When you navigate the site, you realize that music is essentially a game of Telephone. A folk standard from the 1800s becomes a blues riff in the 1920s, which becomes a rock anthem in the 1970s, which is sampled by a rapper in the 1990s. SecondHandSongs is the phone wire connecting those disparate eras.
If you'd like, I can help you on SecondHandSongs or help you discover who originally recorded a song you love.
The SecondHandSongs database is a comprehensive, community-driven resource dedicated to tracking the history and lineage of musical works through , adaptations , and samples . Launched as a collaborative platform, it serves as an "IMDb for songs," allowing researchers and enthusiasts to identify original performers and trace how a single composition has been reimagined over time. Key Database Features secondhandsongs
SecondHandSongs is a comprehensive, crowdsourced online database dedicated entirely to music covers, adaptations, and samples. Founded in 2003, the platform treats music not as isolated commercial products, but as an evolving, interconnected web of artistic expression.
The definitive root of the musical family tree. The site identifies the original performance, the original release, and the credited songwriters. When you navigate the site, you realize that
: Every entry is manually reviewed by volunteers to ensure "reusable and maintainable" data, though this can lead to processing queues. Quick Facts Feature Founded April 11, 2003 Origin Ownership Discoversongs VZW Nature Non-commercial, voluntary project Focus Originals, Covers, Samples, and Adaptations
Users can submit new data, but it must be verified by a team of experienced editors. This ensures that the database remains accurate and free from the "urban legends" that often plague music history. If you'd like, I can help you on
The Ultimate Guide to SecondHandSongs: Unlocking the History of Cover Music
At its heart, SecondHandSongs relies on a dedicated community of volunteers, editors, and administrators. The Submission Process