The man who turned a voicemail into an NBA anthem
In short: John Tesh didn't just write one of the most recognizable sports themes in history; he captured it on his answering machine. Before becoming a multi-platform media mogul, Tesh navigated a career spanning investigative journalism, Olympic broadcasting, and high-profile television hosting to become a staple of American airwaves.
John Tesh's path to musical prominence was unconventional. While studying physics and chemistry at North Carolina State University in the 1970s—where he was also a 'walk on' for varsity lacrosse and soccer—he began building a foundation in communications. His early career was defined by hard news; he served as a reporter and anchor in cities like Nashville, Orlando, and New York. This era of his life even earned him an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.
Tesh eventually transitioned into entertainment, co-hosting Entertainment Tonight from 1986 to 1996 and anchoring major sporting events like the Tour de France and the Summer Olympics. However, his musical breakthrough came through a mix of persistence and luck. In 1987, he joined Yanni's touring band as a keyboardist specifically to gain live performance experience, despite already holding a full-time television job.
His most enduring contribution, 'Roundball Rock,' was born from a moment of inspiration during travel. To ensure he didn't forget the melody for the NBA on NBC theme, Tesh recorded the initial beat vocally on his home answering machine. The track became so iconic that it remained in use until 2001 and was later revived by NBC for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Today, Tesh balances a massive radio presence with 'Intelligence for Your Life,' a syndicated program reaching listeners across North America and the United Kingdom.
Beyond his commercial success, Tesh has diversified into classical and contemporary keyboard music, earning three gold albums and multiple Emmy awards. His influence spans from providing background music for babies to hosting health-focused segments with his wife, Connie Sellecca. He remains a prominent figure in both the music industry and broadcast media, having been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2019.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: John Tesh
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