Theme From The Rockford Files Mike Post

Theme From The Rockford Files

1975

Mike Post

Who can forget Jim Rockford, portrayed expertly by Jim Garner, and his gold Pontiac Firebird Espirit appearing weekly from 1974-1980 in one of the more popular detective shows of that era. Each episode of The Rockford Files kicked off with a message on his answering machine, usually from a creditor, and seldom related to the plot of the episode. And as the Answering machine message ended that catchy theme music immediately kicked in...one of the catchiest tunes ever to kick off a TV series, and third in my mind only to Hawaii 5-O and Hill Street Blues. Speaking of Hill Street Blues, it's theme music, and that of The Rockford Files had something in common. Both were composed by Mike Post, and both made it to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in fact The Rockford Files was the first of the two do do so, cracking the Top 10 when it was released as a single after the show's first season, in 1975, and remaining on the charts for 16 weeks. It was also nominated for and won The Grammy for best instrumental arrangement for 1975.

The Rockford Files was one of the the first hit songs to use a Minimoog synthesizer...it was the lead instrument and really makes the song's unique sound and mood. You also hear a blues harmonica, a dobro, and an electric guitar...and what Post describes as 'A Chamber Group On Steroids. A pair each of flutes, french horns, and trombones.

The Theme for The Rockford Files may not have had the lasting power of Hawaii 5-O or Hill Street Blues, but it was still an awesome, catchy tune that would burrow it's way into your head and stay there all day.

It was on the radio a lot in the mid 70s but I haven't heard it on an Oldies station in years. Sad really...it really is that good and that catchy. Like most theme songs, especially instrumentals, that hit as singles there were two versions...the version played over the opening credits, and the extended version that charted.

So enjoy! First, the long version that cracked the Top 10 on The Billboard Hot 100

I searched high and low on YouTube for The Rockford Files opening credits. Apparently NBC has decided that they are sacred territory and claimed Copyright every time they've been posted. I did find a pretty neat little tribute to the show with the original opening theme played over it thought. So enjoy!