Gregory Coleman - Amen Brother

About

The "Amen Break" is a legendary drum break from the 1969 song "Amen, Brother" by The Winstons. Performed by drummer Gregory Coleman, it has become the most sampled drum break in music history. This seven-second sequence was added to extend the song's length and features a unique syncopated pattern. The break's widespread use began in the 1980s with hip-hop and continued into the 1990s with genres like drum and bass and jungle. The "Amen Break" has been used in over 3,000 tracks across various genres, including rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Artists such as N.W.A, David Bowie, and Oasis have utilized this iconic drum loop. Despite its immense impact, Gregory Coleman and The Winstons did not receive royalties for its use. Coleman passed away in 2006, unaware of the break's influence on music. The "Amen Break" remains a pivotal element in music sampling, contributing to the evolution of multiple genres.