Add another to the long list of Leon Bridges' accolades in his breakout year: Friday, the Fort Worth soul singer released "So Long," a song penned for the major motion picture Concussion, starring Will Smith. The movie comes out Christmas Day.
Concussion is based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the forensic neurologist who discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a now infamous brain condition common among American pro football players.
True to Bridges' style, "So Long" is a beautiful and haunting tune that transports listeners to a different era. It's awash with sorrow, bringing the best of blues and gospel music under one umbrella. The song features musicians Joshua Block and Austin Jenkins of White Denim alongside Chris Vivion of Niles City Sound studio in Fort Worth. It plays during Concussion's credits, according to Variety.
"I'm so glad to have Leon's music in the movie," said Peter Landesman, the film's writer and director. "His songs are a shot straight from the heart, full of feeling and emotion, power and heartbreak. And it's a perfect match for the movie, because I could describe Dr. Bennet Omalu in the same way -- in the movie, he's a spiritual person, standing up for his own against a world of powerful forces, using only his smarts, his courage, and the knowledge that he's right."
Former man in black Smith plays Dr. Omalu, and according to a Facebook post Friday he was stoked to work with Bridges.
"So Long" is now available for purchase on iTunes. And don't forget to catch Bridges on the American Music Awards on Nov. 22, Saturday Night Live with Ryan Gosling Dec. 5, and honoring Willie Nelson when the Gershwin Prize ceremony airs Jan. 15. Did I miss anything?
