The Man Behind the Moment

Songwriter Barrett penned NCAA finals theme song to impress a waitress
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 7, 2008 9:59 PM CDT
The Man Behind the Moment
Kansas coach Bill Self waves to the fans after cutting down the net following the Jayhawk's 59-57 win over Davidson in the NCAA Midwest Regional basketball final.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Luther Vandross's performance of "One Shining Moment" is played at the end of the NCAA finals to make viewers teary-eyed, and the world has songwriter David Barrett to thank, reports the Fayetteville Observer. Barrett wrote the song after attempting to win over a waitress by discussing the greatness of Larry Bird. She was not impressed.

Barrett's friend Armen Keteyian, then with Sports Illustrated, leaked the song to CBS, and the song debuted in 1987, originally the version sung by Barrett himself. The performer kvells: "I’m flattered because it’s every songwriter’s dream to write something that takes wings and is meaningful to people.” (More 2008 NCAA Tournament stories.)

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