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Listen to 12 different versions of the 'Bonanza' theme
Few television theme songs have spawned so many hits. Here radically different takes, from Johnny Cash to Jamaica.
There have been many memorable television theme songs, but when it comes to measuring the greatest of all time, it's hard to argue with the numbers. The twangy, galloping theme from Bonanza has been recorded dozens of times in various styles, both instrumentally and with vocals. It was voted the 58th best western song of all time by the Western Writers of America. A guitar instrumental broke into the Billboard Top Twenty in 1961. The Man in Black performed it on television.
Even within the opening credits of the show itself, the song evolved over fourteen seasons. Horns and percussion were tweaked, tempos were increased.
A little bit country, a little bit surf, the irresistible ditty written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans featuring orchestration by David Rose is a piece of American history — Jamaican, too. You might be surprised at how versatile the tune is. Check out a dozen different takes on Bonanza.
1. Jay Livingston, Ray Evans and David Rose (1959)
2. The cast of Bonanza (1959)
Yes, there were lyrics. A few different versions of them, in fact. In the original pilot of the show, the cast sings the theme at the close of the show. It was deemed a touch too corny and cut out. Still, it's fun to hear the Cartwrights belt it out.
3. Marty Gold and His Orchestra (1960)
4. Johnny Gregory and His Orchestra (1960)
5. Buddy Morrow and His Orchestra (1960)
6. Al Caiola (1961)
Guitarist Caiola showcased his instrument with this super twangy riff that could almost be mistaken for Dick Dale. This is the version if you need to dance. No wonder it charted the highest at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. Johnny Cash (1962)
8. Valjean (1962)
9. Billy Vaughn (1962)
10. Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra (1963)
11. Lorne Greene (1964)
12. Carlos Malcolm & The Afro Caribs "Bonanza Ska" (1965)
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1 Comments
Doc,Slick As Well As Jimmy Brown And My Dad,And George Cowles And Ronnie Smith,Delmar Petty And Darrell Peoples Were Not Bonanza Fans,I Didn't Like Michael Landon.Dan,Victor,Michael,Doc,Slick,Jimmy,Dad,George Ronnie,Mom,RIP.