1979 Hit Song Became One of Pop Culture's Most Recognizable Rock Anthems Decades Later

Some rock classics stand the test of time after their release, thanks to becoming iconic tracks used across multiple films and TV series. Singer-songwriter Bob Seger released a track at the end of the '70s that would solidify itself as a rock 'n' roll anthem that he wasn't credited for.

Seger became known for hits like "Live Bullet," "Roll Me Away", "Like a Rock," and "Shakedown," with the latter having been specifically written for the Eddie Murphy filmBeverly Hills Cop II. In 1979, Seger released "Old Time Rock and Roll," which never topped the charts but would become one of pop culture's irresistible tracks. It was released as the fourth single from his album Stranger in Town and reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

"Old Time Rock and Roll" would become a sensation decades later when it was a main track in the Tom Cruisecult classic film Risky Business. Cruise's character famously danced to the hit song with a candlestick holder while wearing a button-up shirt and underpants when left alone at home.

It's become a rock anthem ever since, in pop culture, tied to the film. It's also been included in various series like The Nanny, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Growing Pains, South Park, Scrubs, and The Flash. It was also included in Stranger Things and various commercials since.

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While Seger sang the track, there's always been controversy over who should have been credited for its lyrics. The song was originally written by George Jackson and Thomas E. Jones III when it was sent to Seger by Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Seger was desperate to finish his album and was out of original tracks. According to American Songwriter, he only kept the track's chorus, rewrote everything else, and borrowed a bit of the feel of Chuck Berry's "Rock and Roll Music."

Despite rewriting a large chunk of the song, he never took credit against his manager's insistence to do so, and in return had no rights to its copyright. George Stephenson of Malaco Records later argued that Jackson is the true creator of the track. Seger re-establishing his stance in having written "Old Time Rock and Roll" years later. The track has also been covered by other artists since its release by Johnny Hallyday, Ronnie Dove, and the British rock band Status Quo.

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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 4:01 PM.