The 70s brought us classic TV theme songs that capture the essence of the show and even helped bring them fame and success outside the television world by becoming actual radio singles! Below we take a stroll down memory lane to classic TV theme songs that are still remembered.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975-1979)
- 2 2. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1977)
- 3 3. “Happy Days” (1974-1984)
- 4 4. “The Brady Bunch” (1969-1974)
- 5 5. “MASH” (1972-1983)
- 6 6. “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985)
- 7 7. “All in the Family” (1971-1979)
- 8 8. “Laverne & Shirley” (1976-1983)
- 9 9. “The Rockford Files” (1974-1980)
- 10 10. “Baretta” (1975-1978)
- 11 11. “Taxi” (1978-1983)
- 12 12. “Three’s Company” (1977-1984)
- 13 13. “Good Times” (1974-1979)
- 14 14. “Maude” (1972-1978)
- 15 15. “Sanford and Son” (1972-1977)
- 16 16. “Chico and the Man” (1974-1978)
- 17 17. “The Odd Couple” (1970-1975)
- 18 18. “What’s Happening!!” (1976-1979)
1. “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975-1979)
The theme song for *Welcome Back, Kotter* was performed by John Sebastian who wrote the song which went on to become a number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and can be remembered today. While the theme song became a hit single, the show’s theme was about nostalgia and the return home so the lyrics, coupled with that unforgettable guitar riff and catchy chorus made the show and the theme song a huge success.
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2. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1977)
With the words of Sonny Curtis, *Love is All Around* quickly became known as the new anthem of independence and optimism for women. This song perfectly matched the new changes in the socio-political climate of the 70’s. The scene of the hat being tossed in the air along with the upbeat chorus has become a timeless classic in TV history.
3. “Happy Days” (1974-1984)
The show *Happy Days* was known for its nostalgic view of the 50’s and the theme song by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox definitely portrayed that feeling. We can all remember the lyrics to the chorus which goes, “Sunday, Monday, Happy Days.” The show also incorporated *Rock Around the Clock* in the early episodes.
4. “The Brady Bunch” (1969-1974)
The explanation in the theme song about the story of a lovely lady, and a man named Brady, has got to be the most overly detailed song ever written. The opening credits in a grid-like pattern and touching on the most basic premise of the show, Frank De Vol and Sherwood Schwartz, made a classic moment of television.
5. “MASH” (1972-1983)
The MASH movie got the song “Suicide Is Painless” written by Johnny Mandel and Mike Altman. The TV series version is an instrumental of the song that is hauntingly beautiful. The blend of comedy and drama during wartime becomes captured perfectly in the instrumental, which is melancholy, and the song is paired with a sequence of helicopters.
6. “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985)
Ja’net DuBois performed “Movin’ On Up”. More than a theme song, the track is gospely and has a compelling sing along chorus, and embodies the prosperity and achievement of the show. The lyrics were triumphant and the tempo was high and it would be impossible not to sing along.
7. “All in the Family” (1971-1979)
Stapleton and O’Connor, and, more specifically, Jean and Carroll, performed “Those Were The Days” and made it a show of nostalgia. The authenticy of the working-class themes on the show came from the voice of the performer who had no musical training. TV history would say that Stapleton’s final high pitch note was legendary.
8. “Laverne & Shirley” (1976-1983)
The show spirit of determination and friendship, along with the catchy theme song “Making Our Dreams Come True” by Cyndi Grecco, the opening chant of “schlemiel, schlimazel” along with it, gave a great introduction to the optimism of the working-class people. It became sufficiently popular that the theme song was sold as a single.
9. “The Rockford Files” (1974-1980)
The Grammy Winning Instrumental composition which created the theme for the show Mike Post, provided an ideal interpretation of the mixture of the action and the laid-back charm of the show. The driving rhythm and the distinctive riff of the song set the standard for the themes of action shows. The song even hit the number 10 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
10. “Baretta” (1975-1978)
The show was also highlighted by the theme song sung by Sammy Davis Jr., \”Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow.\” The show had a lot of grit and a lot of dirty blues and street-wise lyrics, which went with the show perfectly. The 70’s cop show soundtracks consisted of a lot of blues and funk which the show captured perfectly.
11. “Taxi” (1978-1983)
Bob James was able to introduce jazz fusion into prime time television with his composition Angela. The late night New York City vibe was captured perfectly by the instrumental theme’s sad piano and gentle groove. This theme was very beloved and one of the most sophisticated of its time and was often played on jazz radio stations.
12. “Three’s Company” (1977-1984)
With a bouncy rhythm and playful lyrics, Come and Knock on Our Door, was an ear worm. The light-hearted theme written by Joe Raposo and Don Nicholl, blended perfectly with the atmosphere of the show, and the catchy chorus of the show and the famous knock three times on the door intro has continued to bring joy for decades.
13. “Good Times” (1974-1979)
This anthem was created with funk by Jim Gilstrap and Blinky Williams and represented both struggle and optimism. The contrast of the lyrics about “temporary layoffs” and “easy credit ripoffs” which were upbeat with the melody illustrated well the duality of the show. The phrase \”Good times!\” became a cultural reference.
14. “Maude” (1972-1978)
“And Then There’s Maude,” performed by Donny Hathaway, celebrated female independence with its bold, brassy arrangement. Its theme has the catchy lyric “Lady Godiva was a freedom rider,” which set the tone for the show’s progressive attitude. The confident swinging melody perfectly matched Bea Arthur’s strong presence.
15. “Sanford and Son” (1972-1977)
One of the most recognizable TV themes ever is Quincy Jones’ “The Streetbeater.” The funky bass line and signature harmonica riff turned every single one of their episodes into an instant party. This theme was pivotal in solidifying the association of funk music with African American sitcoms of that era.
16. “Chico and the Man” (1974-1978)
Jose Feliciano’s theme song gave American television its first Spanish language lyrics. The catchy “Chico and the Man” chorus alternated between Spanish and English, making it a perfect fit for the cultural bridging premise of the show. Feliciano’s signature voice, paired with upbeat guitar playing, made the song unforgettable.
17. “The Odd Couple” (1970-1975)
Neal Hefti’s jazzy theme song perfectly captures the show’s mix of sophistication and slapstick. The distinct arrangement is as memorable as the show’s odd couple. The theme song is versatile and can underscore comedic or touching moments.
18. “What’s Happening!!” (1976-1979)
The funky theme song by composer Henry Mancini is the perfect representation of youthful energy of urban life in the 1970s. The catchy “hey, hey, hey” hook became an across the nation playground phrase, along with the show’s distinct bass line and trumpet section.
