“Abracadabra” by Steve Miller Band is Getting a Boost Thanks to Rapper Eminem
Slim Shady is back with a brand-new song that is already blowing up the airwaves. Eminem‘s “Houdini” features a modified version of “Abracadabra” by The Steve Miller Band, giving the nostalgic hit a resurgence. Obviously, the band had to approve the use of the song in Eminem’s track but bandleader Steve Miller went a little further by singing the song’s praises. Since “Houdini” came out last week, “Abracadabra” was streamed over 600,000 times, a huge boost for a song that originally came out in 1982.
Miller shared his reaction to the song on social media. The 80-year-old wrote a note, specifically to Eminem, “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.”
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He continued, “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, Willy Dixon, Leiber & Stoller, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane & 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.”
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Miller concluded, “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.”
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“Abracadabra” was high on their list of successful songs but perhaps the biggest hit is “The Joker.” The band continues to tour as is evident right now during the ongoing 50th anniversary of “The Joker.” They are playing during select dates on tour with Def Leppard and Journey. Listen to both songs below and let us know your thoughts about this remix of sorts! (Keep in mind, it is Eminem we are talking about so there is crass language!)
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March 2023
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