Thanks for the caveat, Frank. I was about ready to argue that the entire "Rockford Files" music and visual montage together rivaled Sanford and Son's theme, then you hit me with Ella Fitzgerald. Glad I didn't pop off and make a fool out of myself. And, by the way, you've got me going down a Pat Metheny rabbit hole now, too! Thanks again--this is all good stuff!
I was just about to say this exact thing--Ella does push S&S over the top! There were a lot of great theme songs in that era, but yeah, this one and "Rockford Files" would be at the top. Down the list, but still fabulous--"The Bob Newhart Show," "Barney Miller," and don't forget "Hawaii Five-O." (Extended version of Barney--really good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmiC0C6Dkgo)
I just happened to be watching an old episode of Scrubs from season 1 last night and JD & Turk did a hilarious version of the Sanford & Son theme. Classic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BkVuqP-5Z4
IMHO, the ‘70s and ‘80s were the golden age of television thanks to the incredible theme songs that defined it. My grandfather loved Sanford & Son along with *M*A*S*H* so naturally they are some of my faves.
As you may know the movie's Director Robert Altman's 15 year old son wrote the lyrics to that tune by Johnny Mandel. He ended up making $1 million more than Altman for the film.
Thanks for the caveat, Frank. I was about ready to argue that the entire "Rockford Files" music and visual montage together rivaled Sanford and Son's theme, then you hit me with Ella Fitzgerald. Glad I didn't pop off and make a fool out of myself. And, by the way, you've got me going down a Pat Metheny rabbit hole now, too! Thanks again--this is all good stuff!
I was just about to say this exact thing--Ella does push S&S over the top! There were a lot of great theme songs in that era, but yeah, this one and "Rockford Files" would be at the top. Down the list, but still fabulous--"The Bob Newhart Show," "Barney Miller," and don't forget "Hawaii Five-O." (Extended version of Barney--really good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmiC0C6Dkgo)
Rockford Files is my #2. If I continue this as a series I will write about it next.
I just happened to be watching an old episode of Scrubs from season 1 last night and JD & Turk did a hilarious version of the Sanford & Son theme. Classic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BkVuqP-5Z4
great scene. It was regarded as a "black show," which I never understood until long after it was off the air. I was a child when it was running.
IMHO, the ‘70s and ‘80s were the golden age of television thanks to the incredible theme songs that defined it. My grandfather loved Sanford & Son along with *M*A*S*H* so naturally they are some of my faves.
100% correct.
I have always wondered what was going on in that song. It doesn't sound like anything else.
You are correct. ‘Suicide is Painless’ makes a good case for second place.
As you may know the movie's Director Robert Altman's 15 year old son wrote the lyrics to that tune by Johnny Mandel. He ended up making $1 million more than Altman for the film.
Yeah, it’s one of those hard to believe stories.