NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - When the NBA returns to NBC, a familiar tune will once again ring in the broadcast.
The anthem “Roundball Rock” will make a return to the airwaves. A former WSMV anchor is the man behind the tune, as well as a brand new album.
John Tesh recently came by the station to share all the news. After years away from the music scene, the Grammy-award-winning musician is back with a new record called “The Sports Album.”
“I hadn’t written any music, new music in like 17-18 years,” he said. “We were touring a lot, and I was doing big band stuff.”
This new album is different. It’s a tribute to the world of sports by giving listeners a high octane, adrenaline filled instrumental journey that captures the emotion of competition. He says he uses that same competition as his inspiration.
“I think in pictures,” he said.
A walk down memory lane with former WSM-TV anchor John Tesh
A walk down memory lane with former WSM-TV anchor John Tesh(WSMV- TV Nashville)
WSMV - template image
Here are instructions on how to watch WSMV4 live on various platforms.
And if the studio looks familiar, part of the album was recorded in Nashville at Ocean Way Nashville Studio. The musicians and place hold a special meaning to Tesh.
“The best players in the world I think are in Nashville, Tennessee. They are, they’re great. And not that there’s attitude any place else. But no attitude. Really great people,” he said. “I know the history of Ocean Way. It’s an old church. I’m comfortable being in a church. And it’s just, the orchestra parts sound incredible.”
One of Tesh’s most popular songs is also making a comeback. Roundball rock, the song attached to NBA games on NBC in the 90’s, will make it’s return this NBA season.
“I got a call a year ago from NBC saying, ‘Hey we might want get the coverage back from the NBA and would the theme be available, right?’” he said. “And I said ‘Yeah, we should talk.’”
Apparently the talks went well. And so has the new album introducing the next generation of sports fans to the music of John Tesh.
“Whatever you’re trying to do, whether you want to be inspired to live your best self or you want to get on a bicycle and train or you want to... get into beast mode, as we say, this record will do that for you, it’s designed for that,” he said.
All of this was going on in his life as Tesh was battling a rare form of prostate cancer. He said he is doing well now and looking forward to whatever the future holds.
Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.