In a world where diss tracks dominate headlines and beefs sell records, there’s something beautifully refreshing about musicians who use their art to celebrate each other. These aren’t just polite nods or obligatory shout-outs—these are full-blown love letters pressed into vinyl, honest tributes that remind us music is still about community, inspiration, and mutual respect.
From punk rockers celebrating their heroes to jazz legends name-checking their influences, these songs prove that sometimes the most powerful statement you can make is simply: “You’re amazing, and the world should know it.”
Here are some of the finest examples of musicians tipping their hats to their peers:
‘Alex Chilton’ – The Replacements
A heartfelt tribute to the Big Star frontman that captures the bittersweet reality of being a musician’s musician—loved by those who know, but not always by the masses.
‘Almost (Sweet Music)’ – Hozier
References multiple jazz musicians throughout, celebrating the genre’s rich history with Hozier’s signature soulful touch.
‘Angel of Harlem’ – U2
U2’s tribute to being influenced by the incomparable Billie Holiday, wrapped in their signature rock sound.
‘Ask Anyone’ – Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman
A heartfelt homage to the late, great MF DOOM, whose influence on underground hip-hop remains unmatched.
‘Ave Cesaria’ – Stromae
Written in honor of the “Barefoot Diva” Cesária Évora, celebrating her unique contribution to world music.
‘Banana Clipper’ – Run The Jewels
Features Killer Mike dropping bars like “Producer gave me a beat said it’s the beat of the year, I said ‘EL-P didn’t do it so get the fuck out of here.'”
‘Bird Song’ – Grateful Dead
The Dead’s tribute to Janis Joplin, capturing the spirit of a fellow traveler on the psychedelic highway.
‘Black Velvet’ – Alannah Myles
A sultry tribute to Elvis Presley, with the title referencing the velvet paintings that often featured The King.
‘Bowie’ – Flight of the Conchords
The comedy duo’s loving (and hilarious) ode to the Thin White Duke himself.
‘Brimful of Asha’ – Cornershop
A love letter to Asha Bhosle and the broader world of playback singers in South Asian film music culture.
‘Chelsea Hotel #2’ – Leonard Cohen
Cohen’s intimate recollection of an encounter with Janis Joplin, complete with his characteristically honest and poetic lyrics.
‘Come Original’ – 311
Shouts out Black Eyed Peas, NOFX, Roni Size, and Mr. Vegas in a celebration of musical diversity and originality.
‘Daft Punk Is Playing At My House’ – LCD Soundsystem
James Murphy’s gleeful fantasy about the French robots showing up for an impromptu house party.
‘Genius of Love’ – Tom Tom Club
Name-checks James Brown, Sly and Robbie, Bootsy Collins, Bohannon, and more in this funky celebration of influences.
‘Giorgio by Moroder’ – Daft Punk
Features the electronic music pioneer himself telling his story over Daft Punk’s production—a masterclass in paying respect.
‘Hats Off to Roy Harper’ – Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin’s instrumental tribute to the British folk singer, showcasing their respect for the genre.
‘I Am Damo Suzuki’ – The Fall
Mark E. Smith’s tribute to the legendary Can vocalist, connecting punk to krautrock lineage.
‘I Am Mark E Smith’ – Fat White Family
A tribute to The Fall’s cantankerous genius, proving his influence extends to the next generation of British post-punk.
‘I Don’t Wanna Grow Up’ – Ramones
The Ramones covering Tom Waits, bridging punk and theatrical rock with mutual respect.
‘In Walked Bud’ – Thelonious Monk
The vocal version references numerous jazz greats, creating a who’s-who of the genre’s innovators.
‘KRS One’ – Sublime
Bradley Nowell’s recognition of the hip-hop legend’s influence, complete with the memorable line “And I know because of KRS-One.”
‘Lady Day and John Coltrane’ – Gil Scott-Heron
Celebrating Billie Holiday and John Coltrane as sources of solace and inspiration during difficult times.
‘Lady Stardust’ – David Bowie
Bowie’s tribute to his friend and glam rock contemporary Marc Bolan of T. Rex.
‘Let There Be Rock’ – Drive-By Truckers
Salutes Blue Oyster Cult, AC/DC, Molly Hatchet, and Thin Lizzy—all the bands that weren’t Skynyrd but still rocked the South.
‘Losing My Edge’ – LCD Soundsystem
Framed as an insufferable know-it-all’s rant, but the name-drops are genuinely great—a celebration of underground music history.
‘Midnite Cruiser’ – Steely Dan
References Thelonious Monk, showing the Dan’s deep jazz roots and influences.
‘The Moment I Feared’ – Slick Rick
Features one of hip-hop’s best nods: “Boogie Down was performin’; hey, they ain’t no joke.”
‘Nina Cried Power’ – Hozier ft. Mavis Staples
Celebrates Nina Simone and other musicians who used their art for protest and political movements—with Mavis Staples herself lending vocals.
‘Nightshift’ – Commodores
A beautiful tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, mourning their passing while celebrating their legacy.
‘Parker’s Band’ – Steely Dan
Another jazz tribute from the Dan, this time honoring Charlie Parker and the bebop revolution.
‘A Praise Chorus’ – Jimmy Eat World
Name-checks various punk and alternative bands that influenced the emo pioneers.
‘Punky Reggae Party’ – Bob Marley
Marley celebrating The Clash, The Damned, The Jam, and others from the punk scene—plus his buddies Toots and the Maytals.
‘R.A.M.O.N.E.S.’ – Motörhead
Lemmy and company’s tribute to their friends The Ramones. Poignantly, all seven original members of both bands have now passed.
‘The Return of Jackie and Judy’ – Tom Waits
Waits’ tribute to The Ramones, connecting his theatrical storytelling to their punk energy.
‘Sir Duke’ – Stevie Wonder
A mini jazz history lesson celebrating Duke Ellington and the swing era, with one of the funkiest horn sections ever recorded.
‘Song for Bob Dylan’ – David Bowie
From “Hunky Dory,” Bowie’s tribute to Dylan’s unique voice and impact on music.
‘Story of Bo Diddley’ – The Animals
The British Invasion rockers paying tribute to one of rock and roll’s founding fathers and his signature beat.
‘Sweet Soul Music’ – Arthur Conley
Gives props to Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and James Brown—a who’s-who of soul royalty.
‘Teachers’ – Daft Punk
A list of the French duo’s influences and heroes, essentially a syllabus for electronic music education.
‘The Big Man’ – Dropkick Murphys
A punk rock tribute to Fletcher Dragge from Pennywise, celebrating cross-scene respect.
‘Tower of Song’ – Leonard Cohen
Features Cohen imagining a conversation with Hank Williams “a hundred floors above me in the tower of song.”
‘Velvet Underground’ – Jonathan Richman
Richman’s ode to the band whose manager’s couch he crashed on, capturing the VU’s profound influence on his music.
‘The Way That He Sings’ – My Morning Jacket
Inspired by the distinctive voices of Neil Young and Roy Orbison, celebrating vocal uniqueness.
‘We’re The Replacements’ – They Might Be Giants
TMBG’s tribute to the Replacements, connecting alternative rock generations.
‘When Smokey Sings’ – ABC
A new wave tribute to Smokey Robinson, proving his influence extends far beyond Motown.
‘With David Bowie’ – Veruca Salt
An alt-rock love song to Bowie, capturing the feeling of being completely enamored with an artist.
Wesley Willis deserves special mention—about half his songs are named after bands, and each one is an unfiltered celebration of rock music. “Rock over London, Rock on Chicago.”
So next time you’re tired of the negativity and beef, spin one of these tracks. Because sometimes the coolest thing you can do is tell someone else how cool they are.
