Countless TV theme songs have become part of the contemporary music lexicon. From the brassy orchestral arrangements of the '60s ("Bewitched," "The Munsters") to the laid-back pop of the '70s ("Welcome Back, Kotter") to the synth-drum bombast of the '80s ("L.A. Law," "Miami Vice"), TV title tracks have reflected the tenor of the times. Oddly, however, only in rare instances have guitars been the central instrument in television theme songs. As the following tracks prove, however, when guitars are employed, their use often results in a classic.
Peter GunnDuring its brief reign (1958 to 1961), this detective show became nearly as well known for its sophisticated jazz scores as for its suave lead character. Written by
Henry Mancini, the theme song boasted a stair-stepping surf riff ready-made for guitar. Jimi Hendrix,
Aerosmith, and Roy Buchanan are among those who covered the song.
BonanzaThough often parodied, the theme song for this classic western series remains one of the most recognizable TV songs ever. Centered on a stuttering riff and memorable stops and turns, the track was evocative of galloping horses and can-can girls. Through the years, countless artists—including
Johnny Cash—have come up with their own versions the song.
That '70s Show ("In the Street")Among the program titles considered for this long-running teen series were "Teenage Wasteland" and "The Kids Are Alright." Ultimately, however, it wasn't The Who the creators looked to for a theme song, but rather cult popsters
Big Star. Performed by Cheap Trick, the Alex Chilton-penned "In the Street" sports a terrific riff based on a
Blind Willie McTell lick.
BatmanComposed by Neal Hafti, the "Batman Theme" features one of pop music's most memorable surf-guitar riffs. On an "Oprah" appearance, Prince once implied that the track was the very first song he taught himself to play on piano.
R.E.M., the
Flaming Lips, and the Kinks are just a few of the bands who've tried their hand at recorded variations of the tune.
Beverly Hillbillies ("The Ballad of Jed Clampett")Okay, so it was banjos rather than guitars that powered this bluegrass classic. Written by the show's producer, Paul Henning, the track was performed originally by
Flatt and Scruggs, and actually became a No. 1 country hit in 1962. Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck often includes the song in his live repertoire.
Party of Five ("Closer to Free")Roots rockers the
BoDeans put sonic muscle into "Closer to Free," the pop-rock tune that served as the theme for this teen drama. Packed with soaring vocal harmonies, the song was vastly superior to Shawn Colvin's "Climb On (A Back That's Strong), which served as the theme early in the series.
RawhideIn addition to launching the career of Clint Eastwood, this early '60s western series gave TV one of its most memorable title tracks. Composed by Ukrainian immigrant Dimitri Tiomkin, and sung by '50s pop singer Frankie Laine, the song sported a cloppity bounce that sounded like the aural equivalent of a cattle drive. Campy covers have abounded since, and parts of the song were featured in the films "The Blues Brothers" and "Shrek."
Have Gun Will TravelA lonely campfire vibe hovers at the center of this minimalist ballad, which was played on a fast-strummed acoustic. Fittingly, the song's author and performer,
Johnny Western, served an apprenticeship with
Gene Autry, and later became a member of the Johnny Cash road show. Vocally, in fact, Western often came off as a slightly higher-pitched version of Cash.
The Drew Carey Show ("Cleveland Rocks")Given that the show was set in Cleveland, it made perfect sense that Drew Carey would choose the
Ian Hunter classic "Cleveland Rocks" for the theme song. Powered by
Mick Ronson's searing guitar, the original track has become a popular anthem in the city that inspired it. For the show's theme, the Presidents of the United States of America got the nod to perform a cover.
(Theme from) The MonkeesPenned by bubble-gum pop greats Tommy Boyce and
Bobby Hart, this infectious track sported a sing-along vibe that was perfect for the slapstick style of the
Monkees' TV show. As was the case with many early Monkees songs, Micky Dolenz as the only actually band member to appear on the track. Notwithstanding the classic albums released during the "Summer of Love," the Monkees sold more albums in 1967 than either the Beatles or the Stones.
To hear many of the tracks listed above, click here.