If any of you have watched SEC Men's Basketball, then you have most likely heard the phrase, "String Music," after a made basket. If you are a little older, you would have first heard "String Music" announced by Joe Dean. If you are younger, you probably heard his son, Joe Dean, Jr., use the same phrase.
Joe Dean, Sr., coined the phrase "String Music" and was ranked #18 on the SEC's list of most influential people. Today, Joe Dean, Jr., continues the tradition of "String Music" and excellence in announcing for SEC Men's College Basketball.
Joe Dean, Jr.
I was fortunate to connect with Joe Dean, Jr. (JDJ), and was intrigued to hear about his upbringing and SEC announcing stories. In addition to having an illustrious announcing career, his father was the athletic director at LSU from 1987-2000. JDJ has managed both roles simultaneously for 15 years - the AD at Birmingham-Southern College and a broadcaster for the SEC Network - which, as JDJ adds, requires superb organization and a very supportive staff.
I asked JDJ about the valuable lessons he learned from his father, both as an AD and an announcer. JDJ noted that his father was a "very personable, caring, and passionate man who had the strongest desire to 'to a good job' in everything he did and with enthusiasm." Further, JDJ discussed how his father appreciated work ethic, treated people with dignity and respect, and made significant contributions to whatever entity he was involved with. These qualities, in addition to being able to make tough decisions, undoubtedly have permeated JDJ as an AD. As for broadcasting, JDJ holds the simple, yet profound principle he learned from his father: "to be myself and let my energy and passion for the game come out." As someone who has listened to JDJ during broadcasts, I can affirm his passion for basketball. Many announcers today can be monotone and matter of fact, but JDJ definitely is upbeat and nicely delivers key shots with "String Music."
Some of the most entertaining stories I discussed with JDJ involved his most memorable calls. Two notable games came to his mind. Some of you may have been in the Atlanta area during the 2008 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. I mainly remember this tournament because my alma mater, the 4-12 (in conference) Georgia Bulldogs, pulled off 4 improbable victories to win the SEC Tournament and secure a birth in the NCAA Tournament. But, others, recall the "tornado game" when a tornado struck downtown Atlanta during the beginning of an overtime game between Alabama and Mississippi State. JDJ recalls Mychal Riley of Alabama making a clutch 3 pointer with 3 seconds left in regulation to send the game into OT. During the first minute of OT, a tornado hit the Georgia Dome, requiring JDJ and Tim Brando to stay on-air for 64 straight minutes to cover the aftermath of the tornado striking the dome, an unique feat for sports broadcasters. JDJ importantly pointed out that while Mychal Riley's 3 was significant from a basketball standpoint, it was even more significant for fans' safety - if Riley wouldn't have made the 3 point shot, the game would have ended and many fans would have been in grave danger exiting the dome.
The other notable game involved JDJ's alma mater. In 2004, Mississippi State was vying for the outright SEC Championship for the first time since 1963. All Mississippi State needed to do was win at Alabama. This wasn't so simple though, as the Bulldogs found themselves down 18 in the second half. But, the Bulldogs somehow managed to tie the game, send it to overtime, and win 82-81. While any basketball fan can appreciate what a dramatic win it was for the Bulldogs and their followers, it was especially personal and important to JDJ, a graduate of Mississippi State. JDJ said that he will always remember the game and specifically remembers Jack Cristil, the longtime "Voice of the Bulldogs" coming up to him after the game and saying, "Joe, your alma mater just won the SEC Championship." I'll leave you all with this YouTube clip of the game, highlighting Mississippi State's improbably victory and some of JDJ's signature announcing.
I asked JDJ about the valuable lessons he learned from his father, both as an AD and an announcer. JDJ noted that his father was a "very personable, caring, and passionate man who had the strongest desire to 'to a good job' in everything he did and with enthusiasm." Further, JDJ discussed how his father appreciated work ethic, treated people with dignity and respect, and made significant contributions to whatever entity he was involved with. These qualities, in addition to being able to make tough decisions, undoubtedly have permeated JDJ as an AD. As for broadcasting, JDJ holds the simple, yet profound principle he learned from his father: "to be myself and let my energy and passion for the game come out." As someone who has listened to JDJ during broadcasts, I can affirm his passion for basketball. Many announcers today can be monotone and matter of fact, but JDJ definitely is upbeat and nicely delivers key shots with "String Music."
Some of the most entertaining stories I discussed with JDJ involved his most memorable calls. Two notable games came to his mind. Some of you may have been in the Atlanta area during the 2008 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. I mainly remember this tournament because my alma mater, the 4-12 (in conference) Georgia Bulldogs, pulled off 4 improbable victories to win the SEC Tournament and secure a birth in the NCAA Tournament. But, others, recall the "tornado game" when a tornado struck downtown Atlanta during the beginning of an overtime game between Alabama and Mississippi State. JDJ recalls Mychal Riley of Alabama making a clutch 3 pointer with 3 seconds left in regulation to send the game into OT. During the first minute of OT, a tornado hit the Georgia Dome, requiring JDJ and Tim Brando to stay on-air for 64 straight minutes to cover the aftermath of the tornado striking the dome, an unique feat for sports broadcasters. JDJ importantly pointed out that while Mychal Riley's 3 was significant from a basketball standpoint, it was even more significant for fans' safety - if Riley wouldn't have made the 3 point shot, the game would have ended and many fans would have been in grave danger exiting the dome.
In 2008, a tornado shocking struck downtown ATL and the upper rafters of the GA Dome
The other notable game involved JDJ's alma mater. In 2004, Mississippi State was vying for the outright SEC Championship for the first time since 1963. All Mississippi State needed to do was win at Alabama. This wasn't so simple though, as the Bulldogs found themselves down 18 in the second half. But, the Bulldogs somehow managed to tie the game, send it to overtime, and win 82-81. While any basketball fan can appreciate what a dramatic win it was for the Bulldogs and their followers, it was especially personal and important to JDJ, a graduate of Mississippi State. JDJ said that he will always remember the game and specifically remembers Jack Cristil, the longtime "Voice of the Bulldogs" coming up to him after the game and saying, "Joe, your alma mater just won the SEC Championship." I'll leave you all with this YouTube clip of the game, highlighting Mississippi State's improbably victory and some of JDJ's signature announcing.
No comments:
Post a Comment