Steve Miller has praised Eminem for using his hit single Abracadabra in the rapper’s new track Houdini.
Miller’s single with The Steve Miller Band was originally released in 1982, reaching number one in Australia and number two in the UK.
Despite the reluctance of Steve’s record label Capitol to release this track as they did not believe it would be a hit, the song eventually reached top spot in the US.
The song was used as a key foundation for Eminem’s latest tune Houdini, which features on the rapper’s 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace).
Check it out below.
“one of those timeless originators”
Eminem’s use of Abracadabra for his latest track has been richly endorsed by Steve Miller, who called the rapper: “one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists”.
In an open letter shared online, serenading Eminem for using the song, Steve Miller also wrote the following.
“Hey EM”, Miller began.
“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”, he also scribed.
“respect the art”
Elsewhere, Miller also spoke about some of the artists that influenced him in his career, emphasising the importance of respecting the art “among all the crooks, thieves, and imposters”.
“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”, Miller also stated.
He continued: “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”.
Before signing off, Miller also added: “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”, he signed off.
Back in 2021, Journey’s Arnel Pineda and Billy Sheehan also performed a cover of Abracadabra. Check that out here.
