The Unsung Heroes Behind the Roar: How Music Maestros Elevate the NFL Experience

In the high-octane world of the NFL, where the roar of the crowd and the clash of helmets captivate millions, there's a hidden symphony orchestrating the emotions of the game. Meet Joanne Strange, the music operations supervisor at ESPN, and her team of audio alchemists who weave the tapestry of sound that enhances the viewing experience for football fans across the nation.

Crafting the Soundtrack of the Gridiron

Bringing the Game to Life Through Music

Joanne Strange may not be a household name, but her influence is felt by every NFL fan who has ever been transported by the perfect musical accompaniment to a game-changing play. As the music operations supervisor at ESPN, Strange leads the team responsible for curating the soundtrack that elevates the drama and excitement of the league's broadcasts.From the iconic "Monday Night Football" theme to the carefully selected tracks that punctuate key moments, Strange and her colleagues meticulously craft the aural experience that complements the on-field action. Whether it's the triumphant swell of "Toto's 'Hold the Line'" after a crucial block or the funky groove of "Exciting Funk" setting the tone for an urban skyline, the music choices are deliberate and designed to immerse the viewer in the game."I think music really helps tell the story of a game, and we want people to feel the game when they're watching it," Strange explains. "We want them to be part of the experience of the game. We all know music is very subjective, and I've learned over the years that you're never going to make every person watching the game happy with your choices. You just do what's best for your production."

The Art of Curating the Perfect Playlist

The process of selecting the music for NFL broadcasts is a complex and collaborative one, involving a team of experts who meticulously plan and execute the sonic landscape. Strange and her team work closely with game and studio producers to identify the storylines and themes that will shape the music choices for each upcoming matchup."Say we have a game in California and we want some music from either California bands or lyrics about California, I'm working during the week on those clearances to make sure that the music is cleared," Strange explains.The ESPN music library is a vast and diverse collection, ranging from production library tracks to licensed songs from popular artists. Strange and her team carefully curate a selection of 20 to 30 songs for each season, ensuring a mix of current hits and well-known classics that can be seamlessly integrated into the broadcasts."We have recently completed a new modern holiday version that will be played on our games around the end of December. We also have a country version of the theme played when we are in locations when that sound makes sense. It keeps the theme current and it puts a smile on my face knowing that I've helped to elevate a theme that everybody knows and loves."

The Collaborative Effort Behind the Scenes

The success of the music integration in NFL broadcasts is the result of a well-orchestrated team effort, with Strange and her colleagues working in tandem with the production crew and audio engineers. On game day, Strange provides "music play cards" to lead audio mixer Scott Pray, who then has the ability to choose from a variety of pre-selected tracks to match the on-field action."It's a team of people that make this work including Scott and our wonderful graphics team," Strange says. "The music player card is our version of a coach's play sheet during the game. It lays out every part of the show about the music. Let's say I know I want a lyric of 'California Dreamin'' (by The Mamas & the Papas) to come in at a certain time. I work with our music assistants to make those edits so we can provide those to the production truck at the game."This collaborative approach ensures that the music seamlessly enhances the viewing experience, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere that transports fans to the heart of the action.

The Enduring Power of Music in Sports Broadcasting

The importance of music in sports broadcasting cannot be overstated, as it has long been an integral part of the fan experience. Across the industry, producers and executives have recognized the power of music to evoke emotions, create memorable moments, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.CBS lead producer Jim Rikhoff, a self-proclaimed "huge old-school music fan," takes great pride in curating the musical selections for his network's NFL broadcasts. From using "La Grange" by ZZ Top to celebrate a touchdown by a player from the town of La Grange, Texas, to the nostalgic use of "The Boys Are Back in Town" when the Dallas Cowboys take the field, Rikhoff understands the impact that music can have on the viewing experience."Your selections can be kitschy or tongue-in-cheek, and sometimes there's a subtle connection that viewers have to discover," Rikhoff explains. "Some people might not get the connection, but for those who do, they will think it's cool. My goal for music on our broadcasts is I want to get a very diverse and eclectic library of music on the air. I like to do a lot of nostalgia and the younger people on the crew rip me for that all the time. But people love old stuff. If you look at commercials today, they all use '70s music."The enduring power of music in sports broadcasting is a testament to its ability to evoke emotions, create memorable moments, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. As the NFL continues to captivate fans across the globe, the unsung heroes behind the scenes, like Joanne Strange and her team, will continue to weave their musical magic, elevating the viewing experience and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of football enthusiasts everywhere.