David Barrett

  • Songwriter, Composer, Producer, Performer, and Publisher
  • Composer & Producer of the Iconic Song 'One Shining Moment'
  • Composed Themes for the PGA, the Olympics, & the U.S. Open
  • Emmy Award-Winning Composer for Multiple PBS Documentaries

Award-winning composer and producer David Barrett is renowned for writing one of the most memorable motivational songs in the American songbook. His “One Shining Moment” – written in one sitting and inspired by the legendary Larry Bird – has been the soundtrack to greatness for 35 years of network broadcast and is beloved by many millions of listeners. The iconic anthem has been sung by Grammy winners Jennifer Hudson, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Ne-Yo, and Barrett’s own original vocal performance. Because of his song "One Shining Moment," Barrett is as comfortable with coaches as he is with award-winning songwriters, as at home with educators as he is with poets. His “One Shining Moment” has led to incredible connections with audiences from all industries and backgrounds, and whether the conversation turns to storytelling, sports, innovation, or life, Barrett shares unparalleled insights about inspiration and achievement.

Barrett has received numerous awards for his work: a silver medal at the New York Film Festival for the short film Don’t Cross That Line, as well as two Emmy Awards for scoring PBS documentaries about on the lives of legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and author C.S. Lewis. He has composed themes for the Professional Golf Association, the Olympics, and the U.S. Open, and toured at length as a performer with the legendary Art Garfunkel. Barrett’s music and his compelling storytelling inspire audiences of all kinds to believe that anything can happen.

 

David Barrett headshot
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Past Hosts Include:
  • NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches)
  • NCAA/CBS Coaches Talk - Final Four
  • MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis, MN
  • PrimeSport - Final Four Presentation
  • Michigan State University Athletics Department
  • Albion College Master Class
  • Rotary Club of Ann Arbor
  • PrimeSport
  • fieldXperience
Rave Reviews About David Barrett
Having spent 30 years creating extraordinary fan experiences at high profile events like Super Bowl, Olympics and where we met -NCAA Men's Final Four, my goal was always to bring child-like wonder and awe in the corporate executive. One of the best examples of this was in Houston, TX during the Official NCAA Fan Experience before the games. We had a grand piano set up where you were to play "One Shining Moment" and a large group of people came in wearing t-shirts with the song name. Watching them watch you perform, I realized we had a slam-dunk as your performance brought out the child in each of these adults. Following, you graciously did a meet and greet with each of them. As they left the event, several of them said they didn't even have to go to the game, their dream came true. Thank you for making my team shine.

Masterclass clip - Lincoln & Ideas [3:56] - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with David Barrett
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The Improbable Story of One Shining Moment

Over the last 36 years, many millions of viewers have watched the fabled video montage that ends the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. It features the song "One Shining Moment" with all the emotion and drama that has made March Madness an unofficial holiday in America. The composer and original pe ...

Over the last 36 years, many millions of viewers have watched the fabled video montage that ends the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. It features the song "One Shining Moment" with all the emotion and drama that has made March Madness an unofficial holiday in America. The composer and original performer, DAVID BARRETT, explains the improbable backstory how many charmed coincidences led to the song’s unlikely journey to CBS Sports and then out to the world. Mr. Barrett has gone on to write many award-winning songs, scores and instrumental themes for various networks, and in doing so has developed a unique talent for conveying a lasting emotional message to listeners. He is dedicated to helping you find your own message as well.

Music, Athletics, & Academics

As an Emmy Award-winning composer and songwriter, a college athletic Hall of Fame member, and Phi Beta Kappa student of philosophy, Mr. DAVID BARRETT has a unique window into how these areas relate to each other. His song "One Shining Moment" is a testimony to all three. Oddly enough, the title and ...

As an Emmy Award-winning composer and songwriter, a college athletic Hall of Fame member, and Phi Beta Kappa student of philosophy, Mr. DAVID BARRETT has a unique window into how these areas relate to each other. His song "One Shining Moment" is a testimony to all three. Oddly enough, the title and idea for this song originated from his study of linguistics. Mr. Barrett walks you through his experiences and helps you explore how these different intelligences working together can raise the bar for any student, musician, or athlete.

"One Shining Moment" as a Metaphor for… Life

Each day, DAVID BARRETT's Google account sends him the various uses of the title "One Shining Moment." It began with the obvious sports uses, but quickly evolved to include inspiration, heartbreak, and all manners of success. It would seem that our culture has taken the phrase "One Shining Moment" t ...

Each day, DAVID BARRETT's Google account sends him the various uses of the title "One Shining Moment." It began with the obvious sports uses, but quickly evolved to include inspiration, heartbreak, and all manners of success. It would seem that our culture has taken the phrase "One Shining Moment" to heart. It has come to mean for many the joy of dreaming, committing to your dream, gaining confidence, getting up after you fall, and performing at your best during the most critical times. Failure is not the enemy…not trying your best is. It took years to understand this simple truth, and in discussing this song, David Barrett not only shares his failures, but also shows how they have led to his most meaningful successes.

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Books by David Barrett
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Biography

His song "One Shining Moment" has been sung by Grammy Award winners Jennifer Hudson, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Ne Yo, as well as David’s original vocal performance. After 35 years of network broadcast, the composition has become iconic in the American songbook. The story of its creation is utterly unique and inspiring, not only musically, but what it has come to represent.

David has composed for the Olympic games. He has written Emmy Award-winning scores for PBS documentaries. His television themes have been broadcast nationally on CBS, ABC, PBS, and the CBC. David also toured at length as a performer with the legendary Art Garfunkel in addition many others.

As an in-demand producer of records as well as commercials for Hallmark, Disney, and McDonalds, he has touched many musical bases along the way. Mr. Barrett uses his years of experience to inform, relate, and motivate. He mixes practical insights born out of his own life about the muse of inspiration. His unlikely story of "One Shining Moment" serves as a reminder that anything can happen regardless of where you begin. It is where you end up that matters…

As he wrote:
In One Shining Moment, you reached for the sky
In One Shining Moment, you knew
In One Shining Moment, you were willing to try
In One Shining Moment…