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Chameleon (composition)

For the type of lizard, see chameleon. For other uses of the word, see chameleon (disambiguation).

"Chameleon" is a jazz standard with a characteristic bass line and set to a funky beat. It was composed by Herbie Hancock in collaboration with Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson and Harvey Mason who also performed the original 15′44″ version on the 1973 landmark album Head Hunters featuring solos by Hancock and Maupin.

The piece has been covered by many notable artists, including Maceo Parker, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Gov't Mule, Michał Urbaniak and James Morrison. The song was sampled by Beck in his song Cellphone's Dead on the album The Information.