"WKRP in Cincinnati" by Steve Carlisle

Song#:  0825
Date:  11/21/1981
Debut:  87
Peak:  65
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Pop, Soundtrack



Pop Bits:  "WKRP in Cincinnati" was a sitcom that ran for four seasons on CBS beginning in 1979. It was successful for its first two years, but ratings ran aground when the network kept switching the show's time slot. It's catchy theme song, sung by Steve Carlisle, was popular and it finally got issued as a single late in the show's run - perhaps in an effort to boost sagging ratings. It didn't catch on very well and remained in the bottom third of the chart for a couple of months. Carlisle issued an album called "Sings WKRP in Cincinnati," but it never took off. It's unclear what happened to Carlisle. I've seen where he might have done some acting or sang jingles, but also that he might have quit music and moved to Australia to become a minister. I'm not sure what the true story is, but his voice will live on through this TV theme song.

ReduxReview:  As a TV theme song, this is great. It's a memorable sing-a-long that was perfect for the show. However, as a full-length single it's just okay. The cuteness of it wears thin real quick and the instrumental sections don't really add anything. I love it as a short theme song, but as a single...bleh.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  This recording was produced by the team of Buckner and Garcia. That duo were on the verge of have their own chart hit as "Pac-Man Fever" would soon spread. Carlisle provided background vocals on that song.

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