The opening Theme song - different each season? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Buttmunker · 05-01-2006, 11:32 AM

from IMDB:
Originally the theme tune was going to be performed by an orchestra. However, due to budgetary concerns it was decided that series stars Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton perform the song seated at the piano. The two stars updated their rendition each year.

is this true? I did notice that the first season was different from the 3rd season, but the 3rd and 4th season was the same.

How about the 5th season?

Brian Damage · 05-01-2006, 11:38 AM

I remeber one year they did it in front of a studio audience and one year, it had a laugh track behind it.

Mikado · 05-01-2006, 01:29 PM

I read they rerecorded it every year, partly to keep it fresh, partly because of complaints that the words were hard to understand, so they sang the words more clearly...by the end, the only part people still couldnt figure out were " Geeareollasallerangrate" ( Gee our old LaSalle ran great )*
* LaSalle was a car built by Cadillac for people who wanted Caddy style , but couldnt afford a Caddy price...in one ep, its infered that Archie lost this car early in the marriage when he was a chronic gambler

TVFactFan · 05-01-2006, 08:38 PM

The Opening Theme Song was recorded in the 1975-76 season because Carroll O' Connor felt that he had gained weight Jean Stapleton felt she didn't look the same. Also it was said that the New Recording solved a nagging problem of viewers understanding the last line which was-"Gee, our old Lasalle ran great."

TV Guide, Feb 21-27, 1976

Justwondering · 06-07-2006, 03:40 PM

I was watching a program such as "The E! True Hollywood Story," and I believe it was stated that Carroll and Jean re-recorded the opening theme every year.

treky · 06-10-2006, 10:25 PM

yes they did; and I think they didn't accept payment for it. That's why, in the first season the audience laughs when Edith sings "and you knew where you were then"!
and in the later seasons, Archie's wearing a sweater.

05-01-2006, 11:32 AM	#1
Buttmunker Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 23, 2006 Location: New York Posts: 17	The opening Theme song - different each season? from IMDB: Originally the theme tune was going to be performed by an orchestra. However, due to budgetary concerns it was decided that series stars Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton perform the song seated at the piano. The two stars updated their rendition each year. is this true? I did notice that the first season was different from the 3rd season, but the 3rd and 4th season was the same. How about the 5th season?

05-01-2006, 11:38 AM	#2
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	I remeber one year they did it in front of a studio audience and one year, it had a laugh track behind it.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

06-10-2006, 10:25 PM	#6
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	yes they did; and I think they didn't accept payment for it. That's why, in the first season the audience laughs when Edith sings "and you knew where you were then"! and in the later seasons, Archie's wearing a sweater.
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

05-01-2006, 01:29 PM	#3
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	I read they rerecorded it every year, partly to keep it fresh, partly because of complaints that the words were hard to understand, so they sang the words more clearly...by the end, the only part people still couldnt figure out were " Geeareollasallerangrate" ( Gee our old LaSalle ran great )* * LaSalle was a car built by Cadillac for people who wanted Caddy style , but couldnt afford a Caddy price...in one ep, its infered that Archie lost this car early in the marriage when he was a chronic gambler

05-01-2006, 08:38 PM	#4
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,088	The Opening Theme Song was recorded in the 1975-76 season because Carroll O' Connor felt that he had gained weight Jean Stapleton felt she didn't look the same. Also it was said that the New Recording solved a nagging problem of viewers understanding the last line which was-"Gee, our old Lasalle ran great." TV Guide, Feb 21-27, 1976

06-07-2006, 03:40 PM	#5
Justwondering Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 04, 2006 Posts: 103	I was watching a program such as "The E! True Hollywood Story," and I believe it was stated that Carroll and Jean re-recorded the opening theme every year.