The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. film Selma hit a limited number of theaters on Christmas Day to positive reviews. The soundtrack to the film features John Legend and Common's new song "Glory," which they performed today on Good Morning America to promote the movie as part of the GMA Winter Concert Series. Legend handled vocals and keys, supported by a string quartet, a timpani player, and three background singers. Common came in with some socially conscious verses referencing the unrest in Ferguson and the civil rights movement. Both men sported black suits as they delivered the gospel-tinged anthem, ringing in 2015 with a call for change.
"Glory" was nominated for Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards while Selma is nominated for Best Motion Picture among other categories. The ceremony takes place this Sunday (Jan. 11). The film is also expected to do well at the Academy Awards.
Selma tells the true story of the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965, which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took part in. These events ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The film stars David Oleyowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Common himself, among others with Ava DuVernay directing the project.
Although this song and film comes almost 50 year after the riots, the message is extremely relevant following the grand jury decisions on the Mike Brown and Eric Garner cases. Many musicians have spoken out about the injustices and have even penned songs to support the efforts of protestors.
Selma will comes to theaters across the country on Jan. 9.
Check out the powerful GMA performance below, and let us know what you think of it and the film in the comments section.
