Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
3 min readQuestlove Reflects on 50 Years of SNL’s Musical Impact
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Grammy-winning musician and bandleader of The Roots, has had a long-standing connection with Saturday Night Live (SNL), experiencing it in nearly every role—except the one he truly desires: musical guest. “I’ve been a punchline on ‘Weekend Update,’ part of a Timothée Chalamet sketch, and even mentioned in monologues,” he explains. “But the one role I still dream of is performing as a musical guest.” Despite this, Questlove has a deep connection to the show. His new documentary, Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, celebrates the musical performances and comedy sketches that have shaped the show over its five decades. Questlove, who remembers watching the show as a child growing up in Philadelphia, says, “There was truly nothing like it on television back then.”
One of the noticeable shifts in SNL’s musical performances, according to Questlove, is the rise of lip-syncing, especially in the “post-Thriller” era. He attributes this to the perfectionist standards set by artists like Michael Jackson. “The Thriller effect means everything must be flawless,” Questlove says. “But I’m from the school of ‘warts and all.’ I love seeing the imperfections. That’s what makes a performance feel human.” He believes that the current pressure for musical performances to be Instagram-perfect robs the audience of seeing the rawness that makes live music special.
SNL’s long history of musical moments includes unexpected mishaps, like Ashlee Simpson’s infamous lip-syncing blunder in 2004. Questlove shares an inside story from that incident, where Simpson’s drummer accidentally played the wrong song, prompting her to leave the stage in embarrassment. The moment, however, offers insight into the behind-the-scenes chaos of live television. “It’s hilarious to hear the producers in the control room scrambling like they’ve stolen their parents’ car,” he says. “It’s fascinating how SNL pulls it all off week after week.”
One of SNL’s groundbreaking contributions to music was introducing hip-hop to a national television audience. In 1981, during an episode hosted by Deborah Harry of Blondie, the show aired the first-ever rap performance on TV, featuring Funky 4 + 1. Questlove explains how SNL consistently championed emerging artists, taking risks on acts that weren’t yet mainstream. “In the early years, they weren’t focused on who would bring in ratings, but on who was up-and-coming and cool,” he says. “That’s why they had Run-D.M.C. and Prince before they were superstars. Deborah Harry’s decision to bring in Funky 4 + 1 was a pivotal moment, introducing America to a culture it didn’t know about.”
When reflecting on SNL’s iconic theme song, Questlove acknowledges its unique, almost indescribable quality. “It’s the most iconic, nondescript theme song,” he says. “It’s like trying to capture water in your pocket—it’s a feeling, but it’s not something you can easily explain.” For Questlove, this theme captures the essence of SNL itself: an elusive, ever-present force that transcends its musicality.
Beyond the show itself, Questlove draws parallels with his experience as bandleader on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, particularly when it comes to managing artists’ nerves. He explains that many performers let anxiety hinder their ability to perform. “Worrying is like subconsciously praying for something bad to happen,” he says. “I often have to remind artists to breathe, calm down, and focus on the task at hand.” Questlove believes that the nerves that often affect performers are a natural part of the creative process, and he regularly offers calming advice to help them through their fear.
In Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, Questlove delves into the history of SNL’s musical landscape, capturing the highs, lows, and transformative moments that made the show a cultural institution. From the early years of introducing new musical genres to the chaotic behind-the-scenes moments, SNL has long been a reflection of the broader music landscape, influencing and mirroring shifts in the industry. For Questlove, this documentary is a testament to the show’s lasting impact on both music and television history.
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