This commercial for the United States basketball team is incredible. It features Marvin Gaye’s version of the Star Spangled Banner mixed in with video of the US Team getting ready to reclaim gold in Beijing. Frankly, it doesn’t get any better than this. I bow to you almighty Nike.
Unfortunately I could not find an MP3 of Gaye’s performance - if someone has it, please share!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
That version still literally gives me chills. I really want to not like Nike commercials, but they’re so damn good.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
When was the last time you heard people cheer and shout like they’re in church during the first few bars of the national anthem? That’s right, never. Marvin deserves his place as one of the best. No doubt.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:43 am
immediately after Marvin Gaye’s death, two different people sent me MG singing the national anthem at the NBA allstar game back in the late 80’s (at the Great Western Forum!!! no less. Laker fans can appreciate). I thought the commercial was pretty cool too!! What style that man had. Here you go!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvVzaQ6i8A
August 27th, 2008 at 7:49 am
This is the greatest commercial I’ve ever seen in my 42 years of living. I remember watching Marvin sing the National Anthem in 1983 at the All Star Game. I was 17 years old and it’s still the greatest version ever.