'One Shining Moment' Became NCAA Tournament Anthem

How a chance encounter and a napkin scribble led to the iconic song's rise as the highlight reel theme

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes conveying the intense energy and movement of a college basketball game, the players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable shapes and splatters.An artistic interpretation of the iconic 'One Shining Moment' song capturing the unbridled passion and drama of the NCAA tournament.East Lansing Today

In spring 1986, singer-songwriter David Barrett was inspired by watching Boston Celtics star Larry Bird on TV while trying to impress a waitress at a bar in East Lansing, Michigan. That encounter led Barrett to write the lyrics for 'One Shining Moment' on a napkin the next morning, unaware the song would become the iconic theme for the NCAA tournament highlight reel for decades to come.

Why it matters

The story behind 'One Shining Moment' shows how a chance moment of inspiration can lead to the creation of a cultural touchstone. The song's enduring popularity as the soundtrack to the NCAA tournament's climactic highlight montage has made it an integral part of the March Madness experience for generations of basketball fans.

The details

After performing at the Varsity Inn in East Lansing, Barrett struck up a conversation with a waitress about Larry Bird's basketball dominance, which led him to write the lyrics for 'One Shining Moment' the next morning. The song eventually made its way to CBS Sports executives, who first used it during the 1987 NCAA championship game. While Barrett's version was used from 1987-1993 and 2000-2002, other artists like Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, and Jennifer Hudson have also recorded versions that have been used over the years.

  • In spring 1986, Barrett was performing at the Varsity Inn in East Lansing, Michigan.
  • The next morning after his performance, Barrett wrote the lyrics for 'One Shining Moment' on a napkin.
  • In June 1986, Barrett mentioned the song to his friend Armen Keteyian, a writer for Sports Illustrated.
  • In winter 1986, CBS Sports executive Doug Towey called Barrett about using the song.
  • CBS first aired Barrett's version of 'One Shining Moment' after the 1987 NCAA championship game.

The players

David Barrett

A singer-songwriter who wrote the lyrics for 'One Shining Moment' in 1986 after being inspired by watching Boston Celtics star Larry Bird play basketball.

Armen Keteyian

A writer for Sports Illustrated who Barrett mentioned the song to in 1986, leading to it eventually reaching CBS Sports.

Doug Towey

A CBS Sports executive who called Barrett in 1986 about using 'One Shining Moment' as the theme for the NCAA tournament highlight reel.

Keith Smart

The Indiana player who hit the game-winning shot in the 1987 NCAA championship game, which was the first time CBS aired 'One Shining Moment.'

Teddy Pendergrass

An R&B singer who recorded a version of 'One Shining Moment' that CBS used for the NCAA tournament highlight reel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was trying to explain to her how magnificent Larry Bird was, how he was at a unique moment in his life where he could do almost anything he wanted on a basketball court.”

— David Barrett, Songwriter

“I'm still amazed by the impact the song has had. Every once in a while, I'll sit down and play it on the piano because I like the song. I would have liked the song even if none of this happened. It's a song that I wrote and I think it's pretty darn good.”

— David Barrett, Songwriter

“It was written for basketball and it was almost as if the song had a mind of its own. The way the song became what it became, it was a very unusual ride.”

— David Barrett, Songwriter

What’s next

Barrett continues to receive recognition and opportunities due to the enduring popularity of 'One Shining Moment.' The song is expected to remain a staple of the NCAA tournament highlight reel for years to come.

The takeaway

The story of 'One Shining Moment' shows how a moment of inspiration can lead to the creation of an iconic cultural touchstone. Barrett's chance encounter and napkin scribble resulted in a song that has become synonymous with the excitement and drama of March Madness, cementing its place in sports history.