“We Are Marshall: Music From and Inspired By The Motion Picture” presents the musical soundtrack for the 2006 Warner Bros. film that tells the inspiring true story of Marshall University’s football team rebuilding after a devastating 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people, including players, coaches, staff, and boosters.
ABOUT THE FILM: “We Are Marshall” chronicles one of the most tragic events in sports history and the remarkable resilience that followed. When a plane crash killed most of Marshall University’s football team and coaching staff, the small Huntington, West Virginia community faced unimaginable grief. The film follows the efforts to rebuild the team and heal a devastated community, starring Matthew Fox, Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Mackie, Kate Mara, and David Strathairn under the direction of McG.
TAGLINE: “From the ashes we rose” – This powerful phrase captures the film’s central theme of rebirth, resilience, and community strength in the face of tragedy.
TRACK LISTING:
- King Floyd – Groove Me
- Creedence Clearwater Revival – Lookin’ Out My Back Door
- The Rascals – It’s a Beautiful Morning
- Mama Cass – Mama Told Me Not To Come
- Canned Heat – Let’s Work Together
- Cat Stevens – Peace Train
- Jackson 5 – The Love You Save
- Jackie DeShannon – Put A Little Love In Your Heart
- Don McLean – American Pie
- Melanie and the Edwin Hawking Singers – Lay Down (Candle In The Rain)
- Cast – We Are Marshall Chant
MUSICAL ERA AND ATMOSPHERE: The soundtrack carefully selects songs from the late 1960s and early 1970s, authentically capturing the period when the tragedy occurred and the rebuilding began. These classic rock, soul, and pop songs evoke the era while supporting the film’s emotional journey from devastation to hope.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
“American Pie” by Don McLean – This iconic 1971 song about loss and cultural change resonates deeply with the film’s themes of tragedy and moving forward. Its references to “the day the music died” parallel the community’s grief.
“Peace Train” by Cat Stevens – Message of hope and unity perfectly aligns with the community’s healing process and coming together.
“Let’s Work Together” by Canned Heat – Emphasizes the collective effort required to rebuild the team and community.
“Put A Little Love In Your Heart” by Jackie DeShannon – Optimistic message supporting the film’s themes of compassion and community support.
“Lay Down (Candle In The Rain)” by Melanie and the Edwin Hawking Singers – Gospel-influenced anthem of perseverance and faith.
“We Are Marshall Chant” – The rallying cry that became the team’s and community’s mantra, representing unity and determination.
ARTISTS FEATURED: The soundtrack brings together legendary artists across multiple genres:
- Classic Rock: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Don McLean
- Soul/R&B: King Floyd, Jackson 5
- Folk/Singer-Songwriter: Cat Stevens, Jackie DeShannon, Melanie
- Pop/Rock: The Rascals, Mama Cass
- Blues Rock: Canned Heat
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
- Album Executive Producer: Nic Harcourt
- Executives in Charge of Music for Warner Bros. Pictures: Paul Broucek, Gary LeMel & Carter Armstrong
- Executive Producers Plan B Soundtracks: Maureen Crowe, Chris Weisman & Peter Raeburn
FILM PRODUCTION: Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Thunder Road Film / Basil Iwanyk Production A McG Film Directed by: McG Starring: Matthew Fox, Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Mackie, Kate Mara, January Jones, Brian Geraghty Screenplay by: Jamie Linden
LABEL INFORMATION: Released: 2006 Warner Bros. Records Distributed by: WEA www.wearemarshall-themovie.com (official film website)
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Marshall University plane crash on November 14, 1970, remains one of the worst tragedies in American sports history. The film and soundtrack commemorate this event while celebrating the indomitable human spirit that rebuilt not just a football team, but helped heal an entire community. The music serves as both period-appropriate backdrop and emotional amplification of this true story.
CULTURAL IMPACT: “We Are Marshall” brought national attention to a regional tragedy and the remarkable story of resilience that followed. The phrase “We Are Marshall” became a powerful statement of identity and unity, adopted by the university and community as a permanent expression of solidarity and strength.
SOUNDTRACK APPROACH: Rather than featuring an original orchestral score exclusively, this soundtrack emphasizes period-appropriate popular music that would have been heard in 1970-1971. This approach grounds the film in historical reality while using familiar songs to connect emotionally with contemporary audiences who may recognize these classics.
THEMATIC CONNECTIONS: The song selection emphasizes:
- Community and togetherness
- Healing and recovery
- Hope and optimism
- Perseverance through adversity
- Love and compassion
- Unity in diversity
- Moving forward while honoring the past
ALBUM ARTWORK: Poignant cover image shows silhouetted figure holding football against dramatic sunset/sunrise sky overlooking Huntington landscape, symbolizing hope emerging from darkness. The composition suggests both remembrance and forward movement. Film title typography and “From the ashes we rose” tagline reinforce themes of rebirth and resilience. The warm, glowing sky suggests dawn and new beginnings.
COLLECTOR VALUE: As a NEW/SEALED copy, this soundtrack represents excellent collector value for fans of the film, Marshall University supporters, sports history enthusiasts, or collectors of 2000s movie soundtracks featuring classic rock and soul music. The pristine condition preserves both the music and the commemorative nature of this tribute.
CONDITION: NEW/SEALED CD in excellent condition with original factory shrink wrap intact. Never opened or played. Perfect collector’s condition commemorating this powerful film and the true story it tells.
PERFECT FOR: Fans of the film “We Are Marshall,” Marshall University alumni and supporters, sports history enthusiasts, collectors of classic rock and soul compilations, those interested in true stories of resilience and community, fans of 1960s-70s popular music, movie soundtrack collectors, or anyone inspired by stories of overcoming tragedy through unity and determination. This soundtrack serves both as musical companion to a powerful film and as standalone collection of timeless songs united by themes of hope and perseverance.
Price Range: $8.00 – $15.00
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