"The Theme from Hill Street Blues" by Mike Post

Top 10 Alert!

Grammy Alert!

Song#:  0721
Date:  08/22/1981
Debut:  83
Peak:  10
Weeks:  22
Genre:  Pop, Soundtrack, Instrumental



Pop Bits:  Starting in the 70s, Post developed a prolific career composing themes and incidental music for numerous TV shows. His breakthrough in this area was when his theme to "The Rockford Files" became a surprise hit and reached #10 in 1975. Numerous other themes followed including the #2 hit "Believe It or Not" by Joey Scarbury (the theme to "The Greatest American Hero), which was co-written and produced by Post. His work continued in the 80s and the Emmy-winning TV drama "Hill Street Blues" featured this theme song which got Post his second Top 10 hit. The song also won two Grammy's for Post. One for Best Instrumental Composition and one for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

ReduxReview:  I wasn't a fan of "Hill Street Blues." Today, I'd probably love it. But I think at the time it was too much of an adult drama when really I just wanted to watch "Laverne & Shirley and "M*A*S*H." So this theme song didn't strike me. Actually, I pretty much hated it. But as I get older I hear things different and it doesn't sound too bad today. I still don't think it is a great song, but it's tolerable.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) This song features a solo by Grammy-winning jazz guitarist Larry Carlton.  2) Post's first major success was with Mason Williams' #2 hit "Classical Gas" in 1968. Produced and arranged by Post, the song won him a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement.

_________________________________________________________________________________