TRANSCRIPT:
Hi, I am Mark Rapp and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Jazz has shaped some of the most beloved sitcoms of the 70s. Here are three that have become jazz staples:
Johnny Mandel’s poignant theme for M*A*S*H, famously known as "Suicide Is Painless," perfectly captured the show’s unique blend of humor and tragedy. This captivating melody became a staple in Bill Evans’ repertoire.
The iconic theme from Sanford and Son was composed by the legendary Quincy Jones. Its vibrant mix of harmonica, organ, and sax made the show a cultural phenomenon of the 1970s.
Bob James brought the streets of New York to life with his theme for Taxi, titled “Angela.” This piece reflects the city’s gritty charm.
These gems enhanced these shows and left an enduring legacy in music and TV.
This has been Rapp On Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible in part by Layman Poupard Publishers, producers of the Literary Criticism Series and the Dictionary of Literary Biography.