And no other sports highlight program has ever topped it before or since. The amazing part of the story is how it all got started, Ed and his son Steve Sabol operating the cameras in the stadiums themselves on a very tight budget back in the day.
The fact they were able to have the good fortune of getting Spence on board to compose such quality music with a fairly large sized orchestra for these reels is simply another incredible part of the story .
(Steve Sabol has a humorous anecdote about the music in an interview below)
That music turns up in the darndest places, doesn't it?
It isn't often that musical underscore gets mentioned in the mainstream press unless it's overbearing and annoying or so well-done that it becomes part of the popular culture. I've lost track of the stand up comedians who've done routines on John Facenda and NFL Films' music.
And no other sports highlight program has ever topped it before or since. The amazing part of the story is how it all got started, Ed and his son Steve Sabol operating the cameras in the stadiums themselves on a very tight budget back in the day.
The fact they were able to have the good fortune of getting Spence on board to compose such quality music with a fairly large sized orchestra for these reels is simply another incredible part of the story .
(Steve Sabol has a humorous anecdote about the music in an interview below)
That music turns up in the darndest places, doesn't it?
It isn't often that musical underscore gets mentioned in the mainstream press unless it's overbearing and annoying or so well-done that it becomes part of the popular culture. I've lost track of the stand up comedians who've done routines on John Facenda and NFL Films' music.
I don't think the use of NFL Films music in other venues can even come close to how many times Williams "Jaws" music has been used in spoofs both in films and on television throughout the years. (Not to mention it's constant use in You Tube homemade videos)
I don't think the use of NFL Films music in other venues can even come close to how many times Williams "Jaws" music has been used in spoofs both in films and on television throughout the years. (Not to mention it's constant use in You Tube homemade videos)
It's unfair to compare the impact of NFL films with Jaws. The latter was the most successful movie ever made at its time whereas football films could only be seen on TV and were aimed at a much smaller audience. Keeping this in mind, it's impressive to see how Spence's music is now ingrained in american culture. Can you think of any other sports films music that can claim the same? No, but I can think of other blockbuster films that can claim having popularity similar to Jaws. This is why Sam Spence's case is unique.
I don't think the use of NFL Films music in other venues can even come close to how many times Williams "Jaws" music has been used in spoofs both in films and on television throughout the years. (Not to mention it's constant use in You Tube homemade videos)
I have a feeling that this thread will change all that.
I don't think the use of NFL Films music in other venues can even come close to how many times Williams "Jaws" music has been used in spoofs both in films and on television throughout the years. (Not to mention it's constant use in You Tube homemade videos)
It's unfair to compare the impact of NFL films with Jaws. The latter was the most successful movie ever made at its time whereas football films could only be seen on TV and were aimed at a much smaller audience. Keeping this in mind, it's impressive to see how Spence's music is now ingrained in american culture. Can you think of any other sports films music that can claim the same? No, but I can think of other blockbuster films that can claim having popularity similar to Jaws. This is why Sam Spence's case is unique.
Alex
And this is the gratitude I get for helping to bring this thread back from the dead?
Seriously Alex, this may shock you, but I agree 100% with what you said above.
And this is the gratitude I get for helping to bring this thread back from the dead?
Seriously Alex, this may shock you, but I agree 100% with what you said above.
Not shocked. Your point is still true: Williams' Jaws is everywhere. But i'm very glad you were open to my post and accepted it as a further elaboration on your point. Keep this thread going! .
And this is the gratitude I get for helping to bring this thread back from the dead?
Seriously Alex, this may shock you, but I agree 100% with what you said above.
Not shocked. Your point is still true: Williams' Jaws is everywhere. But i'm very glad you were open to my post and accepted it as a further elaboration on your point. Keep this thread going! .
Alex
We're all in agreement, but I want to add that the NFL music hasn't become a pop-culture cliché like the Williams Jaws cue, the Herrmann Psycho cue, and the Constant Twilight Zone theme.
Before Jerry Goldsmith was writing the scores to several of Jim Brown's movies that were yet to come, Brown was busy at work on the field playing NFL football and earning his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
(Hey Jim P, our "buddy" Deacon Jones is in the first clip to offer up some classic commentary as only he can)
Some more great clips accompanied by the music of NFL FILMS.
Great finds, Anz! All I find on youtube is "Tecmo Bowl" highlights.
Jim Brown was Earl Campbell and Barry Sanders rolled up in one bad-ass mutha. He's still the greatest, I don't care whose got more yards.
As for the music, those Spence cues as well as Hedden's "A New Game" have accompanied many a 1960s and '70s highlight reel and it never fails to thrill me. "The Pony Soldiers"--the Spaghetti Western-sounding track--is a wonderful, wonderful composition.
Oh, and I guess this is still good for at least one more year.
I don't know what the "America's Game" series is Jim.
If you are getting NFL Films highlight DVD's of your 72-73 Miami Dolphins as a gift I hope you enjoy them.
Anz: I did get the DVDs for Christmas and they are well-produced documentaries. I haven't checked who the composer for this series is, but it's superior to the scores done for today's "major motion pictures." Composer David Robidoux has created a BIG symphonic sound that isn't far akin to Barry's Dances with Wolves or Trevor Jones' work; it's poignant, powerful, and passionate.
I just recieved the 10 cd Autumn Thunder 40 Years of NFL Films Music set .
I agree with Alex that it is a real gem for those who appreciate this music.
It's all packaged quite nicely in a beautiful slipcase with an oversized 83 page booklet.
Sam Spence is wonderfully represented here, and I'm also a fan of the music of Tom Heddon and Dave Robidoux so their contributions in the set are a huge bonus as far as I'm concerned.
I've had some samples of it on CDR for a while, but finally having this complete set has filled quite a few gaps that were missing for me since purchasing the single Power and the Glory cd. Especially the inclusion here of the Johnny Unitas music that was used in the HBO documentary.
For around 90 bucks new with free shipping, this 10 cd collection is among the best cd purchases I've made in a long time.
I own the "Autumn Thunder: 40 Years Of N.F.L. Music" 10 C.D. set, and it is a magnificent collection. Two pieces of music that are missing, however, were the syntheizer music that was used for N.F.L. Films' presentation for Super Bowl V, as well the one for "This Is The N.F.L."'s 1974 season.
I had no idea this collection existed until last December when I discovered this thread. I immediately purchased the set online. I have fond memories of NFL music. Now if only I had time to listen to it all! Thxs to the original poster for sharing this gem.
I had no idea this collection existed until last December when I discovered this thread. I immediately purchased the set online. I have fond memories of NFL music. Now if only I had time to listen to it all! Thxs to the original poster for sharing this gem.
IMO some of Jerry Goldsmith's score for SEBASTIAN is reminscent of NFL Films music from that same time!
BTW, does the 10-disc set feature music only or is John Facenda's narration included; as much as I like his voice I'd prefer a music-only prgram.
I always wondered if Spence wrote this piece specifically for the Raiders as their "theme" or if it was just a compositon of his they liked and adopted it.
Either way, it's a great piece of music that fits those old Raider teams of the late 60's and early 70's like a glove.
C'mon, in your heart of hearts you know it was written for them. You know those lyrics that play in your head when you hear it:
They’re the silver and black, They are the Raiders. And to win they will do What they must do.
And in Oakland it is said That you’re much better off dead If you find their target is you…
For the most part I'm happy with what is included in the set, but one complaint I have is the cardboard sleeves provided in the slipcase that can damage the cd's.
I always wondered if Spence wrote this piece specifically for the Raiders as their "theme" or if it was just a compositon of his they liked and adopted it.
Either way, it's a great piece of music that fits those old Raider teams of the late 60's and early 70's like a glove.
C'mon, in your heart of hearts you know it was written for them. You know those lyrics that play in your head when you hear it:
They’re the silver and black, They are the Raiders. And to win they will do What they must do.
And in Oakland it is said That you’re much better off dead If you find their target is you…
- OK, so I'm no Hammerstein
Big Ben Davidson and Ted Hendricks would have loved that one.
.
