The 1970s was a great time for the television industry. There were so many hit series that we 70s kids, in particular, grew to love. Aside from the series themselves, the themes also became our favorites, too, and became embedded in our minds even after the series had long been gone. Even those who even weren’t around during the time these shows were originally airing also know these memorable themes, too!
1. “Making Our Dreams Come True” from Laverne & Shirley
“Making Our Dreams Come True” was composed by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel. This is the same duo who also wrote the theme song for Happy Days. The single was sung by Cyndi Grecco, who turned it into a Billboard Top 40 chart hit in 1976.
2. The Brady Bunch theme song
The Brady Bunch theme song was penned by executive producer Sherwood Schwartz and Frank De Vol. It was originally sung and performed by the bubblegum pop group the Peppermint Trolley Company, who also arranged the music. Even those who weren’t around to watch the show during its original broadcast from 1969 to 1974 know about the theme song. And it will probably get stuck in your head as your “Last Song Syndrome” for the rest of the day.
3. “Movin’ on Up” from The Jeffersons
The theme song of the sitcom The Jeffersons, “Movin’ on Up,” was written by singer-actress Ja’net Dubois and Jeff Barry. This has also been covered by many artists over the years. Some of these include Sammy Davis Jr. and Beyoncé. It’s a really catchy song which leads you to tap your foot.
4. Happy Days theme song
The theme song for Happy Days was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel. And like the show, the theme song is quite memorable, too. Needless to say, it’s not uncommon to have a big smile on your face — not to mention sing along with it — whenever you hear the cheerful tune.
5. All in the Family theme song
The theme song for All in the Family was written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse and was sung in a simple style by the show’s characters Archie and Edith, who reminisce about the good ol’ days. Sure Edith’s singing isn’t pleasant to hear, but you can’t help feeling nostalgic when listening to this song.
6. The Dukes of Hazzard theme song
The theme song of the hit 70s-80s series The Dukes of Hazzard was written, sung, and performed by country legend Waylon Jennings. The song, also alternatively known as “Good Ol’ Boys,” fits perfectly like a cowboy glove.
7. The Love Boat theme song
When disco was still a rage in the 1970s, a few TV shows took advantage of the genre’s success and popularity. One good example is the theme from the popular series Love Boat, which contributed to the show’s success. This song is what you’d expect to hear when you’re aboard a cruise ship.
8. Three’s Company theme song
The theme song of the popular hit sitcom Three’s Company was written by Joe Raposo (known for his songs on Sesame Street) and was sung by Ray Charles (no, not that Ray Charles) and Julia Rinker. Once you start singing “Come and knock on our door…” you find yourself not being able to stop!
9. Welcome Back, Kotter theme song
Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian still had the touch of composing songs that made your head bob happily. He composed this memorable song for the hit series Welcome Back, Kotter. It’s quite simple, fitting, and totally unforgettable.
10. WKRP in Cincinnati theme song
The WKRP in Cincinnati series’ opening theme was written by Tom Wells and Hugh Wilson, and was performed by Steve Carlisle. Apart from the memorable opening song, the show’s rock and roll-style end theme (written by Jim Ellis) sounds quite fantastic, too.