David Bowie, remembered in 9 songs that sampled him

TL;DR

David Bowie's impact is seen in numerous music samples.

Transcript

David bowie’s massive influence is a lot wider than can be catalogued, but one way is through samples and quotations. The highest profile would definitely be… Vanilla Ice That bassline famously quotes Under Pressure by Bowie & Queen. Though Mr. Ice also denied using bowie’s song – "We sampled it from them, but it's not the same bassline" – he event... Read More

Key Insights

• David Bowie's influence extends beyond his own music, notably through samples and quotations by other artists.
• Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby' famously sampled the bassline from 'Under Pressure' by Bowie and Queen, leading to shared songwriting credits.
• Puff Daddy's 'Been Around the World' incorporates Bowie's 'Let's Dance,' highlighting Bowie's commercial success.
• The Chemical Brothers' 'Star Guitar' creatively samples 'Starman' from Bowie's Ziggy Stardust era.
• Beck's 'Debra' extends a melody from Bowie's 'Win' into a lengthy, unique track.
• Numerous artists, including Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Nine Inch Nails, Groove Armada, and Unkle, have sampled Bowie's work.
• Bowie championed lesser-known artists who influenced him, such as Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, and supported emerging bands like Arcade Fire.
• Bowie's core message of self-acceptance and individuality continues to resonate and endure beyond his music.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did David Bowie's music influence other artists?

David Bowie's music has been widely sampled and quoted by numerous artists across various genres, showcasing his extensive influence. Notable examples include Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby,' which sampled 'Under Pressure,' and Puff Daddy's 'Been Around the World,' which used 'Let's Dance.' These samples highlight Bowie's enduring impact on music.

Q: What is an example of a song that sampled Bowie's 'Starman'?

The Chemical Brothers' song 'Star Guitar' features a creative sample from David Bowie's 'Starman' off the Ziggy Stardust album. This inventive use of Bowie's music demonstrates his influence on electronic music and the band's ability to integrate elements from iconic tracks into their own compositions.

Q: How did Bowie support emerging artists during his career?

David Bowie was known for championing lesser-known artists who influenced him, such as Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. Additionally, he supported emerging bands like Arcade Fire, helping them reach a broader audience. His willingness to promote and collaborate with new talent highlights his commitment to fostering creativity within the music industry.

Q: What is Bowie's core message that continues to resonate today?

David Bowie's core message of self-acceptance and individuality continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. His encouragement to be oneself, regardless of how different or unique, remains a significant part of his legacy. This message has inspired countless individuals to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions without fear.

Q: Which song did Beck sample from Bowie's 'Young Americans' album?

Beck's song 'Debra' takes a melody from David Bowie's 'Win' off the 1975 album 'Young Americans' and transforms it into a six-minute track. This creative reinterpretation showcases Beck's ability to draw inspiration from Bowie's work and create something unique, further highlighting Bowie's influence on contemporary music.

Q: How did Vanilla Ice's use of Bowie's music lead to shared songwriting credits?

Vanilla Ice famously sampled the bassline from 'Under Pressure' by David Bowie and Queen in his song 'Ice Ice Baby.' Initially denying the use of Bowie's song, Vanilla Ice eventually had to share songwriting credits and royalties with Bowie and Queen, acknowledging the direct influence of their work on his hit track.

Q: What role did Bowie play in the fall of the Berlin Wall?

David Bowie played a symbolic role in the fall of the Berlin Wall through his music and performances. His concert in West Berlin in 1987, near the Wall, is credited with inspiring hope and unity among East Berliners. Bowie's presence and music became anthems for change during a pivotal moment in history.

Q: How has Bowie's influence been documented beyond music samples?

Beyond music samples, David Bowie's influence has been documented through various mediums, including articles, documentaries, and tributes from artists and celebrities. Resources like Who Sampled provide extensive lists of artists who have sampled Bowie's work, illustrating the breadth of his impact across the music industry and popular culture.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• David Bowie's legacy is vast, with his influence seen in numerous music samples and quotations by various artists. Notable examples include Vanilla Ice, Puff Daddy, and the Chemical Brothers, showcasing Bowie's impact across different music genres.

• Aside from his music, Bowie's support for lesser-known artists and emerging bands like Arcade Fire highlights his role in the music industry. His message of self-acceptance and individuality remains a significant part of his enduring legacy.

• Despite his passing, Bowie's music continues to inspire and influence, with countless celebrities and artists acknowledging his impact. Resources like Who Sampled document the extensive range of artists who have sampled Bowie's work.