Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart Makes Music Inspired by Sport Legends in ‘Rhythm Masters’

Grateful Dead‘s Mickey Hart merges music and sports in the new teaser for the upcoming film Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience.

In the ESPN film, Hart crafts an original score inspired by the voices of sports legends like Joe Montana, Marshawn Lynch, Laila Ali, and Phil Jackson. The film also features former race driver Mario Andretti, former Boston Celtics point guard Bob Cousy, rock climber Alex Honnold, and Olympic track athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee, among others.

Through the film, Hart will take viewers on a “sonic journey as he creates an original score inspired by conversations with legendary and iconic voices from the world of sports,” according to the film’s synopsis. “His breath-taking score combined with insight from athletes helps show the depths of the universal rhythm found in music, sports, and life.”

“Rhythm masters are elites at any craft,” the Grateful Dead drummer said in the teaser. “He who knows the rhythm knows the world.”

“Rhythm is the heartbeat of life, and it’s everywhere — in the music we create and the sports we love. When I set out to make Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience, my goal was to explore this universal pulse and celebrate how music and sports are deeply intertwined,” the rocker shared in a statement. “Through the voices and stories of some of the greatest athletes, we uncover the profound connection that rhythm brings to their performance and passion. This film is a journey into that shared human experience, a testament to the power of rhythm in uniting us all. We dedicate this film to Bill Walton, whose own rhythmic journey in sports and life has been a true inspiration.” 

Last week, the Grateful Dead were among the recipients of the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors. Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, jazz artist Arturo Sandoval, and Harlem venue Apollo Theater will also be honored at the December ceremony. Hart, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann said the honor reflected “the highest of reaches for artistic achievement,” in a shared statement. “To be recognized alongside the artists who have in the past received this honor is beyond humbling.”