The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriter of record (David “Hawk” Wolinski), no dispute found — a clean case with a well-documented origin: nearly given to “Thriller,” released only after the writer’s ultimatum to the label.
Quick Facts
Released1983
AlbumStompin’ at the Savoy
GenreFunk, R&B, Soul
LabelWarner Bros. Records
ProducerRuss Titelman
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter of record — David “Hawk” Wolinski
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — originally Warner Bros.; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Much-covered and interpolated — George Michael, LL Cool J, and Felix Jaehn feat. Jasmine Thompson’s 2015 “Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better).”
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)David “Hawk” Wolinski (Rufus keyboardist)
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
Nearly a “Thriller” song
Wolinski came up with the idea in 1982 while working with Michael Sembello — the song was actually considered for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” with Wolinski offering it to Quincy Jones, who reportedly really wanted it. No lyrics reproduced.
Songfacts · read it →
The writer’s ultimatum to the label
When Warner Bros. wanted a different song as the album’s first single, Wolinski threatened to pull it and hand it to Jackson and Quincy Jones for “Thriller” unless it was released as the lead single — the label relented. The band itself reportedly didn’t like the song at first, only keeping it after a democratic vote.
Wikipedia · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
A much-covered R&B/funk standard
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itGeorge Michael · LL Cool J
Who to Contact
AN
David “Hawk” Wolinski (Warner Bros.)
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 14)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass