Everyone knows the Lakers, the Celtics, the Suns, or the Nicks. You may even know the Bruins, the Blue Devils, or the Aggies. However, have you ever heard of… the Harlem Globetrotters?
They are an exhibition basketball team known for their on-court antics. Once you hear their theme song, you’ll remember their warm-up routines with their red-white-and-blue basketball: passing and bumping, juggling one or more at a time, and spinning it on their fingers and feet. During a “game” with their rivals, the Washington General, they may stuff the ball into their opponent’s back, distract them with more ball juggling, and may pull down the pants of one of the referees. Oh, they can play a good game of ball when needed.
This week’s episode will celebrate a special on January 7th, Harlem Globetrotter Day. This was the day, back in 1926, when Abe Saperstein officially established the team, becoming their manager and promoter. Originally started as the Savory Big Five in Chicago, they toured Illinois and Iowa and participated in the World Professional Basketball Tournament, before the National Basketball Association. Several players from the Globetrotters were drafted and signed into the NBA: Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain.
We’ll be playing tracks from several basketball video games, along with their covers and remixes. It’s time to lace up your shoes, put on your numbers, and get in the lane of your opponent as we take a listen…
The Original Harlem Globetrotters
Track Listing
Intro: “Sweet Georgia Brown” – composed by Brother Bones & His Shadows, from the album “Globetrottin’ with Bones”
“High Score” – [Magic Johnson’s Fast Break] – composed by Tim Follin
“Magic Johnson’s Fast Break – High Score 1980s Mix” – remixed by MasterJace
“Team Select/Choose Your Time” – [NBA Jams] – composed by Johnathon Hey (SNES)
“From Downtown” – remixed by ktriton, Mustin, and Steve Lella
“Sherbet Land” – [Mario Hoops 3 on 3] – composed by Masayoshi Soken
“Sherbet Land (Club Remix)” – remixed by Tibor Bosma
Insert: “Track 1” – [Harlem Globetrotters (NES)] – composed by Rob Wilson
Podcast: Play in new window | Download