Blend American jazz, Brazilian samba and Chinese traditional sounds and what do you have? A song played at the Olympics in Beijing.

Keith Williams (left) and Phil Morrison
“Beijing Olympics Hao Yuing (Good Luck),” written by Baha'is Phil Morrison and Keith Williams, was one of 30 songs selected by Olympic organizers to communicate to visitors the spirit of the 2008 Games.

The lyrics also convey some of the principles of the Baha'i Faith:  “Just one human family,” “The earth will celebrate -- For World Unity,” “Promoting peace and friendship for all -- The world will come together -- we'll open up the gate.”

The jazzy song's first strains were penned by Mr. Morrison, bassist and composer, back when China was chosen to host the Olympics.

The country and its music are dear to Mr. Morrison and Mr. Williams, known professionally as the Phil Morrison Trio featuring Keith Williams, who have "gigged" there three times for several months at a stretch since 1999.

When the jazz veterans, who live in Brunswick, Ga., learned in March of a competition to select the Games' official songs, pianist/vocalist/arranger Mr. Williams added a section, the piece was re-recorded and away it went.

In April, the duo got a congratulatory phone call from Beijing. Their song had been chosen from approximately 3,000 entries and was, in fact, the only winner written by American-born artists.

Unlike most of the winning songs, which tend to be anthems, “Beijing Olympics Hao Yuing” has a "party celebration" flavor, Mr. Williams said. "The lyrics are very positive. The Olympics are China's gift to the world and the lyrics say, ‘Come join us in the human family.’"