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Soul Limbo: Cricket's Unsung Theme Tune Hero
31 Jul
Summary
- Soul Limbo, released in 1968, became synonymous with cricket coverage.
- Isaac Hayes played the cowbell on the track before his solo career.
- The song soundtracked BBC cricket for nearly three decades.
The soulful melody of "Soul Limbo," first released in 1968 by Booker T. & the M.G.'s, has long been associated with cricket in the United Kingdom. The track, whose title references a 1950s dance craze, was famously adopted by the BBC to soundtrack its Test Match cricket coverage from the early 1970s.
This enduring partnership lasted for nearly three decades, with "Soul Limbo" becoming an integral part of the broadcasting experience. Even after cricket coverage moved to radio on Test Match Special from 2000, the song continued its role. Its resurgence on BBC screens in 2020 highlighted its lasting impact on the nation's sporting consciousness.
An interesting detail about the recording is the presence of a cowbell, played by a then-emerging Isaac Hayes. He was one of many local musicians who contributed to sessions at Stax Records, showcasing the track's connections to legendary figures in music history.
