There is a tendency to not think of theme music as a “real” song. Though they are some of the most intrinsic and enduring pieces of music, they aren’t songs we often listen to outside of the show they were created for. At least, that’s what most of us would think…In reality, many theme songs have topped the charts over the years. Find four of them below.
[RELATED: 8 Very ‘80s TV Theme Songs]
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“Miami Vice” (Jan Hammer)
It’s not often that an instrumental tops the Billboard Hot 100; however, the Miami Vice theme song did just that. This oh-so-’80s theme song managed to soar all the way to no. 1 without having a single lyric. While it certainly speaks to the testament of the show it was made for, it also highlights the power of a well-made melody. It’s proof that you don’t need a strong chorus to make something a hit.
The Miami Vice theme was the last instrumental to top the charts until 2013, when the viral internet challenge “Harlem Shake” took over that milestone.
“I’ll Be There For You” (The Rembrandts)
Given the continued popularity of Friends, it’s no surprise that the accompanying theme song charted as well as it did. The Rembrandts‘ “I’ll Be There For You” is one of the most instantly recognizable theme songs in TV history. It has got cross-generational appeal and is unlikely to fall out of popularity any time soon. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart in the U.S. and also made a showing on the charts of several other countries.
“The Ballad of Jed Clampett” – Paul Henning
A good TV show theme sets the scene for what the audience will then watch. You could jump right into almost any episode of The Beverly Hillbillies thanks to its stellar theme. “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” is the perfect bit of quick exposition to take us from the backwoods to Rodeo Drive. Moreover, it has become a part of country music history, further cementing its status as a chart-topping theme song.
“T.S.O.P” – MFSB
Soul Train‘s “T.S.O.P” became the first TV theme song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Moreover, this is one of the first disco songs to earn that honor, ushering in a new era of music. This theme changed the preconceived notion of a TV theme. They were no longer only intros to other media. They had viable hit potential. Learn more about this theme becoming the first No. 1 on that particular chart, HERE.
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(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
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Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images) -
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Pop group The Byrds (l to r): Chris Hillman; Dave Crosby; Mike Clark; Jim McGuinn; and Gene Clark. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)