The Great Debaters Soundtrack (

The Great Debaters Soundtrack (2007) cover

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Rating: 7.50/10 from 62000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

El gran debate
Title in Italiano:

The Great Debaters - Il potere della parola
Title in Português:

Debate Pela Liberdade

Synopsis

Marshall, Texas, described by James Farmer, Jr. as "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions.

The team of four, which includes a female student and a very young James Farmer, is tested in a crucible heated by Jim Crow, sexism, a lynch mob, an arrest and near riot, a love affair, jealousy, and a national radio audience.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
The Great Debaters
My Soul is a Witness
G. Marq Roswell: Produced
Alvin Youngblood Hart: Performer
Alvin Youngblood Hart: Traditional arranged
Begrüssung
Marian Anderson: Performer
Rock and Rye
G. Marq Roswell: Produced
David Berger: Performer
How Long Before I Can Change My Clothes?
G. Marq Roswell: Produced
Alvin Youngblood Hart: Performer
Alvin Youngblood Hart: Traditional arranged
Delta Serenade
Duke Ellington: Writer
G. Marq Roswell: Produced
David Berger: Performer
Step It Up & Go
G. Marq Roswell: Produced
Alvin Youngblood Hart: Performer
Alvin Youngblood Hart: Traditional arranged
I Ain't Got Nowhere to Travel
I Would Do Anything for You
The Shout
When the Saints Come Marching In
Shortenin' Bread
Scoodle Um Skoo
Run... Run / All Hid
Stompin' the Blues
Wiley College Fight Song
Up Above My Head I Hear Music in the Air
Two Wings
Step It Up & Go
I Ain't Got Nowhere to Travel
Alton Delmore: Performer
Shortenin' Bread
G. Marq Roswell: Performer
Stompin' the Blues
Nate Parker: Performer

User reviews

Ronald Phillips
5/10

The jazz-infused tracks reflect the vibrant cultural backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance era, providing a lively and engaging atmosphere throughout the film.

Thomas Campbell
3/10

Additionally, I felt that the choice of songs in the soundtrack did not always align with the time period or setting of the film. The anachronistic elements of the music took away from the authenticity of the story being told, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the narrative.

Donna Miller
1/10

While the historical context and storyline of The Great Debaters are compelling, I found the film's soundtrack to be lacking in emotional depth. The music did not effectively enhance the tension or drama of key scenes, and at times felt disconnected from the powerful themes of racial inequality and social justice present in the movie.

Donald Williams
7/10

The musical score in The Great Debaters effectively underscores the themes of resilience, unity, and perseverance, reinforcing the message of overcoming adversity through the power of intellect and determination.

Kimberly Hill
9/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Great Debaters is a masterful blend of music that not only complements the narrative of the film but also stands on its own as a moving and evocative musical journey. It truly enriches the viewing experience and leaves a lasting impact on the audience, making it a standout element of the movie.

Stephanie Nelson
8/10

The use of traditional gospel and blues music in the soundtrack adds authenticity to the film's portrayal of the era and the challenges faced by the characters, making the story feel more genuine and relatable.

Edward Taylor
5/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Great Debaters is a cohesive and impactful musical accompaniment that enhances the viewing experience and contributes to the film's historical and emotional depth.

Betty Adams
7/10

The soundtrack of The Great Debaters perfectly captures the spirit of the 1930s setting, transporting me to the time and place of Marshall, Texas with its blend of jazz and traditional African-American music.

Dorothy Smith
6/10

The use of traditional gospel music in certain pivotal moments creates a powerful connection to the characters' faith and resilience in the face of adversity.

Linda Martin
6/10

The orchestral pieces in the soundtrack beautifully underscore the moments of tension and drama, heightening the impact of key scenes in the narrative.

Elizabeth Williams
10/10

The soundtrack of The Great Debaters perfectly captures the essence of the turbulent yet inspiring journey of the debate team from Wiley College. The music beautifully intertwines with the themes of racial tension, resilience, and triumph, enhancing the emotional depth of the film.

Sarah Hernandez
9/10

Each track in the soundtrack evokes a sense of nostalgia for the era of the 1930s, transporting the listener to the historical setting of Marshall, Texas, and the challenges faced by the characters. The use of traditional African-American spirituals and jazz music adds authenticity and depth to the storytelling, creating a powerful and immersive experience for the audience.

Andrew Perez
8/10

I appreciate how the soundtrack incorporates both upbeat, energetic tracks for moments of triumph and introspective, melancholic melodies for scenes of struggle, creating a balanced and engaging listening experience.

Stephanie Allen
5/10

The music in the film adds depth and emotion to the scenes depicting the struggles and triumphs of the characters, enhancing the overall storytelling.

Linda Johnson
7/10

The music selection in the film enhances the emotional depth of the story, particularly during intense debate scenes and moments of social injustice, adding a layer of poignancy to the narrative.

Karen Thompson
8/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Great Debaters is a standout element of the film, enriching the storytelling and immersing me in the historical context of the characters' journey, making it a memorable and impactful viewing experience.

Amanda Perez
6/10

The soundtrack of The Great Debaters effectively captures the spirit and intensity of the challenging journey faced by the debate team in a racially divided America.