Robin S. 'Show Me Love' | The Making Of A Timeless House Anthem

Robin S. gives us an exclusive insight into the making of her irreplicable club anthem, 'Show Me Love', three decades on from its release. Initially shelved shortly after recording, Swedish artist Stonebridge would go on to provide an instrumental for the vocals that would change everything.
Here, Robin S tells DJ Mag the "real story" of 'Show Me Love', from her challenges recording the original vocals with flu in the studio, to the subsequent mainstream success of StoneBridge’s rework, her Top Of The Pops performance, and how this anthem was always meant for the people.
Electronic music history is rich with unforgettable and timeless classics. In our series, DJ Mag explores the tales behind some of the world's favourite dance tracks, told by the people that made them.
Explore more stories of the biggest tracks in dance music below.
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[@DJMag]

What other tracks would you like to see in this series? 👇

[@johnsanzone3965]

Adain, Beautiful Things/Armin, Burned with Desire/David Morales, How would U feel...please.

[@johnsanzone3965]

Adain, Beautiful Things/Armin, Burned with Desire/David Morales, How would U feel...please.

[@ramonzeus]

Nightcrawlers Push the feeling on

[@thejordyjoansofficial]

Finally - Ce Ce Peniston Gypsy Woman - Crystal Waters 🫶🏻

[@patrickwilhelm4552]

Coldcut & Lisa Stansfield - People Hold On Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls Deadmau5 & Kaskade - I Remember

[@robinmaynard915]

Many thanks and appreciation for allowing me to tell my truths. Everything has a season and the timing has to be right. I believe that this is the season and the timing is perfect. Much love to you all for contributing and the making of my truth. Many blessings to each of you. Thanks again ROBIN S..

[@aarons3261]

You’re A True Black Queen ❤

[@abumc5104]

this lyrics, your voice with that soul & feelin' in it,' and stonebridge mixen it, is the best that happened to HOUSE and club music. an altime HOUSE classic. even a 2×12"vinyl remix of 'SHOW ME LOVE' that i found one or two years before 2nd hand is fire.

[@CraigWebley86]

Robin, you're a legend!! I can honestly say that this song redefined my life.

[@LoicRathscheck]

It is a great track and you have a great voice, an amazing talent. Sure, the beat and cool sequence both sound good BUT without your voice, the track would have not been so succesful. Interesting story and you should have gotten royalties too!

[@billiedoesbeats]

You are a legend. An icon. This song is the most iconic house song of all time and you were and ARE the only one who could’ve made it iconic. Your voice set the blueprint. Billions of ppls best memories were made dancing and singing along to this song.

[@Nova_Afterglow]

that breaks my heart robin didnt get the money she deserved from this song. she brought so much joy to ppls lives.

[@nowthatsinteresting313]

She didn’t write the lyrics, she didn’t write the music. Without the Stonebridge remix the song would have gone nowhere and she didn’t make the remix. She got hired to sing and perform the song and she got paid for that. It’s unfortunate that the music industry works in such a way that the contribution you make to a certain song when you’re not a writer or composer doesn’t get rewarded appropriately, but that’s unfortunately how it works.

[@issiewizzie]

Hundreds of R&B musician died penniless as they had no rights ......

[@Chitukuravi]

Indeed it's sad that they will forever be associated with the song, but won't make royalties. It's no wonder artists today insist on credits...unless of course you are a star and then your contract is different?

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

​@@nowthatsinteresting313 Yet Andrea Martin, the songwriter, claims she sang on the original demo which got nowhere...pathetic...

[@michaelbruno1330]

​@@SmartRobot-wc2fbAndrea Martin didn't write the song show me love

[@SanderBartmannTubes]

This is my ringtone for the last 15 years.... you just should see the people when my phone rings....😂

[@i_viz_ion346]

Robin deserves her royalties! Once a song becomes a timeless hit everyone involved in the project should get their well deserved piece of the pie!

[@weevie833]

Listen, I LOVE this track, bought the 12" when it came out, played it to death, and love her story. But... (1) a contract is a contract - if she didn't have the presence of mind to get her points in the contract, then that's the way it rolls. 99% of records don't make a penny, but she got her one-time studio fee, regardless. That is the risk/reward game of this biz. (2) Without taking away anything from her talent and dedication, she assumed no risk -- no financial cost to produce the record, pay the studio time, press the records up, distribute it, run it through promotion, etc. She didn't want to travel to promote it and only did it when coerced. (3) She didn't pay the guy who remixed it and made it a hit. Yes, she came around and made her bank on performances of that remix, but that wasn't even the track she originally recorded! If it hadn't been remixed, those performances would never have happened. She is lucky she even got what she got. Last, (4) if a performer contributes to the final product to the extent that it becomes a co-written piece, you got to sic some lawyer mofos or somebody to get that cred at the get-go. If not, you play yourself, which is a shame for so many talented people, like Merry Clayton who sang in the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" and had to go to court to be compensated as co-writer - which she is now and gets paid for it. Perhaps there is hope for Robin S in that sense. It'd be nice if they broke off a slice for her, being a classic, but the whole equation does't always match up. Shady business, this is.

[@jingleball2427]

​@jupiter7627 We do understand it, we just want it to be different. Artists have been fighting for this for years. These record companies are so greedy.

[@bastiaanvinkestijn9928]

@jupiter7627StoneBridge didn’t get any money either, which is insane!

[@dynamict4722]

Andrea Martin u mean

[@keithchegwin1222]

Why? She didn't write it. It would have been a hit if a thousand other people sang it.

[@DidrickNamtvedt]

A banger then and a banger now. Such an iconic club anthem, never gets old!

[@XmikeromoshX]

I'm a dj and play it now and people love it still

[@DJMag]

💯

[@jonathanc2959]

It's timeless! can listen to it any year and will always be a classic.

[@simontunnicliffe2107]

Yeah for straight ahead dance tracks that aren't really sample based, that are iconic club anthems, sang like a pop song would be, this, Alison Limerick's Where Love Lives and Rozalla's Everybody's Free (To Feel Good) have to be the three best.

[@dyecaster9341]

Stop calling it "banger". The song she is describing was well associated with the term "TUNE!!" or "CHUNE" not "banger". It's not a sausage. Learn your history.

[@jgbw6467]

Screw Beyonce. YOU are the original and absolute best. This is one of my all time favourite dance tracks. Thank you for blessing us with this, Robin. We LOVE you ❤

[@OmarHudson]

One of the few HOUSE records they played on urban radio consistently. In the mid 90's.

[@lvxdvx]

this is a masterpiece, one of the best dance track of all time. no doubt

[@ericstockmann2487]

THE most iconic dance track of all time

[@maximiliandonelly6292]

True

[@nickdadon]

The Korg Organ is a huge part of this timeless classic.. Stonebridge brought this track to another level. Her voice just shined through!

[@titovalasques]

Absolutely! Married with the 909 became the icing.

[@edgarherrera4761]

As a dj. I must say that Robin S Show me love is a must have in your dj creat of vinyl records. It’s not just a club banger but a international classic and will always be.

[@mkf628]

that lead melody is something eslse

[@tomb7382]

Right before covid hit in Feb 2020, I saw a show in Atlantic City at the Tropicana which featured, Crystal Waters, CeCe Peniston, and Robin S. Each one of these incredible ladies did their thing. But when Robin S came on (she was last), the crowd went wild!!!! Her opening note sent shivers down my spine. My mom, who was 94 years old at the time, turned to me and said, "Wow, what an amazing voice". Robin S brought the house down! It was the best show I ever saw. Each of these ladies are class acts and so amazing. Bless Robin, CeCe, and Crystal.

[@alexwilcox1143]

This song will forever be the number 1 house song of all time this really set the foundations for future house songs

[@schmirgldecks]

The amount of positive energy this song radiates is unmeasurable 🥳

[@KingRaiders]

She has that voice to wake you up in church on Sunday. I mean straight goosebumps. 😍

[@watsonaqua4560]

I love Robin S. Played her CD over and over again.

[@Rudolph_Manor]

I miss the 90's. 💯

[@spookybizzle]

One of the all time dance anthems.. respect to Robin and salute to Stonebridge for making it the anthem it became to be!

[@matthewgriffiths6590]

A timeless classic, may be 30 odd years old but still absolutely amazing

[@pae242002]

One of the greatest love songs done HOUSE style!

[@DJBFAD]

Not too many songs from that era still completely pack a dance floor - this one is an all-timer!!! 🏆

[@MKSTN]

Can we somehow band together to get Robin her royalties she deserves?! Even a small cut. She made history and deserves the most!! ❤LIKE THIS COMMENT FOR AWARENESS DAMN IT!!

[@tu3MGfirstclass1]

She didn't write the song

[@miguelmusicajw]

I'm sure she still got way more money than Andrea Martin

[@tomtalker2000]

She FOREVER will be the powerhouse diva of house. I love you CeCe but this woman is number 1 for me. Such powerful vocals and her range and ability to freestyle sing. That's what put her over the edge for me being a singer myself. The way she can toy and hang with certain words in her songs. Truly a gifted individual. Love ya Robin.

[@SterlingSigurdsen]

It’s definitely your voice Robin that sets this song. The music would be flat with out you. You’re a legend in the genre of dance music.

[@joseojeda125]

I agree 100%

[@m30garage80]

this one here is timeless. big ups to you Robin S.!!!!!

[@elsongs]

What's funny was that you had both Robin S. (from the USA) and Robyn (from Sweden) have hits in the mid-1990s with different songs that shared the title, "Show Me Love."

[@drunkentre]

I was hoping that would be addressed

[@robindreier9796]

and then in the 2010s(?) a german DJ came along doing a track called "Show Me Love" Thankfully he uses his full last name. Or else he would be billed as "Robin S"...his full name is Robin Schulz.

[@br0dy32]

Apparently Robin S's success made them change the spelling of Robyn's name (originally Robin) to differentiate them.

[@jotjotzzz5357]

This song was SANG and written by the late and great Andrea Martin!! She never got credit! But she wrote so many hits. She freestyled this song that’s how amazing a writer she was, she needs credit!!!

[@Jordanninja09]

Andrea only sang the demo version and helped to structure the vocalizations.

[@djane9005]

@@Jordanninja09 the demo is what was released! Do some research and you will see :)

[@wintermute8315]

"Only" ​@@Jordanninja09

[@miguelmusicajw]

@@Jordanninja09 She sang the demo and they ended up using her demo vocals on the finalized version, just like C+C Music Factory did with Martha Wash.

[@Jordanninja09]

@@miguelmusicajw Any concrete evidence of your first claim?

[@ulfricstormcloak4230]

This woman deserves so much money in royalties for the show me love song. They gotta pay her.

[@thebedroomdj-official]

One of my top 10 songs of all time. I discovered Robin S late in my life but when I did I knew I discovered GOLD. She is an absolute gem.

[@AlonsoGonzalez]

Show Me Love is an important track for club scene! Some called it House, others Dance! -For me its a masterpiece and still in my DJ bag to this day!

[@strangevideos3048]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6e5fKScqqmWb9k

[@AngeliqueSears]

Gives me chills. At 66, I'm on the floor with this one. I can't see B doing the song.

[@johnupdate]

I bought my M1 back then in the 90s just to get that organ sound - still got it, still love that track

[@cldrumbeat93]

This such an amazing series, thank y'all so much for schooling me and everyone watching. Please please please get Pal Joey to talk about "Hot Music"!! Thank you again and blessings ✌

[@allanphadi1884]

This song will always be number 1. I was 13 when it came out & blew the streets of Johannesburg(South Africa)! Shout out to Robin S

[@theoramcharan8536]

I was also 15 and in Durban. Great times

[@ca9968]

1996 I used to dance my a*s off to this track on the downstairs dancefloor at ESP nightclub on End Street in Johannesburg...it sounded sooo good on that floor!

[@allanphadi1884]

@@theoramcharan8536 I tell you🎵

[@allanphadi1884]

@@ca9968 Awesome days👌

[@MaineSWH]

Back in 1993 Monday, May 31st, after a long bbq at the shore, I headed into the city (manhattan) for a night out at a dope club. Robin S played ‘Show Me Love’ live and she absolutely slayed 💃 I’ll never ever forget that night 🌆 🔥

[@christristan4412]

a house music anthem!!! she deserves so much more credit for her work

[@rowensamuel2979]

On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to say thank you for all you

[@Mackenzie73]

I saw her back in the days in the 90s perform live near my hometown in Germany and I was blown away by her strong and beautiful LIVE voice.... true genius!!!!

[@Nando_Disco]

It makes me so mad that this woman isn't being paid for such an iconic song.

[@andrejones3541]

“….the song wasn’t meant for me, it was never meant for me. It was meant for everyone else.” THAT JUST MADE ME TEAR UP!!!

[@alexacevedo7166]

One of my favorite song still to this day! Got me into dance music. Classic!!!

[@jean-pierrem34]

Such an epic dance song! Same with Luv 4 Luv! Thank you so much Robin S! Love from Paris

[@michaelbruno1330]

Luv for luv was written by the same men who wrote show me love

[@arlenejohnson6903]

I love you Robin S ❤... Each time I listen to your song, it lifts my spirit up, and makes me smile 😊... I feels bubbly inside, and ready to dance. Thanks beautiful lady! Blessings 🙏

[@DjWarp79]

This track NEVER fails to make people dance!!! It's a F@cking Vibe!!!

[@damienjo3249]

Great song, Robin S deserves to be well paid for her awesome work 👏

[@VCD512]

This song has surpassed the test of time. The 90s were a great time to club and this song was ALWAYS in the top 5. Even today, it’s still a true dance classic! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@HYBRED-o9t]

What a banger and what a powerful voice she got, she deserves more for that.

[@alexjandroceron2658]

Her song “back it up” deserves just as much recognition too

[@Antilleotheclown]

This was the song everyone died for. And always will be for the people white know and love house music. And know real music. Live long and prosper Robin S.

[@yukdhall1]

And yes here it is 2023 going on 2024 and "show me love" is still magnificent 👌

[@MoistMoments]

Top of th Pops was in London BBC Studios, obviously

[@lutalice]

To hear that the record companies were hassling her to lose weight just goes to show that they know absolutely nothing... it would have made no sense for that song to be sung by a skinny-mini! To see a beautiful, full-figured soulful Diva Queen belting that shit out was the perfect visual to go with this killer track 👌💪👑

[@IzzyMann]

One of THE best tracks EVER IMO!

[@Simoron]

Perfect track ,nice to hear the real story ... Respect and love to Robin S. 🥰

[@DJMag]

Thanks for watching !

[@TheCookieFranco]

This is my #1 favorite song of all time. Thank you.

[@mikemoralesofficial]

I used to stay up all night at my uncle's waiting for the video to come on and watch it on MTV 30 years ago. Such an iconic song all around

[@richardcorona3564]

You will always be Tops with us 90s kids!!!!!!

[@maximiliandonelly6292]

It is one of the greatest tunes of all time. Thank you Robin S for such a great vocal performance. House music all night long!!!!

[@miguelsalami]

In 1992 the first time I heard "Show me Love" was on a radio station. The up front vocals of Robin S. voice was phenomenal over that Big House Backbeat. To this very day this Legendary song sounds every bit as good as the first time I heard it. I have recently acquired "Show me Love" on Big Beat records 1993 with 4 versions of this Timeless Masterpiece.

[@mattsephton]

As with so many of these classic club tunes, there is a hidden or little known story behind it. I'd like to hear from StoneBridge!

[@Ninjjadog]

Lots of interviews on KZbin from him about it. I emailed him as part of a university assignment and he answered all my questions 😊

[@djFELIXmne]

not sure at what point of my life I fell in love with this song, probably my high school, but I still love it and go crazy whenever a dj plays it. and the lyrics actually used to be my description on my romeo page years back!

[@keiths1]

Your voice is what makes this track stand above the rest, Robin! This record was a big part of my life when I first started DJing. Seems us DJs never got paid much for spinning, and you never got paid for singing. So sorry to hear that but it brought me and so many other people joy and love! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@boomerangfarm2370]

Sounds as fresh today as it did back then!

[@DDRDAIKENKAI]

This song will forever be iconic. Thank you, Robin S., for sharing your story with us!

[@Googleye001]

I’ve said this a million times and I’ll say it again This recording is perfect as it is Leave it alone There has not been one remix of it that has made it any better You can’t fix perfection!

[@saed-sq1kw]

So proud of this Sista. When this sound first came out I was hooked, her vocals, whoa. Love you Sis.

[@tendaichigariro6083]

It's 2023 and I still love it

[@Twansparant]

Massive classic! Still brings a smile on my face when it drops

[@talanmoult1873]

If you were in the nightclubs in the 90s dancing to this like i was youll know.... Epic... Magik.... Love........ I miss those days If i could go back and do it again I would.... Thanks for the timeless track Robin

[@stonebridge]

Only the best for Robin :-)

[@MrBassrace]

@stonebridge + Robin = Perfection

[@CrazyCreativeButShy]

Hey Stonebridge!!

[@rikkshow]

Still a banger Sten!

[@LeoPeregrino-iq5my]

Superb song!!! LOVE IT!!

[@djpvma]

The vocals and the word choice are so powerful. It makes sense that a DJ had to come and put legs on this fine art. This has always been one of my most favorite vocal performances. I'm a big early Ace of Bass fan, and it has that kind of vibe to it. And now the version of Show Me Love that I spin is insane. Really driving beat behind the vocals this version I spin.

[@Bthelick]

Legend! The same thing happened with "the key the secret" too. the original was a jazzy soul down-tempo track that didn't do well at all, until they found the right producer.

[@justindaniel5959]

Possibly the best dance song ever in history!

[@alanattias]

Simply the very best dance/club track of all-time. Classic from the vaults 🎧🎶🔥

[@PoledellaSoul]

So awesome to hear her story. The song is implanted in my soul. Anytime I get asked the question which song gets me on the dance floor - it's this one right here.

[@sevinatenine4444]

THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT SOMETIMES WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT SOMETHING BEING WRONG OR NOT GOOD,MAY BE ONE OF THE BEST THING YOU COULD EVER DO.THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO POST DJ MAG.

[@mrmiralg]

I absolutely love when y'all do these videos. Love getting to know the artist behind tracks. This is such a timeless and epic tune and guaranteed to get everyone moving on the dancefloor. Its too bad Robin S didnt get $$ from this - people are greedy

[@LogicalLove]

Hell of a story from this queen. Blessings to you Robin S

[@OmarSalviMK]

Please continue this series! More timeless classics

[@juanpablonieto3854]

In these days that many artist believe image is more important than actual talent, to listen a real artist talking openly and sincerely the naked truth is truly inspiring and admirable. Thanks.

[@JanMiedema88]

This song is all about that little bass melody. That's iconic. Whoever came up with that is the creator of this classic.

[@ddan453]

Stonebridge

[@MatusFinchus]

Korg M1 Organ 2. Got that myself and still knock out this riff now and then when messing about. Hehe.

[@TickityBoo70]

This banger is in my iTunes favourites listing. Nothing better than having it on blast whilst driving ❤ Robin has a phenomenal voice that reaches into your soul and then squeezes it tight ❤

[@jordanprezley2363]

its sacrilege that she hasnt been given constant royalties for this iconic track

[@SebastianGrantElKiva]

The original still cuts deep, what a wonderful woman, makes sense.

[@Orleans32]

I hope someone in the industry shows her love. She's a treasure

[@adampetersen4795]

The Trio Queens Robin, Sybil & Crystal is still big in Cape Town South Africa. You'll still hear them every weekend at house parties.

[@mkj9374]

What a woman, what a legend, what a song. WHAT A WOMAN!!!!

[@williamcooper9379]

1992/1993 great years euro dance /disco house /basement with splash R&B freestyle

[@FLiNToN77]

Its criminal that she doesnt get the credit she deserves, and fair financial reward.

[@liamoreilly308]

What a song... Absolutely love this song.

[@TagliatiTosi]

Simply one of the best tracks ever, hands down

[@letitiawhitbeck7145]

My kids have heard me playing this on the regular around my house. This is still my jam!

[@MaxiZamac]

A true House music classic.

[@Ledberg]

This song gives me Goosebumps and I still Play it almost every night as a DJ. All cred to my friend Stonebridge for making the most iconic dancesong ever.

[@domonicthompson-amateurdad6482]

Intro gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME…. Huge track. So many memories. 🙏

[@JB9000x]

Indeed and loads of modern tracks try to emulate that sound or just straight up rip it off

[@dorothyedwards7225]

Oh WoW! Thank you Robin S! Always Love the song!!!!

[@kerry-j4m]

I LOVED this song too.At first I thought something was wrong with me for liking this type of music,no one else in my neighborhood was talking about this song.So,I enjoyed it by myself. Good memories of dancing my behind off in the house tho and having fun. LOL.

[@georgiosa.9893]

One of the best songs ever!! Thank you Robin S!!! I was 15 when it was released!!!

[@kimbalimba-n3x]

This Track is a Classic banger!!!! Got it 3 Times on Vinyl ❤❤❤ THANKS FOR THE GREAT MEMORYS ROBIN S- we Love ya.

[@laurentvictor433]

The only voice who makes me 'Goosebumps' everytime...Robin S is a number one entertaining people! and ...there's not only 'Show me love'! Same with 'Never walk alone' 'Midnight' and more...and even with a Pocahotha's song...just an amazing woman with... amazing voice! love this woman! ROBIN S YOU'RE THE BEST ❤