Selma (2014) is an acclaimed historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay, chronicling the pivotal 1965 civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film’s music plays a powerful role in amplifying both emotion and historical context, blending original score elements with iconic songs from the era and a modern protest anthem that helped the movie resonate with contemporary audiences.
Selma Movie Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Selma |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Rating | PG‑13 (USA) |
| Runtime | 2h 7m |
| Director | Ava DuVernay |
| Composer | Jason Moran (score debut) |
| Music Style | Jazz‑influenced orchestral score, soul, R&B, blues, protest anthem |
| Label | Paramount Music |
| Soundtrack Release | Digital: December 23, 2014; Physical: January 13, 2015 |
Who Composed the Selma Soundtrack?
The score for Selma is credited to Jason Moran (score debut).
Who is Jason Moran?
Jason Moran is an American jazz pianist, bandleader and the artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center. He scored Ava DuVernay’s Selma and 13th, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and is a MacArthur Fellow.
Why Jason Moran’s score sounds the way it does
Moran scores from inside the music of the period rather than commenting on it from outside. His cues sound played rather than composed, which gives historical film an immediacy that orchestral pastiche cannot.
If this style appeals to you — jazz piano, improvisational, blues-rooted — the tracklist below rewards listening in order rather than on shuffle. Scores written this way are built to accumulate, and individual cues can feel slight on their own.
The soundtrack for Selma combines a subtle original score composed by jazz pianist Jason Moran in his first feature film scoring role with a selection of powerful songs from the 1960s and rare vocal performances that evoke the spirit of the civil rights movement.
Moran approached the score with restraint and sensitivity, using minimalistic orchestral textures that support the drama without overwhelming the emotional narrative. Only a few cues from Moran’s score are included on the official soundtrack album, while much of the music comes from existing recordings that reflect the period and themes of the film. (Wikipedia)
One standout piece is the original song “Glory”, performed by Common and John Legend, which became a modern protest anthem linked to both the historical events depicted in the film and contemporary civil rights struggles. It won multiple awards and brought renewed attention to the soundtrack.
Selma Official Soundtrack Tracklist
Below is the tracklist from the official soundtrack album Selma: Music from the Motion Picture (2015 release):
| Track Title | Artist | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Glory | Common & John Legend | 4:32 |
| Ole Man Trouble | Otis Redding | 2:37 |
| I’ve Got the New World in My View | Sister Gertrude Morgan | 4:32 |
| Keep on Pushing | The Impressions | 2:31 |
| One Morning Soon | Joyce Collins & Johnita Collins | 3:08 |
| Alabama Blues | J.B. Lenoir | 3:12 |
| Walk With Me | Martha Bass | 2:48 |
| House of the Rising Sun | Duane Eddy | 2:44 |
| Take My Hand, Precious Lord | Ledisi | 3:23 |
| Yesterday Was Hard on All of Us | Fink | 5:02 |
| Cager Lee | Jason Moran | 1:42 |
| Final Speech | Jason Moran | 3:46 |
| Bloody Sunday Parts 1‑3 | Jason Moran | 4:10 |
Key Song Spotlight: “Glory”
“Glory” by Common and John Legend is the film’s signature track and was released as a single on December 11, 2014 ahead of the soundtrack album.
- Genre: Hip hop / Soul
- Release Date: December 11, 2014
- Labels: ARTium, Def Jam, GOOD, Columbia Records
- Accolades:
- Academy Award for Best Original Song
- Golden Globe for Best Original Song
- Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media
The song references both the historical struggle of the civil rights movement and ongoing calls for justice, making it one of the most powerful musical moments associated with the film.
Where to Listen Selma Soundtrack?
The Selma soundtrack is available on major streaming platforms including Spotify (with the official Selma – Music from the Motion Picture playlist), Apple Music, and other digital services.
The Selma soundtrack stands out for its effective blend of historical recordings, powerful vocal performances, and a contemporary protest anthem that bridges past and present struggles for equality. The careful selection of songs and restrained score make the soundtrack both a tribute to the era and a compelling companion to the film’s emotional impact.
Where to Listen to the Selma Soundtrack
- Spotify — the album is embedded on this page.
- Apple Music — available in lossless.
- Official release: Paramount Music. That is the version to look for rather than a fan re-upload.
Selma Soundtrack — Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Selma soundtrack?
The Selma score was composed by Jason Moran (score debut). It is released by Paramount Music.
When was the Selma soundtrack released?
It was released on 2014.
What does the Selma soundtrack sound like?
The score is described as Jazz‑influenced orchestral score, soul, R&B, blues, protest anthem.
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Riya has spent six years writing about music. At OST Vibes she covers soundtracks for film, series and games — who scored what, what is actually on each official release, and where to listen to it. Her focus is English-language pop and screen music. Spot a mistake in a tracklist or a credit? Email [email protected] and it will be corrected.