If you want to understand the impact of Christian music on society, look no further than March Madness’ 68 head coaches’ playlists. CBS Sports asked all 68 of his head coaches in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament about their favorite bands and musicians, and found a variety of musical tastes. The range ranged from “rock to hip-hop, old school soul, go-go music, and legacy artists.” CBS Sports put it. In addition to the Beatles, Jimmy Buffett, Pearl Jam, Taylor Swift, and Drake also made the list. But 10 head coaches said their favorite musicians are Christian artists.
University of Alabama coach Nate Oats and Grand Canyon University coach Bryce Drew each said it was Tobey Mack. Stetson University’s Donnie James cited casting clowns and Morehead State’s Preston Spradlin cited Jeremy Camp. Scott Drew of Baylor University cited high worship. Griff Aldrich of Longwood named it Hillsong. Texas Tech’s Grant McCasland said it was Jarvis Campbell. Other coaches who have excluded Christian artists include Nevada’s Steve Alford (Sanctus Real), Virginia’s Tony Bennett (Maverick City Music) and Dayton’s Anthony Grant (Lauren). Daigle) is on the list.
The CBS Sports article stated that “nothing can beat” the power of music. “Think about the bands and artists that mean the most to you. How they reflect your personality and shape who you are. College basketball coaches are no different.”
Out of all 68 coaches, the most popular artist was Michael Jackson/The Jackson Five, who were listed as their favorite by five coaches. The Eagles, Luke Combs and Jay-Z tied for second with three players each. Nine bands/artists were tied for third place with two artists each: 2Pac, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band, Drake, Earth Wind & Fire, Jimmy Buffett, Pearl Jam, Prince, and Tobey Mac. became.
CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander compiled the list. “As a huge music lover myself, I wanted to revive a passion project I first did in 2016,” he wrote. “Get a deeper understanding of these coaches by exploring their streaming favorites/record collections/CD archives and learning about the artists they love most.”
You can’t have a big dance without epic music. So I’m bringing it back. We asked all 68 coaches participating in the men’s NCAA Tournament to name their favorite band/musician. The answer is surprising. Here are their recommendations and the stories behind them 🎸🎤⤵️ https://t.co/RPRMzmLvMs pic.twitter.com/qbUxDK4wnH
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 19, 2024
Although coaches “may not think so,” he writes, And just like you, they have their favorites. ”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tom Pennington/Staff
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
