Watch: Music Video For "Glory" From 'Selma' Plus Soundtrack Details & More

In advance of last week’s wide release of “Selma,” which chronicles the freedom marches led by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965, Paramount Pictures released the film’s soundtrack January 6th. The album includes songs performed by The Impressions, Otis Redding, Martha Bass, and Fink. It also features three compositions by Jason Moran, who scored the film. And, last but certainly not least, the lead-in track on the album is the film’s breakout song, “Glory,” a collaboration between Common and John Legend.

In addition to contributing “Glory"—you can check out the the music video below—Common plays civil rights activist James Bevel. Curious as to how John Legend became involved? Common explains that here (hint, he suggested Legend’s inclusion).

Of course, not every song considered for the film made it onto the soundtrack, or even into the film itself, for that matter. The music supervisor, Morgan Rhodes, listened to thousands of songs while trying to choose the best sound...