Every Song In One Night In Miami

The One Night in Miami soundtrack prominently features the music of the late Sam Cooke, whose life experiences partially inspired the fictionalized storyline. There are indeed some recognizable needledrop tunes in the Amazon Prime film, but its beating musical heart revolves around Cooke classics, which are performed to near-perfection by cast member Leslie Odom, Jr., who audiences will recognize as Aaron Burr from Hamilton. One Night in Miami celebrates the music of a legend, but also provides some cultural context about his most enduring classic, “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

Directed by Regina King in her theatrical directorial debut and based on Kemp Powers’ eponymous play, One Night in Miami takes place on February 25, 1964. After boxer Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree) defeats Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champ, he meets up with civil rights activist Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), NFL star Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and the aforementioned Cooke. In a Miami hotel room, the Black icons discuss race, religion, and politics, with the fictionalized conversations providing insight about the state of America during the ’60s civil rights movement.

Just as there’s a distinct rhythm to the conversations in One Night in Miami, the musical stucture similarly has an ebb and flow quality. Early on, Cooke makes his debut at the Copacabana but doesn’t quite give the performance of his life. Amongst friends, though, he calms down and privately sings some of his most beloved classics. In a unique twist, the lyrical content of Cooke’s songs is criticized by Malcolm X, which at once develops the tension while leading to larger discussions about responsibility and legacy. Here’s a full listing of every featured song in One Night in Miami on Amazon Prime.

“Copacabana Theme” – HKP Band

“Tammy” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“I Believe to My Soul” – HKP Band

“Put Me Down Easy” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Sácala” – Tito Puente and His Orchestra featuring Vincentito Valdez

“Canta Bajo” – Mongo Santamara Orchestra featuring La Lupe

“You’re Always on My Mind” – Johnnie Morisette

“Greazee” – Billy Preston

“I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“You Send Me” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Windjammer” – Jimmy Wisner Orchestra

“Blowin’ in the Wind” – Bob Dylan

“Having a Party” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Jesus Wash Away My Troubles” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Chain Gang” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Lonely Teardrops” – Jeremy Pope

“A Change Is Gonna Come” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Good Times” – Leslie Odom Jr.

“Speak Now” – Leslie Odom Jr.

One Night in Miami’s opening act includes a performance of “Tammy” when Sam makes his Copacabana debut. Shortly after, the famous singer performs “Put Me Down Easy” for his wife Barbara, and the song is featured again when Sam re-works the lyrics in a Miami hotel room.

During the middle part of One Night in Miami on Amazon Prime, Sam sings both “I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)” and “You Send Me,” which sets up a conversation about Bob Dylan, the “white boy from Minnesota” who seemingly became the voice of his generation after writing “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

In One Night in Miami’s final act, “Lonely Teardrops” is performed by Jackie Wilson as Malcolm X recalls the first time he saw Sam perform. Later, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Sam sings “Good Times,” and then debuts “A Change Is Gonna Come,” a song that was partially inspired by his conversations with Malcolm X.

The One Night in Miami score was composed by Terence Blanchard, who received an Oscar nomination for his work in BlacKkKlansman.

About The Author

Q.V. Hough
(1892 Articles Published)

Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

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