Question regarding the theme song HAPPY DAYS - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Ireneparalegal · 01-25-2008, 12:05 AM

They used the HAPPY DAYS song to close the show for the first two seasons and used ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK as the show's theme song. Why didn't they just use the closing theme song initially?

Mikado · 01-25-2008, 12:44 AM

I heard (And dont quote me on it) that they used RATC as a way to "cash in" on the movie American Graffitti, which also starred Ron Howard in a similar role and, which also used RATC as its opening theme song

catlover79 · 01-25-2008, 12:45 AM

Maybe they couldn't afford to use RATC anymore (licensing/royalty issues)???

anglemark10 · 01-25-2008, 01:47 AM

I don't know why they didn't just start off with "Happy Days" right from the beginning, but I do know why they switched. "Rock Around the Clock" was making a lot of money in record sales because of its use on the show. The producers wanted to cash in on this, so they ditched "Rock Around the Clock" in favor of their own "Happy Days."

treky · 01-25-2008, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

I heard (And dont quote me on it) that they used RATC as a way to "cash in" on the movie American Graffitti, which also starred Ron Howard in a similar role and, which also used RATC as its opening theme song

I never knew that!

Ireneparalegal · 01-27-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anglemark10

I don't know why they didn't just start off with "Happy Days" right from the beginning, but I do know why they switched. "Rock Around the Clock" was making a lot of money in record sales because of its use on the show. The producers wanted to cash in on this, so they ditched "Rock Around the Clock" in favor of their own "Happy Days."

Really?

I have always wondered why they just didn't use the Happy Days song too.

Mikey, that sure sounds like that could be the reason. Man, both of you came up with two good points.

TVFactFan · 01-27-2008, 10:13 PM

The RATC opening made the show seem too 50ish to me when I was a preteen and I was only interested in the season 3 credits and after. I know that was the era of the show but I just liked season 3 and after a lot more

Ireneparalegal · 01-27-2008, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingofTVResearch

The RATC opening made the show seem too 50ish to me when I was a preteen and I was only interested in the season 3 credits and after. I know that was the era of the show but I just liked season 3 and after a lot more

Interesting. I loved HD during its first run up until Richie left. Looking back I realize I so much loved Seasons 1 and 2 before they turned into filming with a live audience.

Mikado · 01-27-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Interesting. I loved HD during its first run up until Richie left. Looking back I realize I so much loved Seasons 1 and 2 before they turned into filming with a live audience.

The biggest mistake they made was giving "Fonzie" a major part on the show!

Mr. Television · 01-27-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

The biggest mistake they made was giving "Fonzie" a major part on the show!

That's what made it a hit. Up until the 3rd season HD was a struggling show.

Mikado · 01-28-2008, 12:07 AM

Not with me, the more Fonzie they showed, the less i liked it....anyway, the show was better when he was a bit player, hit or not

Ireneparalegal · 01-28-2008, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

The biggest mistake they made was giving "Fonzie" a major part on the show!

I have to agree with Sonny. I loved HD, especially with Fonzie. It was when he became "uncool" and a caricature that it was ridiculous, not to mention Richie leaving and leaving us with Chachi and that stupid other kid, what was his name? He was played by Billy Warlock.

uke:
Let's not forget the forgettable Jenny Piccalo.

catlover79 · 01-28-2008, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I have to agree with Sonny. I loved HD, especially with Fonzie. It was when he became "uncool" and a caricature that it was ridiculous, not to mention Richie leaving and leaving us with Chachi and that stupid other kid, what was his name? He was played by Billy Warlock.

uke:
Let's not forget the forgettable Jenny Piccalo.

Flip was the character played by Billy Warlock, who later on won an Emmy on Days of Our Lives. I too enjoyed the earlier seasons when Fonzie is merely a supporting character, and ESPECIALLY before the annoying, shrieking studio audience was brought in.

catlover79 · 01-28-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikado

Not with me, the more Fonzie they showed, the less i liked it....anyway, the show was better when he was a bit player, hit or not

To me, Ron Howard was/is the REAL star of Happy Days.

Mikado · 01-28-2008, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

To me, Ron Howard was/is the REAL star of Happy Days.

, Cat

01-25-2008, 12:05 AM	#1
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	Question regarding the theme song HAPPY DAYS They used the HAPPY DAYS song to close the show for the first two seasons and used ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK as the show's theme song. Why didn't they just use the closing theme song initially?
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

01-25-2008, 12:45 AM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Maybe they couldn't afford to use RATC anymore (licensing/royalty issues)???
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01-25-2008, 12:44 AM	#2
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,880	I heard (And dont quote me on it) that they used RATC as a way to "cash in" on the movie American Graffitti, which also starred Ron Howard in a similar role and, which also used RATC as its opening theme song

01-25-2008, 01:47 AM	#4
anglemark10 Member Forum Regular Join Date: May 06, 2004 Location: United States Posts: 787	I don't know why they didn't just start off with "Happy Days" right from the beginning, but I do know why they switched. "Rock Around the Clock" was making a lot of money in record sales because of its use on the show. The producers wanted to cash in on this, so they ditched "Rock Around the Clock" in favor of their own "Happy Days."

01-27-2008, 10:13 PM	#7
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,035	The RATC opening made the show seem too 50ish to me when I was a preteen and I was only interested in the season 3 credits and after. I know that was the era of the show but I just liked season 3 and after a lot more

01-28-2008, 12:07 AM	#11
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,880	Not with me, the more Fonzie they showed, the less i liked it....anyway, the show was better when he was a bit player, hit or not