The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters of record (Fulson & McCracklin), no dispute found — the true underlying source of “The Champ,” already in this catalog (which swapped the chanted “Tramp” for “Champ”).
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — Lowell Fulson & Jimmy McCracklin
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — Kent / Stax; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — the direct source of “The Champ” (already in this catalog); the Redding/Thomas duet is a soul standard.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriters of record and no dispute found.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Built directly on this song — swapped “Tramp” for “Champ” (already in this catalog)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Lowell Fulson & Jimmy McCracklin (Songfacts also credits Susan L. Yasinski)
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
A DJ-preview origin, and a hobo cover pose
Kent owner Jules Bihari initially hated the song — it was only released after two influential DJs reacted enthusiastically to a preview, with a small initial pressing. Fulson, normally suited, posed as a railroad-yard hobo for the cover to match the theme.
Grokipedia · read it →
Among Otis Redding’s last hits, and its own layered sampling
“King & Queen” was Redding’s final studio album before his December 10, 1967 plane-crash death — “Tramp” was among the last major hits released in his lifetime. Redding’s version itself samples The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You”; one historian says its beat likely influenced Stevie Wonder’s “You Haven’t Done Nothin’.” No lyrics reproduced.
Wikipedia / WhoSampled · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
Otis Redding & Carla Thomas (1967) · basis of “The Champ”
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itThe Mohawks
Who to Contact
TR
Lowell Fulson & Jimmy McCracklin (estates)
The confirmed songwriters 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 8)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass