Music: “The 500″ by the Singing Hoosiers and Jazz Ensemble of Indiana University
January 14th, 2007 | Category: Music | 11 Comments | 
The Five Hundred! The Five Hundred!… this is the song that many of us today recognize from the start of the annual WIBC broadcast of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500. The music and words were Written by Joe Jordan, the song was performed by the Singing Hoosiers and Jazz Ensemble of Indiana University, and the recording was made in 1961. Side 2 includes a performance of “Back Home Again in Indiana”.
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Cover, front and back (click to enlarge)
Inside Cover, left and right (click to enlarge)
Record, sides 1 and 2 (click to enlarge)
Outside Package, front and back (click to enlarge)
Lyrics for The “500″
The Five Hundred, The Five Hundred,
The greatest race in the world.
From the opening bomb ’til the race is done,
It’s thrill, after thrill, after thrill.
The Five Hundred, The Five Hundred,
The biggest and best of them all,
And until that checkered flag’s unfurled,
It’s the greatest race in the world!
The night before, the crowds galore,
From the coast of Maine to Pacific shore.
From all around the world they throng,
Two hundred and fifty thousand strong.
The air is just like a carnival,
From the big parade,
To the Five Hundred Ball.
All night long there are congregates,
A milling throng outside the gates,
Awaiting, The Five Hundred.
Hearts are pounding, spirits soar,
They’re waiting for the thund’ring roar,
Announcing The Five Hundred.
Thirty-three of the fastest and finest,
Ready to give their all.
Thirty-three of the bravest and boldest,
Waiting to hear the call.
“Gentlemen: Start your engines!”
Into the first turn the pacers lead,
Into the Southeast pickin’ up speed,
Down the backstretch hear them roar,
Into the Northeast layin’ on more.
Cross the short stretch flyin’ low,
Out of the Northwest ready to go.
Down to the bricks the chargers scoot,
And here come the thunderers down the chute!
The Five Hundred, The Five Hundred,
The greatest race in the world.
From the opening bomb ’til the race is done,
It’s thrill, after thrill, after thrill.
The Five Hundred, The Five Hundred,
The biggest and best of them all,
And until that checkered flag’s unfurled,
It’s the greatest race in the world!
- Related Posts:
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- Memorabilia: 1980 Hoosier Hundred Ticket
- Notebook: Dean Lange’s Most Excellent Unofficial Indy 500 Pace Car
- Notebook: Dave Miltenberger’s Customized Art in Motion Car
- Memorabilia: 1953 Hoosier Hundred Program
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Comments
There are 11 comments for “Music: “The 500″ by the Singing Hoosiers and Jazz Ensemble of Indiana University”. You may add a comment or trackback from your own site.
#1 - Bryan Murphy (May 24th, 2007 at 4:54 pm)
Wow, what memorise this recording brings back!
The only thing that would make it more complete would be a sound clip of Sid Collins saying “Stay tuned for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing” followed by the Stark & Wetzel whistle!
#2 - Chris "SS1" Estrada (May 24th, 2007 at 5:26 pm)
ABC/ESPN should try to make an updated version of this song and use it for the Indy telecasts.
#3 - Bash (May 4th, 2008 at 7:10 pm)
A modern instrumental version of The 500 is used to open and close all IMS Radio Network broadcasts during the month of May. My guess is it will remain there, since the song has always been associated with the radio network.
#4 - John (November 30th, 2008 at 10:59 pm)
Anyone know if this can be downloaded as an mp3 file. I would love to have it on my ipod and would pay for the download. Thanks.
#5 - Ernest Miller (March 7th, 2009 at 10:55 pm)
Bravo! Bravo!
#6 - bargain city kid (April 12th, 2009 at 3:28 pm)
Just found this sight while trying to relive my favorite childhood memories. One million thank’s! The song brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. Bless you. This confirms my belief that if look hard enough, you can find anything on line. If I could, I’d buy you a Blatz.
#7 - drew (May 21st, 2009 at 11:35 pm)
There was nothing like hearing the closing chorus “greatest race…in the world” and then the booming voice “RADIO INDIANA….W-I-B-C INDIANAPOLIS”. This still gives me goose bumps!
#8 - missie jordan (January 30th, 2011 at 12:01 am)
This is so exciting!!! Joe Jordan was my father 
my brother just found this site and emailed our family of eight. I have the actual records if anyone is interested. It blesses me to see his music being remembered.
#9 - Guido (December 9th, 2011 at 1:37 am)
I happened across a couple of these records still sealed in the original mailing envelopes. Anyone interested in maybe purchasing one? Anyone on here actually seen one of these for sale?
#10 - Phil (December 24th, 2011 at 9:49 am)
Brings back memories! Having grown up in Speedway, the 500 holds a special place in my heart. I didn’t see this in an eBay search, but would like to acquire one.
#11 - Phil Berg (December 26th, 2011 at 7:47 pm)
I just doesnt make any difference, I am listening to the ‘500′ song on Dec. 26th and I am ready for the race right now!!! As Paul Page said on one of my DVD’s, “raceday at Indianapolis has no equal”.
