One Dozen Favourite TV Themes
Composers have given us many great television themes that are enjoyable to listen to on their own or as a reminder of TV we have loved. I have made a list of 12 favourites, but that doesn't mean there aren't others in my heart.
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12 titles
- CreatorErle Stanley GardnerStarsRaymond BurrBarbara HaleWilliam HopperThe trials of a master criminal defense attorney handling the most difficult cases in support of the innocent.Fred Steiner's "Park Avenue Beat" grabs you and doesn't let go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paAIbMKb7eY - CreatorBlake EdwardsStarsCraig StevensHerschel BernardiLola AlbrightPeter Gunn is a private detective with a knack for finding trouble. His cases often mean he runs into the shadiest characters, most vicious thugs and the most powerful crime bosses. Cool and resourceful, he always gets the guilty party.Henry Mancini. 'Nuff said!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah9jQ6_8smQ&feature=fvst - StarsFrank McGrathTerry WilsonRobert HortonStories of the journeys of a wagon train as it leaves post-Civil War Missouri on its way to California through the plains, deserts, and Rocky Mountains.Jerome Moross' lovely, stirring theme used from the 3rd season on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkAk_JCe9XQ&feature=related - CreatorDavid DortortFred HamiltonStarsLorne GreeneMichael LandonDan BlockerThe Wild West adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their Nevada ranch while helping the surrounding community.The team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans gave us this joyous, iconic theme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjdRgBAY278 - CreatorCollier YoungStarsRaymond BurrDon GallowayDon MitchellWheelchair-using, crime-fighting detective Robert T. Ironside battles the bad guys on the streets of San Francisco.Quincy Jones and one of my favourite shows of the 60s/70s. A great combination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KXhmxpnvRM - CreatorBruce GellerRichard LevinsonWilliam LinkStarsMike ConnorsGail FisherWard WoodPrivate detective Joe Mannix uses force to solve crimes.Maybe you like one of Lalo Schifrin's other themes better, but I'm a "Mannix" gal from way back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhrSJNDhkDI - CreatorLeonard FreemanStarsJack LordJames MacArthurKam FongThe investigations of Hawaii Five-0, an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police answerable only to the governor and headed by stalwart Steve McGarrett.I defy anyone to keep still while listening to Morton Stevens evocative theme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQSPivbWwuY&feature=related - CreatorJames L. BrooksStarsLloyd HaynesDenise NicholasMichael ConstantineTeacher Pete Dixon tries to teach the students at Walt Whitman High to be tolerant. He's assisted by girlfriend and school counselor, Liz and student teacher (later teacher) Alice. The students love him.If your life had a theme song wouldn't you have wanted it to be composed by Jerry Goldsmith?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOYx_6h4MJs - CreatorRichard LevinsonWilliam LinkStarsJim HuttonDavid WayneTom ReeseThe son of a police detective solves baffling crimes.Elmer Bernstein being cheeky and cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8MLfQRJQ40 - CreatorSteven BochcoMichael KozollStarsDaniel J. TravantiMichael WarrenBruce WeitzThe lives and work of the staff of an inner city police precinct.It would be too easy to have posted a list of favourite Mike Post themes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a5u-X9XTCw - CreatorJoshua BrandJohn FalseyJohn MasiusStarsEd Begley Jr.Howie MandelDavid MorseThe lives and work of the staff of St. Eligius Hospital, an old and disrespected Boston teaching hospital.Dave Grusin's irresistible theme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krEfaG5FCys&feature=related - StarsStephen FryHugh LaurieRichard DixonBertram Wooster, a well-intentioned, wealthy layabout, has a habit of getting himself into trouble and it's up to his brilliant valet, Jeeves, to get him out.Anne Dudley perfectly captures the era and the whimsey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7ZrWOGIbIE&feature=fvsr