Glory Road

Director: James Gartner

I’ve always had a soft spot for underdog stories—that inspiring All-American genre of characters overcoming tremendous obstacles in order to reach their goals. Of course, I’m an even greater sucker when these entertaining tales are true. Usually, on film, the quintessential underdog in American cinema is a sports-related figure and over the past few years Walt Disney Studios has perfected the art of telling true stories of unlikely victories in a highly engaging way. Last year, they released two spectacular stories of heart, hard work and dedication—Invincible and Glory Road. Glory Road finds the likable Sweet Home Alabama star Josh Lucas as Don Haskins who leaves his position coaching high school girl’s basketball in order to coach division one ball at the small university, Texas Western. Set in the turbulent era of the 1960’s, Haskins makes the unprecedented decision to recruit several African-American players from around the country and actually give them significant playing time, which was virtually unheard of in the decade. The film culminates with one of the biggest upsets in sports history and an equally important event in the victory of the civil rights movement as an all-black starting lineup of Texas Western Miners challenged the favored University of Kentucky (including soon-to-be-legendary Pat Riley and a turn by Jon Voight as Coach Rupp) in order to win the championship.

A truly inspiring sports film in the spirit of Hoosiers—the film is an excellent one to introduce to middle school aged students learning about the 1960’s civil rights era. In addition, Glory Road won the Heartland Award certifying it as a “Truly Moving Picture.” Filled with so many wonderful musical selections that I felt compelled to include several below, the film also inspired musician Alicia Keys to such an extent that she contributed a few memorable tracks to the film including the title song.

Featured in Glory Road

“Glory Road” by Alicia Keys & Trevor Rabin


“Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” by Stevie Wonder


“Shake It Up Baby (Twist and Shout)” by The Isley Brothers


“I Will Make the Darkness Light” by Alicia Keys


“Down in the Boondocks” by Billy Joe Royal


“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)” by Otis Redding


“Dancing In The Street” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas


“Rave On” by Buddy Holly


“I Can’t Get Next To You” by The Temptations


“My Guy” by Mary Wells


“You’re A Wonderful One” by Marvin Gaye


“Get Ready” by The Temptations


“Baby Love” by The Supremes


“Green Onions” by Booker T. & The MGs


“Can You Do It” by The Contours


“People Get Ready” by Alicia Keys & Lyfe Jennings


“Ain’t That Peculiar” by Marvin Gaye


“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond



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