the year 2015

i happened upon this most interesting audio/visual presentation regarding that most famous break beat from the classic "amen brother" by the winstons back in the 1960's. give it a check out:

Can I Get An Amen? is an audio installation that unfolds a critical perspective of perhaps the most sampled drum beat in the history of recorded music, the Amen Break. It begins with the pop track Amen Brother by 60's soul band The Winstons, and traces the transformation of their drum solo from its original context as part of a 'B' side vinyl single into its use as a key aural ingredient in contemporary cultural expression. The work attempts to bring into scrutiny the techno-utopian notion that 'information wants to be free'- it questions its effectiveness as a democratizing agent. This as well as other issues are foregrounded through a history of the Amen Break and its peculiar relationship to current copyright law.

amen break on wikipedia
amen break and jungle
the winstons on wikipedia

The Winstons comprised of:
Richard Spencer (lead. vocals, tenor saxophone)
Ray Maritano (vocals, alto saxophone)
Quincy Mattison (vocals, lead guitar)
Phil Tolotta (second lead, organ)
Sonny Peckrol (vocals, bass guitar)
and G.C. Coleman (vocals, drums)