Did you know Dallas has a hit song? It was written and performed by The Isley Brothers in the late Fifties. Covered by Joey Dee and The Starlighters in the early Sixties. Adoringly reprised in the movie Animal House in the late Seventies.
Yes, it’s “Shout,” the Dallas Mavericks’ musical anthem.
Mike Garner, who runs the Reunion Arena Scoreboard and sound system, plays “Shout” only in the fourth quarter and only in those tense moments when the game is on the line. Gamer takes his cue from the opposing coach, trying to gauge when momentum has shifted to the Mavs and frustration has infected the opposing bench. As soon as time is called, Garner brings the capacity crowd to its feet with the familiar refrain: “You know you make me want to shout. . .” The point is to shake, rattle, and intimidate the enemy.
Garner says knowing when to hit the “Shout” button can be tough with a no-fuss, stone-faced coach like the Lakers’ Pat Riley. With coaches like Denver’s volatile and voluble Doug Moe, it’s easy.
Reunion Arena rocks to the final ninety seconds of the cut from the Animal House soundtrack, performed by Otis Day and the Knights. “Shout” is the ultimate interaction song-with feedback from the fans (“hey, hey, hey, hey!”) and a Simon-says simplicity (“Jump up and shout now.. .”). The tune made its debut on the Mavs’ playlist late in the 1982-83 season. That season, Mark Aguirre and Ro Blackman had matured into all-stars and Mavs fans had something to shout about.
For the record, if you will, other songs have become staples during Mavs games: “Neutron Dance” by The Pointer Sisters; “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones; “It’s a Celebration” by Kool & The Gang; and “We Will Rock You” by Queen, which Garner segues into after “Shout.”
Says Greg Jamison, the Mavericks’ marketing whiz: “We work very hard to keep the presentation fresh and alive. We have a design and purpose for every song that covers every game situation. It’s a collaborative effort.”
And it’s guaranteed to make you want to shout.
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