Legendary classic rock guitarist Steve Miller had a hit song in 1982 called “Abracadabra.” A song he wrote after a fateful meeting with Diana Ross at a ski slope and after its release it spent two weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart. The song has now come back in a big way after Eminem surprise dropped a new song last week called “Houdini.” Not only is there a theme with the titles of both songs but Em samples the Steve Miller classic on his new song. You know in fact he doesn’t just sample it, it’s the basis of the entire song. Check out both songs and then what Steve Miller had to say about it.
On Steve Miller’s website, he had this to say.
Hey EM,
There is a long chain of stories, poetry, lyrics, and musical roots that have crossed cultures and generations inspiring the whole world for hundreds of years and in all those lines of thought, music, and rhythm there are special artists who take it all in and create new original ideas from their own feelings and experiences. You are one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists.
For me it’s Les Paul, T-Bone Walker, Bill Doggett, Johnny Guitar Watson, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, Leiber & Stoller, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane and Miles Davis. I have always tried to credit, honor, and respect the major influencers in my life and to always credit, honor royalties and share knowledge of their work through my own work. I didn’t know it would be this way when I was a kid trying to make a living playing music and making records, I only knew I had to respect the art that came before me and fight for it too among all the crooks, thieves, and imposters.
There aren’t many artists who take the time or make the effort to stand up for themselves and credit and respect their influencers at the same time. Marshall Mathers you are an exception and on my short list of people who respect the art. To be included in your process feels good while I’m still singing and playing the music I love. I’m Honored.
Thank you,
Steve Miller
