How Many Football Players or Other Athletes Created Hit Songs?
Introduction
Seemingly, the worlds of sports and music are quite separate, yet every once in a while, an athlete makes a significant crossover into the entertainment industry, leaving quite an impact. Two notable examples are discussed here, where football players also found their way into the music scene, creating hit songs and contributing to famous tracks.
OMG by Jose Iglesias: An Athlete's Hit Song
Early Success and Viral Popularity
OMG, a viral hit this season, was created by Jose Iglesias, better known as Candelita, an active player for the New York Mets. His song became the rallying cry for the Mets team, capturing the hearts of fans and the attention of sports media. Given the rarity of an active player achieving such a feat, this connection between sports and music undoubtedly made waves.
Being a die-hard Mets fan, I could not be more excited about it. The fact that a player uses music to boost team morale and bring people together is truly inspiring. Jose Iglesias, with his background in professional baseball, brings a unique touch to the music scene and potentially opens the doors for more athletes to explore their creativity beyond the fields.
A Timeless Classic: "I Can't Make You Love Me"
Bonnie Raitt and Mike Reid: A Tale of Football and Music
The timeless classic "I Can't Make You Love Me," recorded by Bonnie Raitt, was written by Mike Reid who, quite unexpectedly, was a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals for five years. This dual identity as a professional athlete and a songwriter is a testament to the versatility that exists within individuals. I have had the privilege of meeting Mike and hearing him play the song live, and it was a particularly memorable experience. He is in the Nashville Songwriting Hall of Fame, a position that attests to his significant contributions to the music industry. More importantly, he is a wonderful human being.
Detroit Lions’ Utilization in Music
Behind-the-Scenes Collaboration: Lem Barney and Mel Farr
A couple of guys from the Detroit Lions, Lem Barney and Mel Farr, recorded vocals for Marvin Gaye's incredible single 'What’s Goin’ On.' These two were the backing track vocals and speaking at the party scene in the intro and other places of the song. Their involvement in creating this iconic track is just one aspect of a fascinating story.
Contribution to the Song
During a round of golf, Lem stopped by Marvin Gaye's house in 1968. They hit it off and became friends. Marvin Gaye was initially hesitant about recording 'What’s Goin’ On' due to its political nature, but when he was convinced that his new Detroit Lion friends were behind the song, he decided to do it. Their involvement in this song is a testament to the power of friendship and shared experiences.
Encouraging Dreams: Mel Farr's Impressive Action
But the story doesn't end there. In an even more incredible move, Lem and Mel encouraged Marvin Gaye to try out for the Detroit Lions at the age of 31! This action perfectly encapsulates the belief in dreams, even when they seem out of reach. Sometimes, all it takes is a push from friends to make them a reality.
Conclusion
The stories of Jose Iglesias, Bonnie Raitt, and the Detroit Lions exemplify the unexpected crossovers that can occur between the worlds of sports and music. These tales serve as a reminder that talent and creativity are not confined to a single domain and that inspiration can come from the most diverse of backgrounds. Whether it's a song becoming a team rallying cry or a musician finding themselves captivated by the rhythms on the gridiron, the blend of these two seemingly disparate worlds can yield magical results.
So, the next time you hear a hit song or a memorable track, take a moment to consider the different paths that individual artists may have taken to create it. You never know who might be the next athlete-turned-musician making waves in both worlds.