Hurricane Harmonies

Step into the ring with “Hurricane Harmonies - The Top Ten Tunes That Tempered the Tussles of Harlem Hurricane,” where legendary GWA commentator Buck "Sagebrush" Thompson explores the epic soundtrack of a wrestling icon. Featuring vibrant, comic-style illustrations by several leading comic book artists contracted by the Grapple Gazette, this article delivers a knockout blend of music and wrestling lore. Each artist brings their unique flair, transforming the piece into a visual spectacle that captures the spirit of the '70s—from Sly and the Family Stone’s empowering anthems to Curtis Mayfield’s smooth grooves. Buck’s Texan twang and vivid storytelling bring each song to life, making this feature a must-read for fans ready to relive the thrilling spectacle of Harlem Hurricane’s greatest matches.

Listen along to the Hurricane Harmonies playlist.

The Top Ten Tunes That Tempered the Tussles of Harlem Hurricane

by Buck "Sagebrush" Thompson

Well, howdy folks, and buckle up as we take a rollicking ride down memory lane with Harlem Hurricane, a wrestler who didn't just throw punches but threw whole dagburn eras into his ring. Now, I'm Buck "Sagebrush" Thompson, and I've had the pleasure—and let me tell ya, it has been a real pleasure—of calling many a match where this towering tempest took to the canvas. And what sets him apart, you ask? Isn't just his quicksilver moves or his grip as tight as a bull's hide in a Texas summer—it's the music, y'all. That's right, the music.

Today, we're fixin' to dive into the top 10 entrance songs that defined not just his matches but the very man himself, Harlem Hurricane. So, grab your hats and hold on to 'em, 'cause we're about to crank the jukebox of the past and let the melodies of the mighty Hurricane spin us through the night. These ain't just lil ditties, my friends—they're the anthems of a warrior, the ballads of battles royale, each one hollerin' the saga of sweat, cheers, and the sweet symphony of smackdowns.

Y’all ready? Let’s mosey on through the melodies that marched Harlem Hurricane down that aisle and straight into the annals of GWA wrestling lore. Buckle up, 'cause here comes the symphony of slams, brought to you by the man who made music a mighty part of the mat. Here's the top 10 entrance tunes that had us toe-tappin’ and chair-swingin’ in the stands:

1. "Stand!" by Sly and the Family Stone

"Stand!" was the Hurricane's battle cry. Whenever those first chords struck, you knew you were fixin’ to witness a hurricane unleash a storm of justice in the ring. It was his soul's anthem, remindin' everyone to stand tall, no matter the odds stackin’ up against 'em.

2. "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers

Back on that steamy night of August '72, "It's Your Thing" echoed through the arena like a promise. Harlem Hurricane took it to heart, swaying to the rhythm as he swooped that Intercontinental Title right from under Gentleman Jim. It was a gigantic victory, and it was Harlem declaring his ring, his rules.

3. "The Boss" by James Brown and The J.B.'s

After snaggin’ the Intercontinental belt, this tune became Harlem’s swaggering soundtrack. Each beat of "The Boss" was a foot stomp of defiance against the GWA bigwigs, a reminder that no one keeps a good man down or tells him where he can’t go.

4. "Keep On Truckin'" by Eddie Kendricks

Teaming up with Gridiron Gregory Harris, the World Renowned Squabble Squad turned this funky number into their rallying call. “Keep On Truckin’” wasn’t just about movin’ forward; it was about pushing through any dang thing that life—or rival tag teams—threw their way.

5. "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder

The night of April '74, when Harlem climbed to the very top of the GWA by clinching the World Heavyweight Championship, "Higher Ground" reverberated around the coliseum, a symbol of his unyielding drive to rise, to improve, to conquer.

6. "Every 1's a Winner" by Hot Chocolate

This year (1978), Harlem had the crowd and the world in his palm, and this track was the cherry on top during his Showdown Spectacle title defense. Each note was a chocolatey smooth assurance—Harlem was in the ring, and victory was sweet.

7. "Superfly" by Curtis Mayfield

Smooth as silk and twice as sharp, "Superfly" was Harlem's cool strutter, his entrance as sleek as the velvet robes he wore. It was the musical mirror to his charisma—every eye glued on him as he glided under those bright lights.

8. "Machine Gun" by Commodores

Nothing said Squabble Squad like "Machine Gun"—rapid-fire, relentless, a barrage of beats that matched the duo's dynamic energy. They were a force, a flurry, a fusillade of fists and feet, and this tune was their war drum.

9. "Family Affair" by Sly & the Family Stone

When Harlem teamed up with his sister, Lisa "Action" Jackson, "Family Affair" turned their mixed tag bouts into reunions. It reminded us all—wrestling’s in the blood, and when family ties tighten, the competition better watch out.

10. "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band

This wasn't just Harlem’s theme; it was his creed. “Express Yourself” blared out as a declaration to all—be true, be you, and let no one dim your light. Each match was his canvas, each victory a stroke of his soul’s brush.

And there you have it, folks—the symphonic saga of Harlem Hurricane, a man who turned the wrestling ring into a dance floor and battles into ballads. Each song a step, each lyric a legacy. Y'all remember this—the Hurricane didn’t just fight; he made art, and we were darn lucky to witness it. These tracks weren't just background noise; they were the heartbeat of every bout, pulsing through the arena, urging us all to our feet, and stirring the souls of the young and old alike.

But let's not forget, these tunes tell the tale of a man who was more than just a wrestler; he was a pioneer, a poet in the ring. A man who used the spotlight not just to showcase his skills but to illuminate the truths we sometimes forget—stand up for what you believe in, keep truckin' through adversity, express yourself, and heck, make it a family affair.

So next time you hear one of these tracks, think of the Harlem Hurricane. Remember the rush, the cheers, the thrills, and the chills. Remember how every time he entered the ring it was a moment, every match into a memory, and every victory into a victory for us all. And just maybe, in that remembering, we'll find ourselves a little inspired to find our own theme song, our own arena, and our own battles to win.

Thank y'all for walking down this memory lane with me. Buck "Sagebrush" Thompson, signing off, and reminding you to keep the spirit of the Hurricane alive—both in and out of the ring. Keep standing, keep striving, and above all, keep on rockin'. The ring might be squared, but our world is as round and as wide as the records that spin us through life. Yeehaw and goodnight, folks!