Jazz Pianist Robert Glasper Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant
In a song that also pays homage to MLK, Jr.
From the mind, and fingers, of two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper, “Be Courageous” is a song that celebrates Kobe Bryant’s 20-year career, both its struggles and its soaring high points. The above film explores the Robert Glasper Trio’s creative process and inspiration for the song.
Glasper’s choice of 4/4 and 6/8 time signatures, which define the track’s structure, goes deeper than jazz convention. The numbers align with a significant event in history: the assassination of a great leader on April 4, 1968 (4/4/68) in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Lorraine Motel. Additionally, Glasper draws inspiration from the city’s rich musical heritage — including pioneering labels like Stax Records, whose artists frequented the Lorraine Motel, which itself was a catalyst for community growth and support.
After checking out the full track below, head over to Nike Basketball’s SoundCloud where the brand is encouraging listeners to submit their favorite highlights from Bryant’s career in the comments section.
