How Livin' Joy's hit 'Dreamer' was written with the help of a Walkman
You can't get more 90s than that!
It was released back in 1994, but Livin' Joy's hit 'Dreamer' is still heard on the radio and out and about today. It was one of the biggest hits of its era, but what is the story behind it and who was it singing on the track?
'Dreamer' was Livin' Joy's debut hit, but they were also known for several other hits including 'Don't Stop Movin'' and 'Follow The Rules'.
Where was 'Dreamer' written?
Reminiscing about the writing process of the song, Janice recently opened up about how she wrote the song with the help of a Sony Walkman, while travelling on a train to Venezia in Italy.
Explaining how she had a meeting in her boyfriend's car, she said: "I was handed a cassette tape, with all these songs, because he was a DJ. The song that stood out was Robin S and 'Show Me Love'. He said: 'we want a song like this'."
Watch the official music video for 'Dreamer'
Janice continued: "I met the Visnadi brothers, Paolo and Gianni, (Livin' Joy) and they gave me a cassette with this little piano, and I said 'Okay guys, I’ll be back'. I took the cassette and I had an old Sony Walkman, it was yellow and waterproof! My room mate, Gigi, from college was visiting, we got on the train back to Venezia.
"She said: 'Janice you’ve gotta write that song for those guys remember.' I said: 'Oh yeah, that’s right, girl, what am I going to write about?'."
She went on to say: "As I was writing, it just flowed out of me. Writing it in my little note book, with my Sony Walkman.
“When it came to ‘Here I lay, all alone, am I dreaming?’, I was very much into rap, I wanted something rhythmic. Then I got to the studio, I literally sang it twice, and did it all in 25 minutes."
Who are Livin' Joy?
Livin' Joy is an Italian group consisting of Italian brothers Paolo and Gianni Visnadi. Janice Robinson was a member between 1994 and 1996, before American singer Tameko Star took over.
Who wrote 'Dreamer'?
'Dreamer' was written by Janice Robinson. Janice is an American singer/songwriter.
Who sings 'Dreamer'?
As well as writing 'Dreamer', Janice also sang the original song, as well as a new version with DJ Lodato.
Watch the video for new version of 'Dreamer'
What is Janice Robinson up to in 2023?
Janice is currently touring with Ministry of Sound Classical.
You can hear songs by Livin' Joy on Hits Radio.
Take a look through songs which have been remixed or sampled into massive hits:
Luniz - 'I Got 5 on It' (1995)
Luniz's 'I Got 5 on It' was released by the duo in 1995 and was a big hit around the world, reaching Number 3 in the UK. It was also certified Platinum in the UK and USA. The music video has now had more than 33 million views.
Watch the music video on YouTube
James Hype - '7 Seconds'
Nearly 30 years later, popular dance DJ James Hype sampled Luniz 90s tune on his song '7 Seconds' featuring Shamiya Battles. The song has been a huge hit with fans for several months before it was officially released.
Watch the music video on YouTube
Steve Miller Band - 'Abracadabra' (1982)
Steve Miller Band released their song 'Abracadabra' back in 1982. Written by Steve Miller, the song is believed to have been inspired by Diana Ross after he met the singer on the set of the TV show Hullabaloo in the 1960s, where they were both performing.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Eminem - 'Houdini' (2024)
In June 2024, Eminem released his massive hit 'Houdini'. The song not only sampled the Steve Miller Band song 'Abracadabra' throughout, it also sampled some of Eminem's previous hits, including 'Without Me', 'My Name Is', and 'Just Lose It'.
Watch the music video on YouTube. (STRONG LANGUAGE)
The Emotions - 'Best of My Love' (1977)
The Emotions released their hit 'Best of My Love' in 1977. The song featured on their fourth album, and was written by Maurice White and Al McKay of Earth, Wind & Fire. At the time of the song's release it went to Number 4 in the UK and Number 1 in the US.
Listen to 'Best of My Love' on YouTube.
Paul Russell - 'Lil Boo Thang' (2024)
Paul Russell had huge success with 'Lil Boo Thang'. The TikTok hit went viral in 2023, and allowed Paul, who previously worked in a corporate role, to give up his 'day job'. The singer told us in an interview: "I was working a corporate job like a year ago and so like 'Little Boo Thang' came out, I quit my job and then I remembered I yeah, I put like, Billboard Charting Artist it's my job, just because I was like look this is my only chance I can do it!"
Watch the music video for 'Lil Boo Thang' on YouTube.
Stevie Wonder - 'Pastime Paradise' (1976)
Stevie Wonder released 'Pastime Paradise' back in 1976, since its initial it has been sampled and interpolated a number of times. The song was used by Mary J. Blige in her song 'Time', as well as being used by Blue in their song 'Curtain Falls'.
Listen to 'Pastime Paradise' on YouTube.
Watch the music video for Blue's 'Curtain Falls'.
Coolio - 'Gangsta's Paradise' (1995)
Back in 1995, Coolio has huge success with his song 'Gangsta's Paradise'. The song interpolated Stevie Wonder's song and went to Number 1 around the world. Following Coolio's death in 2022 the song re-entered the UK charts briefly.
Watch the music video for 'Gangsta's Paradise' on YouTube.
Ella Henderson - 'Alibi' (2024)
Ella Henderson released her song 'Alibi' in January 2024. The singer told us in an interview: "So, I'm buzzing that we managed to get it out and that, you know, all the parties like Coolio's team and Stevie Wonder's team and stuff, because originally it was a Stevie Wonder record 'Pastime Paradise'.
"So it's to have like it go back to Coolio and then go back to even more of a legend. Like I was. Yeah. Very excited to get this one all across the line and out there."
Listen to 'Alibi' on YouTube.
Rema - 'Calm Down' (2022)
Nigerian singer Rema released his song 'Calm Down' in 2022 and he had huge success. The song reached Number 3 in the UK, and in 2024, Rema performed the song at The BRIT Awards, held at The O2 Arena in London.
You can watch the music video on YouTube.
Rema, Selena Gomez - 'Calm Down' (2022)
'Calm Down' was re-released a few months after Rema's original version, with Selena Gomez on the remix. The song, once again, had huge success, also reaching Number 3 in the UK. The music video with Selena Gomez has now had more than 815 million views.
You can watch the music video on YouTube
Haddaway - 'What Is Love?' (1993)
Haddaway had a huge hit in 1993 with 'What Is Love?'. The song went to the Top 5 around the world.
Watch the music video for 'What Is Love?' on YouTube.
David Guetta, Anne-Marie and Coi Leray - 'Baby Don't Hurt Me' (2023)
David Guetta premiered his new song with Anne-Marie and Coi Leray at Ultra Music Festival in Miami (2023). The DJ has sampled the 90s banger by Haddaway 'What is Love?' on his new collab 'Baby Don't Hurt Me'. The song will be released on 7th April 2023.
Fatboy Slim - 'Praise You' (1999)
In 1999, Fatboy Slim released his hit 'Praise You'. The song featured on his second studio album, 'You've Come a Long Way, Baby', and actually features a number of samples itself!
Watch the music video for 'Praise You' on YouTube.
Rita Ora - 'Praising You' (2023)
Rita Ora released the second song from her upcoming album 'You & I' called 'Praising You' in April 2023. The song features Fatboy Slim's 1999 'Praise You'.
Watch the lyric video for 'Praising You' on YouTube.
Monsta Boy - 'Sorry (I Didn't Know)' (2000)
Monsta Boy featuring singer Denzie had a hit in 2000 with their hit 'Sorry (I Didn't Know)'. The song reached Number 25 in the UK and was certified Silver.
Watch the music video for Monsta Boy's 'Sorry (I Didn't Know)' on YouTube.
Joel Corry - 'Sorry' (2019)
In 2019, Joel Corry had a massive hit with the release of his song 'Sorry', a remix of Monsta Boy's hit. Joel's song was featured on Love Island and ended up breaking the record for the most Shazamed track in one day!
Watch the music video for Joel Corry's 'Sorry' on YouTube.
Robert Miles - 'Children' (1995)
Robert Miles' 'Children' was a massive hit in 1995 when it was released and peaked at Number 1 in several countries around the world. To this day, the song is recognised as an 90s anthem.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Switch Disco and Ella Henderson '- 'React' (2023)
DJ/producer duo Switch Disco and Ella Henderson teamed up for their fantastic tune 'React'. The song features Robert Miles' 1995 hit 'Children' and has been an instant hit with fans.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Mariah Carey - 'Fantasy' (1995)
Mariah Carey released 'Fantasy' way back in 1995 and it was a chart success around the world getting to Number 4 in the UK. Although 'Fantasy' was later sampled in 2021 by Latto, the song also used a sample from 'Genius of Love' by Tom Tom Club. You can listen to the audio of 'Genius of Love' here.
Watch the music video for 'Fantasy' on YouTube.
Latto - 'Big Energy' (2021)
Latto sampled Mariah Carey's 1995 song 'Fantasy', including samples from 'Genius of Love', in her 2021 song 'Big Energy'.
'Big Energy' became a big hit in 2022 when it was remixed with DJ Khaled.
Warning: the music video contains strong language.
Watch the music video 'Big Energy' on YouTube.
ATB - '9pm (Till I Come)' (1998)
In October 1998, German DJ and producer ATB released the dancefloor hit '9pm (Till I Come)'. Later that year, the track was also sampled in ATB's song 'Don't Stop'.
Listen to '9pm (Till I Come)' on YouTube.
ATB, Topic, A7S - 'Your Love (9PM)' (2021)
More than 20 years after the original song was released, it was given a new lease of life by ATB, this time with the help of Topic and A7S, who released 'Your Love (9PM)'.
Watch the music video for 'Your Love (9PM)' on YouTube.
Elton John - Various songs
Many of Elton's songs from the 70s and 80s have been remixed in recent years, including 'Rocket Man' from 1972, 'Sacrifice' from 1989, 'Kiss the Bride' from 1983 and his album track 'Where's the Shoorah?'.
Elton John, Dua Lipa - 'Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)' (2021)
Australian producers Pnau mashed up snippets of Elton's classic songs 'Rocket Man', 'Sacrifice', 'Kiss the Bride' and 'Where's the Shoorah?'.
'Cold Heart (Pnau remix)' became Elton John's first Number 1 in the UK in 16 years and was nominated for Song of the Year at the BRIT Awards.
Watch the music video for 'Cold Heart (Pnau remix)' on YouTube.
Alice Deejay - 'Better Off Alone' (1999)
Iconic 90s throwback 'Better Off Alone' was released in 1999 by Alice Deejay, a Dutch Eurodance-pop project. The song rocked clubs all around the world, reaching Number 1 in the UK dance chart.
Watch the music video for 'Better Off Alone' on YouTube.
David Guetta - 'Play Hard' featuring Ne-Yo and Akon (2013)
Dance fans rejoiced when 'Better Off Alone' was sampled by French DJ David Guetta. The song's hook appears throughout his 2013 hit 'Play Hard' featuring Ne-Yo and Akon.
Watch the music video 'Play Hard' on YouTube.
Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj - 'Alone' (2023)
Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj teamed up in 2023 for their song 'Alone'. The song samples Alice Deejay's 1999 hit 'Better Off Alone'.
Sweet Female Attitude - 'Flowers' (2000)
'Flowers' was a 2000 hit for Sweet Female Attitude. The song itself uses the chord sequence from Erik Satie's 'Trois Gymnopédies', a piano composition from 1888!
'Flowers' went on to reach Number 1 in the UK dance chart and has been certified platinum.
Watch the music video for 'Flowers' on YouTube.
Nathan Dawe - 'Flowers' (2019)
Nearly two decades after the original 'Flowers' was released by Sweet Female Attitude, the song was covered by Nathan Dawe with rapper Jaykae. The song was another dance hit reaching Number 1 in the UK Dance chart.
Watch the music video 'Flowers' on YouTube.
Silk - 'I Can't Stop (Turning You On)' (1979)
Silk released their disco classic 'I Can't Stop (Turning You On)' in 1979. The band are best-known for their hit 'Freak Me', which was covered in 1998 by Another Level, getting in to Number 1.
LF System - 'Afraid To Feel' (2022)
Sampling Silk's 1979 song 'I Can't Stop (Turning You On)', 'Afraid To Feel' has been a huge success for Scottish duo LF System. This song was the follow-up to their debut track 'Dancing Cliché'.
Watch the music video for 'Afraid To Feel' on YouTube.
Rune - 'Calabria' (2003)
Originally released back in 2003, 'Calabria' was a big dance hit for Rune, now known as Kölsch. The song has been remixed multiple times, namely by Alex Gaudino in 2006 on 'Destination Calabria'.
Watch the music video for 'Calabria' on YouTube.
Nathan Dawe x Ella Henderson - '21 Reasons' (2022)
'21 Reasons' by Nathan Dawe and Ella Henderson uses a prominent sample from Rune's 2003 song 'Calabria', which has been sampled a number of times. Rune is known these days as the DJ Kölsch.
The song was a Top 10 single in the UK and has been certified silver.
Watch the music video for '21 Reasons' on YouTube.
Chris Rea - 'On The Beach' (1986)
Chris Rea released 'On The Beach' back in 1986, but it struggled to get into the Top 40. Chris re-recorded the song two years later, and it reached Number 12 in the UK.
Watch the music video 'On The Beach' on YouTube.
York - 'On The Beach' (2000)
York's 'On The Beach' is an iconic throwback in itself, being released in 2000 by German brothers York.
Watch the music video for 'On The Beach' on YouTube.
Ella Henderson, Switch Disco and Alok - 'Under The Sun' (2024)
'On The Beach' was sampled once again by Ella Henderson, Switch Disco and Alok on their hit 'Under The Sun', which was released in June 2024.
Watch the lyric video on YouTube.
Elton John - 'Tiny Dancer' (1972)
Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer' was a big hit, particularly in America, when it was released back in 1972. In 2021, it was named Number 47 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Watch the music video for 'Tiny Dancer' on YouTube.
Elton John and Britney Spears - 'Hold Me Closer' (2022)
Elton John and Britney Spears surprised everyone with a reworking of Elton's 'Tiny Dancer', called 'Hold Me Closer' released in August 2022. The song was Britney's first new music is six years and went straight to Number 1.
Watch the lyric video for 'Hold Me Closer' on YouTube.
Eiffel 65 - 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)' (1998)
Eiffel 65's 90s anthem 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)' was initially released in 1998, but it wasn't until the following year that it became internationally popular.
It was then in 2001 that it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
Watch the music video for 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)' on YouTube.
David Guetta and Bebe Rexha- 'I'm Good (Blue)' (2022)
In 2022, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha released 'I'm Good (Blue)' which heavily samples the 1998 anthem 'Blue'. Admitting the song was actually recorded years before its release, David and Bebe decided to drop it after it was leaked on TikTok and went viral!
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT
Watch the lyric video for 'I'm Good (Blue)' on YouTube.
Nightcrawlers - 'Push The Feeling' (1992)
Nightcrawlers and American DJ Marc Kinchen, better known as MK, teamed up in 1992 on 'Push The Feeling'. The song has been remixed, reworked and sampled over the years, with the most popular version 'Push the Feeling On (MK Dub Revisited Edit)', becoming a huge hit in 1995.
Watch the music video for 'Push The Feeling' on YouTube.
Riton x Nightcrawlers - 'Friday' (2021)
Although there have been multiple remixes, most recently Riton and Nightcrawlers released 'Friday' in 2021, with Mufasa & Hypeman. The song was another big hit, reaching the Top 5 in the UK.
Watch the music video 'Friday' on YouTube.
Rufus and Chaka Khan - 'Ain't Nobody' (1983)
Rufus and Chaka Khan had a massive hit in 1983 with 'Ain't Nobody'. The song quickly gained popularity and became one of Chaka Khan's signature songs.
Felix Jaehn - 'Ain't Nobody (Love Me Better)' (2015)
German DJ Felix Jaehn released his version of 'Ain't Nobody' with the vocals of British singer Jasmine Thompson, in 2015. The song was another chart success reaching Number 2 in the UK.
Watch the music video for 'Ain't Nobody' on YouTube.
Tracy Chapman - 'Fast Car' (1988)
Tracy Chapman had huge success with her 1988 hit 'Fast Car'. The song was nominated for three Grammy awards, winning Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, as well as being nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 1989.
Watch the music video for 'Fast Car' on YouTube.
Jonas Blue - 'Fast Car' feauring Dakota (2016)
This popular 80s tune was given a 2016 makeover by music producer Jonas Blue. Jonas Blue has had a number of popular songs, but 'Fast Car' featuring Dakota was Jonas' debut single. The song is a cover of his mum's favourite song when he was growing up.
Watch the music video 'Fast Car' for YouTube.
Robin S - 'Show Me Love' (1990)
Originally released by Robin S in 1990, 'Show Me Love' took a few remixes and years to be the popular track it is now.
It is the 1992 version remixed by StoneBridge and Nick Nice that many know as the 90s anthem. Since then, it has also been remixed by Steve Angello (from Swedish House Mafia), along with Laidback Luke, featuring re-recorded vocals by Robin S. Their 2008 version was a Number 1 hit in the UK dance chart.
Watch the 1993 music video for 'Show Me Love' on YouTube.
Watch the 2008 music video for 'Show Me Love' on YouTube.
Sam Feldt - 'Show Me Love' (2015)
Sam Feldt had a very different take on the 90s anthem in 2015, when he released 'Show Me Love' featuring Kimberley Anne. The song was a commercial success reaching Number 2 in the UK dance chart.
Watch the music video 'Show Me Love' on YouTube.
There were also hints of Robin S' classic in Beyoncé's comeback song 'Break My Soul'. Speaking on Good Morning Britain the singer told of the moment she realised her new song had been used: "My son called me and he's like, 'Mum, mum. You're trending all over the place,' You know Beyoncé put her song out and it's 'Show Me Love', and you're trending everywhere.'"
Watch the lyric video for 'Break My Soul' on YouTube.
En Vogue - 'Don't Let Go (Love)' (1996)
Back in 1996, En Vogue released their Top 10 hit 'Don't Let Go (Love)'. The song was featured on their album 'EV3' which was released in 1997, and was the last song to feature Dawn Robinson.
'Don't Let Go (Love)' was the group's biggest international single.
Watch the music video 'Don't Let Go (Love)' on YouTube.
James Hype and Kelli-Leigh - 'More Than Friends' (2017)
Fast forward to 2017 and James Hype and Kelli-Leigh released 'More Than Friends'. The song was a dancefloor banger and was a remake of the En Vogue song, re-ordering the song's lyrics. It was certified platinum in the UK.
Watch the lyric video 'More Than Friends' on YouTube.
Shanks and Bigfoot - 'Sweet Like Chocolate' (1999)
Garage duo Shanks and Bigfoot released their biggest hit 'Sweet Like Chocolate' back in 1999. The song's video was an iconic animated video showing everything, apart from the lead character, being made out of chocolate.
Watch the music video 'Sweet Like Chocolate' on YouTube.
Nathan Dawe and Talia Mar - 'Sweet Lies' (2022)
Nathan Dawe teamed up with Talia Mar for their single 'Sweet Lies'. The song samples the 1999 hit from Shanks and Bigfoot, with Talia singing new lyrics.
Watch the lyric video 'Sweet Like Chocolate' on YouTube.
Whitney Houston - various songs
Whitney Houston is known for her iconic songs from the 90s, and many of them have been reworked, sampled or covered in recent years.
Norwegian DJ Kygo, and Duke Dumont are just a couple of artists who have used Whitney's amazing songs.
Watch the lyric video 'My Love Is Your Love' on YouTube.
Kygo & Whitney Houston - 'Higher Love'
Norwegian DJ Kygo has reworked a couple of classic tunes, including Whitney Houston's 'Higher Love' and Tina Turner's, 'What's Love Got to Do with It'. 'Higher Love' peaked at Number 2 in the UK making it Kygo's third top 10 song here.
Watch the music video 'Higher Love' on YouTube.
Duke Dumont - 'I Got U' ft. Jax Jones (2014)
Duke Dumont's 'I Got You' uses lines from Whitney Houston's 1998 hit 'My Love Is Your Love', re-sung by Kelli-Leigh, and despite its differences, the 2014 song was brilliant. The song peaked at Number 1 in the UK and was a Top 10 hit around the world.
Watch the music video 'I Got U' on YouTube.
Brandy and Monica - 'Boy Is Mine' (1998)
Brandy and Monica released their song 'Boy Is Mine' back in 1998, when it became a Number 2 hit in the UK and was certified Platinum. 17 years later it became a hit all over again with then help of a remix/mash up.
Watch the music video 'The Boy Is Mine' on YouTube.
99 Souls - 'The Girl Is Mine' (2015)
Brandy and Monica's 'Boy Is Mine', was remixed with Destiny's Child's 2005 hit 'Girl' in 2015 thanks to 99 Souls.
The British duo remixed version reached Number 1 in the UK dance chart, and the video now has 82 million views on YouTube.
Watch the music video 'The Girl Is Mine' on YouTube.
Stevie Wonder - 'My Cherie Amour' (1969)
Stevie Wonder's 'My Cherie Amour' was released back in 1969, reaching the Top 5 in the UK, spending 15 weeks in the chart, including three weeks in the Top 5.
Watch the music video 'My Cherie Amour' on YouTube.
Phillip George - 'Wish You Were Mine' (2014)
Way back in 1969 Stevie Wonder released 'My Cherie Amour', but it was 45 years later that the song was sampled by Phillip George and 'Wish You Were Mine' was released, making it a Number 2 hit in the UK.
Watch the music video 'Wish You Were Mine' on YouTube.
Jackson 5 - 'ABC' (1970)
Back in 1970, The Jacksons, known as the Jackson 5 back then released their iconic hit 'ABC'. The song reached Number 8 in the UK and was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Watch the music video 'ABC' on YouTube.
Sigala - 'Easy Love' (2015)
'Easy Love' was Sigala's debut hit. The DJ sampled Jackson 5's 'ABC' and it became a massive hit reaching Number 1 in the UK and making the DJ well-known on the dance scene.
Sigala continues to release fantastic songs to this day, often sampling great tunes such as 'Strings of Life' by Rhythim Is Rhythim in 'We Got Love'.
Watch the music video 'Easy Love' on YouTube.
Fragma - 'Toca's Miracle' (2000)
'Toca's Miracle' is one of our favourite throwbacks at Hits Radio, but many don't realise that the 2000 hit is actually a mashup of Coco Star's 'I Need a Miracle' released in 1996 and Fragma's own 'Toca Me'.
Watch the music video 'Toca Me' on YouTube.
Steve Winwood - 'Valerie' (1982)
Steve Winwood's song 'Valerie' was originally released in 1982, but it was with a re-release in 1987 that it really became popular, when it reached the Top 20. Then, many years later it was given another lease of life by Eric Prydz.
Watch the music video 'Valerie' on YouTube.
Eric Prydz - 'Call On Me' (2004)
'Call On Me' was a massive hit for Swedish DJ Eric Prydz in 2004, with the infamous music video taking place in an aerobics studio. The song was based on a sample of Steve Winwood's song 'Valerie'.
Watch the music video 'Call On Me' on YouTube.
Imogen Heap - 'Hide and Seek' (2005)
British singer Imogen Heap released 'Hide and Seek' in 2005, but it only reached Number 125 in the UK when it was released, however it still sold 200,000 copies meaning it was certified Silver.
Watch the music video 'Hide and Seek' on YouTube.
Jason Derulo - 'Whatcha Say' (2009)
'Whatcha Say' was Jason Derulo's debut hit and it was a success around the world, reaching Number 3 here in the UK. Jason's 2009 hit samples 'Hide and Seek' by Imogen Heap.
Watch the music video 'Whatcha Say' on YouTube.
Boney M. - 'Ma Baker' (1977)
Boney M's 'Ma Baker' was released in 1977 and was the first single from their second album 'Love for Sale'. Despite not being a hit in the US, it was hugely popular in the UK reaching Number 2.
Watch the music video for 'Ma Baker' on YouTube.
Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face' (2008)
'Poker Face' was Lady Gaga's second song to be released from her debut album 'The Fame', winning the singer a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. However, the infamous hook, 'Mum-mum-mum-mah', is a reference to Boney M.'s 1977 hit 'Ma Baker'.
Watch the music video 'Poker Face' on YouTube.
Dead or Alive - 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)' (1984)
Dead or Alive released in 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)' in 1984 and although it took 17 weeks, it finally got to Number 1 in March 1985.
Watch the music video for 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)' on YouTube.
Flo Rida featuring Ke$ha - 'Right Round' (2009)
'Right Round' was a Number 1 hit back in 2009 for American rapper Flo Rida and Ke$ha, but the hook in the song is sampled from Dead or Alive's song 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)'.
Watch the music video for 'Round Round' on YouTube.
Tina Turner - 'What's Love Got to Do with It' (1984)
Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got to Do with It' was a huge hit for the singer in 1984, reaching Number 3 in the UK. In 2012 the song was was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and has since been covered by Warren G in 1996, and Kygo in 2020.
Watch the music video 'What's Love Got to Do with It' on YouTube.
Fat Joe featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti - 'What's Luv?' (2002)
Featuring the melody from Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got to Do with It', Fat's Joe's 'What's Luv?' was a hit, reaching Number 4 in the UK back in 2002.
Watch the music video 'What's Luv' on YouTube.
The Shapeshifters - 'Lola's Theme' (2004)
The Shapeshifters debut song 'Lola's Theme' was a huge hit back in 2004. The song was a Number 1 hit here in the UK, but many people don't realise that 'Lola's Theme' itself actually uses a sample from Johnnie Taylor's 1982 song 'What About My Love'.
Watch the music video for 'What About My Love' on YouTube.
Watch the music video for 'Lola's Theme' on YouTube.
James Arthur and Alok - 'Work With My Love' (2023)
James Arthur and Alok teamed up for their song 'Work With My Love', released in January 2023. The song features the debut hit by The Shapeshifters, 'Lola's Theme'.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - 'The Message' (1982)
One of the most iconic songs from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was their 1982 song 'The Message'. The song was a Top 10 hit in the UK and featured on the group's debut album.
Watch the music video for 'The Message' on YouTube.
Coi Leray - 'Players' (2023)
American singer and rapper Coi Leray released her song 'Players' in January 2023, which features a classic 80s song from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 'The Message'.
WARNING THIS VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE
Watch the video for 'Players' on YouTube.
Touch & Go - 'Would You...?' (1998)
British jazz group Touch & Go released their huge hit 'Would You...?' back in 1998, when the song went to Number 3 in the UK.
Watch the video for 'Would You...?' on YouTube.
Campbell & Alcemist featuring Caity Baser - 'Would You (Go To Bed With Me?)' (2023)
Caity Baser teamed up with Campbell & Alcemist on 'Would You (Go To Bed With Me?)' in September 2023. The song samples the 1998 original song with a drum and bass vibe.
Watch the visualiser video on YouTube.
Justin Timberlake - 'Like I Love You' (2002)
Justin Timberlake released 'Like I Love You' back in 2002, it was his first solo single since NSYNC started their hiatus earlier that year. The song was very popular reaching Number 2 in the UK and being certified Gold.
James Hype featuring Kim Petras - 'Drums' (2023)
James Hype teamed up with Kim Petras to release 'Drums', which features a sample for Justin Timberlake's debut solo hit.
Easton Corbin - 'Are You With Me'
Easton Corbin is an American singer who recorded 'Are You With Me' for his second (and third) album. The song itself wasn't released as a single until two years after Lost Frequencies' version.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Lost Frequencies - 'Are You With Me' (2014))
In 2014, Lost Frequencies released 'Are You With Me'. The song was originally recorded by an American singer Easton Corbin, who included it on his second and third albums.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Ben E. King - 'Stand By Me' (1961)
Ben E. King released his hit 'Stand By Me' in 1961, at the time it only reached Number 27 in the UK, however after the film of the same name was released in 1986, it saw huge success, going to Number 1.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Jason Derulo and Meghan Trainor - 'Hands On Me' (2023)
62 years after Ben E. King released his original song, Jason Derulo and Meghan Trainor teamed up to give the song a new sound, by releasing 'Hands On Me'. The new song is featured on Jason's new album 'Underwater'.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
The Turtles - 'You Showed Me' (1968)
Way back in 1964 members of The Byrds wrote 'You Showed Me', which was later released in 1968 by American rock band The Turtles. Their version of the song reached Number 6 in the US. Later, other samples and covers were released, most notably Salt 'n' Pepa in 1991 and The Lightning Seeds in 1996.
Watch The Turtles video on YouTube.
Madison Beer - 'Showed Me (How I Feel In Love With You)' (2023)
Taken from her album 'Silence Between Songs', which was released in September 2023, Madison Beer released 'Showed Me (How I Feel In Love With You)', using The Turtles sample. The song was performed on Strictly Come Dancing in October 2023, sending the song up the charts.
Watch the video for 'Showed Me (How I Feel In Love With You)' on YouTube.
Diana Ross - 'I'm Coming Out' (1980)
Diana Ross released 'I'm Coming Out' back in 1980 when it was a Top 20 hit in the UK and a Number 5 song in her native US. The song was written and produced by Chic's Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, and featured on Diana's second album.
Listen to 'I'm Coming Out' on YouTube.
Notorious Big ft. Puff Daddy and Mase - 'Mo Money Mo Problems' (1997)
'Mo Money Mo Problems' was released in 1997, and samples Diana Ross' iconic song 'I'm Coming Out'. The Notorious Big ft. Puff Daddy and Mase's version was certified Platinum in the UK and became a Top 10 hit.
Watch the music video for 'Mo Money Mo Problems' on YouTube.
Supertramp - 'The Logical Song' (1979)
In March 1979, Supertramp released their hit 'The Logical Song'. The song was big in the UK reaching Number 7 and selling more than 400,000 copies.
Watch the music video for 'The Logical Song'
David Guetta and Kim Petras (2023)
In 2001 the song was covered by the dance act Scooter, gaining another hit, with the song reaching Number 2 and selling more than 600,000 copies.
Then, in November 2023, David Guetta and Kim Petras released 'When We Were Young (The Logical Song)', which sampled Supertramp's 1979 hit 'The Logical Song'.
Watch the music video for 'The Logical Song'
Watch the music video for 'When We Were Young (The Logical Song)'
M.A.N.D.Y. vs Booka Shade - 'Body Language' (2005)
German house duo Booka Shade released their song 'Body Language' with M.A.N.D.Y. back 2005. At the time the song broke through into international markets, but did not have chart success.
Listen to M.A.N.D.Y. vs Booka Shade - 'Body Language'
Jax Jones - 'You Don't Know Me' featuring RAYE (2016)
11 years after 'Body Language' was released, Jax Jones had success with the baseline from the song, with his hit 'You Don't Know Me'. The song featured RAYE, who also wrote the song.
Watch the music video for Jax Jones - 'You Don't Know Me' featuring RAYE
The sample from 'Body Language' was also used by will.i.am on his album track 'Get Your Money', which featured on his 2007 album 'Songs About Girls'.
Listen to will.i.am's 'Get Your Money'
Kaoma - 'Lambada' (1989)
Kaoma released their huge hit 'Lambada' back in 1989, but it was actually a cover of an 1986 hit 'Chorando Se Foi', based on the Bolivian song 'Llorando se fue', recorded back in 1981. 'Lambada' was a Top 5 hit around the world, reaching Number 4 in the UK.
Watch the music video for Kaoma - 'Lambada'
Watch the music video for Kjarkas - 'Llorando Se Fue'
Jennifer Lopez - 'On The Floor' (2011)
J Lo's hit 'On The Floor' has now had more than two billion views on YouTube. The song, featuring Pitbull was released back in 2011 and went to Number around the world, including here in the UK. The song uses elements from 'Llorando se fue', which is a Bolivian folk song, recorded in 1981.
Watch the music video for Jennifer Lopez - 'On The Floor'
O-Zone - 'Dragostea Din Tei' (2003)
O-Zone released 'Dragostea Din Tei' back in 2003 and had huge success with the catchy song. It was originally sung in Moldovan, but later became popular after the viral video 'Numa Numa', where vlogger Gary Brolsma dances to the song.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
David Guetta and OneRepublic - 'I Don't Wanna Wait' (2024)
David Guetta teamed up with OneRepublic to release their song 'I Don't Wanna Wait'. The song interpolates O-Zone's 2003 hit 'Dragostea Din Tei', which was also re-sung in English.
Watch the live performance video on YouTube.
ORIGINAL: Cornershop - 'Brimful of Asha' (1997)
Originally released in 1997, 'Brimful of Asha' only reached Number 60 in the UK. The song is a tribute to Asha Bhosle, who is a playback singer in India. Playback singers record songs to be mimed along to by actors in films, and in 2011, Asha received the Guinness World Record for reportedly recording '11,000 solo, duet and chorus backed songs in over 20 Indian languages since 1947'.
Watch the music video for the original version of 'Brimful of Asha' on YouTube.
COVER: Cornershop - 'Brimful of Asha' (Fatboy Slim remix) (1997)
Not only did Fatboy Slim speed up the original version of 'Brimful of Asha' to take it to Number 1 in the UK, he used some other samples believed to be Dave Pike Set's 1970 song 'Raga Jeeva Swara' and the Monkees' 1966 song 'Mary, Mary'. Fatboy Slim's version of 'Brimful of Asha' is the version that most people will know and love from the 1990s.
Listen to Dave Pike Set's 'Raga Jeeva Swara' on YouTube.
Listen to the Monkees' 'Mary Mary' on YouTube.
Watch the music video for the Fatboy Slim remix on YouTube.
ORIGINAL: The Zutons - 'Valerie' (2006)
Back in 2006, The Zutons released their song 'Valerie', written and recorded by the band. The song was written about a celebrity makeup artist called Valerie Star, who was a friend of the band's lead singer Dave McCabe.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
COVER: Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse - 'Valerie' (2007)
Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse released their version of 'Valerie' just a year after the original was released. The song went to Number 2 in the UK and is still very popular today.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Cutting Crew - '(I Just) Died In Your Arms' (1986)
Cutting Crew's debut song '(I Just) Died In Your Arms' was released in 1986 and became a Top 10 hit around the world, reaching Number 4 in the UK. The song was also certified Platinum in the UK, selling 600,000 copies.
Watch the music video on YouTube
Jax Jones, Joel Corry and Jason Derulo - 'Tonight (D.I.Y.A)' (2024)
Jax Jones, Joel Corry and Jason Derulo teamed up to release 'Tonight (D.I.Y.A)' in June 2024. The song samples the 1986 hit by Cutting Crew.
Watch the visualiser on YouTube
Lata Mangeshkar and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam - 'Tere Mere Beech Mein' (1981)
Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam release a song called 'Tere Mere Beech Mein' back in 1981. The song's name translates as 'Between You and Me', and is about two lovers who have a strong bond between them, but don't understand why. The song was written by Anand Bakshi who won a Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1982.
Listen to the song on YouTube.
Britney Spears - 'Toxic' (2004)
23 years after 'Tere Mere Beech Mein' was released, Britney Spears hit 'Toxic' topped the charts in the UK. The song infused pop and south Asian music, using a strings sample from 'Tere Mere Beech Mein'. Britney's song went on to win her the only Grammy of her career, for Best Dance Recording.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Real McCoy - 'Another Night' (1993/1994)
Real McCoy had a massive hit in 1994 with 'Another Night', however the song was originally released by the band under the longer name of M.C. Sar & The Real McCoy, when they only had mediocre success in Europe. Following it's re-release, it when to Number 2 in the UK.
Listen to the song on YouTube.
Bronski Beat - 'Smalltown Boy' (1984)
Bronski Beat had a bit hit with their 1984 song 'Smalltown Boy'. The song featured on their debut album 'The Age of Consent', and reached Number 3 in the UK.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Charli XCX - 'Beg For You' (2022)
Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama teamed up for their hit 'Beg For You' in 2022. The song interpolated Swedish singer September's hit single 'Cry for You', which in turn has been compared with Supermode's 'Tell Me Why', and the original Bronski Beat song 'Smalltown Boy'.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Pointer Sisters - 'Jump (For My Love)' (1984)
Pointer Sisters released their hit 'Jump (For My Love)' in 1984, with the song having success Top 10 success around the world, reaching Number 6 in the UK.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Girls Aloud - 'Jump' (2003)
Nearly 20 years later, and Girls Aloud released their version of 'Jump', propelling the song to Number 3 in the UK. The song appeared on the re-release of their debut album 'Sound of the Underground' and as well as on their 2004 album 'What Will the Neighbours Say?'.
Watch the music video on YouTube.
Labi Siffre - 'I Got The...' (1975)
British singer Labi Siffre released 'I Got The...' in 1975, with the song being the first song on his fifth album, 'Remember My Song'. The song was sampled in several songs, and due to its increase in popularity, it was released again in 2003.
Listen to the song on YouTube.
Eminem - 'My Name Is' (1999)
In 1999, Eminem released 'My Name Is' which interpolated Labi Siffre's song, with the Labi's session musician, later known as Chas & Dave. Eminem's hit went to Number 2 in the UK, and was a Top 10 hit around the world. It was also certified 2× Platinum in the UK, and
Watch the music video on YouTube
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