Creator of the ‘Amen Break’ has finally been compensated
The Amen Break is arguably the most important drum loop in history. The six second sample, originating from The Winstons’ 1969 song “Amen, Brother,” single-handedly changed the course of music as we know it. This may sound like hyperbole, but consider the fact that the Amen Break helped inspire entire sub-genres of electronic music such as jungle as breakbeat hardcore — not to mention serving as the basis for many a hip hop track in the ’80s and ’90s.
Despite the Amen Break’s overwhelming popularity in sample-based music, the copyright owner, Richard L. Spencer, has yet receive a dime of proper royalties. Earlier this year, however, one inspired drum ‘n’ bass fan took it upon himself to change this. Through a successful GoFund me campaign, the music community raised $24,000 thanks to the contributions of nearly 2,000 donors. Richard L. Spencer has since received the money, and with it, some much deserved financial restitution for the ubiquitous sampling of the Amen Break.
Read our History of the Amen Break for further insight into the legendary drum loop.
Categories: Music