Watch: Michael Jordan all smiles as saxophonist plays iconic Bulls theme for him at a restaurant
During Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan's recent travels, a saxophonist honored him with a rendition of the Bulls' iconic pregame player introduction music. The six-time NBA champion appeared pleasantly surprised, as he was all smiles during the performance.
Jordan and his companions, including his wife, Yvette Prieto, dined at Saint-Tropez, France's Bagatelle restaurant earlier this month. During their meal, a saxophonist, who goes by "DIMASAX" on Instagram, approached their table to perform The Alan Parsons Project's 1982 instrumental hit song "Sirius."
Beginning in 1984, the song was used during Chicago's player introductions during its home contests at Chicago Stadium and later the United Center. That includes the Jordan-led Bulls' six championship runs from 1991 to 1998.
The performance appeared to evoke fond memories from Jordan. He could be seen smiling and nodding his head to the music as his companions clapped along. Afterward, he dapped up the musician.
"Sirius," which also featured in the 2020 Jordan docuseries "The Last Dance," has become synonymous with Jordan and the Bulls' 1990s dominance. Given his reaction, the tune seemingly still gets the uber-competitive legend going despite him being 21 years into retirement.
However, Jordan's warm reaction likely also stemmed from his familiarity with the saxophonist, as he previously performed for him last year.
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Michael Jordan reportedly "loved" Bulls' intro song upon its 1984 debut
Former Chicago announcer Tommy Edwards was responsible for selecting "Sirius" as the Bulls' pregame introduction song, reportedly earning Michael Jordan's approval.
According to Edwards, who also worked as a radio DJ, he heard the song in a movie theater in 1984 and decided it could aptly represent Chicago.
"I told my wife, 'I know this song. It’s 'Sirius' by The Alan Parsons Project,'" Edwards told NBC Sports Chicago in 2019. "The more I listened to it, I’m thinking, 'Wait a minute, this could be the Bulls' song.'"
Per Edwards, the decision quickly paid off, becoming an instant hit with the Bulls, including Jordan. Thus, the franchise permanently adopted the song as part of its player introductions.
"And because it has so many great parts to its intro—a new guitar part or crescendo—it worked great," Edwards said. "The Bulls loved it immediately. Michael loved it. That’s been the opening lineup music ever since."
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