4 Chart-Topping 21st-Century Songs That Sampled 1960s and 1970s Tracks

Sampling became popular in the late 20th century, originating with hip hop artists in the 1980s. It’s a good way to revive a lost classic and give it new life. On most occasions, listeners aren’t familiar with the song being sampled. Simply walking through a grocery store and catching a classic song on the overhead PA can lead to a “I never knew that’s where they got that from!” moment. Here are four chart-topping 21st-century songs that you might not know were sampled from 1960s and 1970s tracks.

“Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé

This 2003 hit by “Queen Bey” featured future husband and rapper Jay-Z. Though not their first song together, it became their most iconic collaboration. “Crazy in Love” features a horn section sampled from the 1970 hit song “Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)” by The Chi-Lites. As a result, The Chi-Lites Eugene Record received writing credit on the track. The Chi-Lites were a Chicago R&B group who penned eleven Top 10 R&B charting hits in the early 1970s. “Crazy In Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the spot for eight consecutive weeks.

“Hung Up” by Madonna

Madonna made a notable comeback in 2005 with the hit single “Hung Up”. She tapped into an era that was a little before her time with fame, bringing disco into the 21st century. With this, Madonna used a sample from the 1979 ABBA song “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”. She was permitted by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Madonna asked for permission herself. Previously, the two also permitted The Fugees with “Rumble In The Jungle” and the 98 Degrees song “Fly With Me” to use the sample. Ultimately, “Hung Up” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and successfully revived Madonna’s career.

“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams

Released in 2013, “Blurred Lines” is considered one of the best-selling singles of all time, with 14.8 million copies sold. Additionally, it also broke the record for the largest radio audience in history. Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were in the studio, and Thicke simply mentioned to Williams that one of his favorite songs of all time was “Got To Give It Up” by Marvin Gaye in 1977. Ultimately, it was the groove of the song that was used, not a direct sample. As a result, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams were sued by Marvin Gaye’s estate. Gaye’s estate won the case and $7 million, and Thicke and Williams were found guilty of copyright infringement.

“Paint The Town Red” by Doja Cat

Released on August 4, 2023, Doja Cat penned a No. 1 hit with “Paint The Town Red”. The song was the first solo female rap song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. “Paint The Town Red” used a sample from the 1964 hit “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick. It was Doja Cat’s second No. 1 hit, and it’s assumed the catchy 1960s hook helped the song secure the top spot. Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By” broke into the top ten in 1964, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Warwick heard the sampled track from her granddaughter and was thrilled that her music was being introduced to a new generation.