically activeWikipediachecked Jul 2026
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Originally King Records — needs a Songview/Discogs lookup. No dispute foundchecked Jul 2026

Receipts

Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found

A template-setting Maceo Parker solo

Features a famous Maceo Parker saxophone solo credited with “setting the template for modern funk saxophone” — a traceable influence on David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr. and Michael Brecker.

James Mahone · read it →
Reused lyrics from an unreleased track

Its lyrics were reused from an earlier, previously unreleased Brown recording, “You Got to Have a Mother for Me” (a different arrangement), only officially released in 1988 on “Motherlode.” Critic Robert Christgau called it a turning point toward pure rhythmic focus. No lyrics reproduced.

Edge of the Line / Wikipedia · read it →

Can You Use It for Free?

How to check PD →
Is it public domain?No
Compiled from public sourceschecked Jul 2026

Sample History

Times sampled
A much-sampled funk staple
Covers
First flip

Who to Contact

MO
James Brown (estate) / King Records
The confirmed songwriter of record
Confirmed · checked Jul 2026
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
Cleared this one? Tell us what you paid →

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References

Every source cited on this page — 4 in total

Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 9)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass
Last checked Jul 2026 · Compiled from Wikipedia, Wikidata, Discogs, MusicBrainz, Nolo, Stereogum, Songfacts.
This page is informational, not legal advice — always confirm current rightsholders before release.
ConfirmedReportedUnknown