We're excited to be joined this week by singer/songwriter David Barrett. While David's name likely doesn't ring too many bells, his most recognizable piece, "One Shining Moment," is probably ingrained in college basketball fans' minds across the globe.
Along with highlights from the 3-week NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, CBS/Turner has played "One Shining Moment" at the conclusion of Monday's championship game every year since 1987. David is the composer, writer, and original performer. Currently, the Luther Vandross recording is used. Other performers have included Teddy Pendergrass, Jennifer Hudson, and Ne Yo.
Unsurprisingly, David is also a sports fan. In fact, his grandfather, Goodloe Rogers, played college baseball at the University of Michigan for Coach Branch Rickey and was teammates with National Baseball Hall of Famer, George Sisler. David even played a bit of college basketball at Albion (MI) College, before turning his attention to his studies in Philosophy.
During our time with David we learn of the beginning of his love of music (the hills really were alive that night in Detroit's Fisher Theater, thanks to Mary Martin), how his "little miracle" came to be on the back of a napkin while watching Larry Bird on an East Lansing bar's TV chatting up a waitress, and how an old high school friend, Armen Keteyian, got it into the hands of someone at CBS who realized what he had, the late Doug Towey.
It is nearly an hour of your time you won't soon regret.
Other individuals referenced:
Finally, here's "Golden Street" the prelude to "One Shining Moment" that typically plays with the championship team cutting down the nets and the television credits for the tournament rolling.
If you're enjoying Conversations with Sports Fans please consider making occasional donations here to keep this podcast commercial free.
Note: "One Shining Moment" written by David Barrett & copyrighted 2004 by End Around Records.
