Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater)
| "Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater)" | |
|---|---|
 1973 7-inch vinyl single (US) | |
| Song by Quincy Jones | |
| from the album You've Got It Bad Girl | |
| Released | 1973 |
| Recorded | 1972 |
| Genre | |
| Length |
|
| Label | A&M |
| Composer | Quincy Jones |
| Producer | Quincy Jones |
| Audio sample | |
"Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater)" | |
"Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater)" is the instrumental theme to the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. It was composed by Quincy Jones. The main melody is a composite performed on multiple harmonicas by Tommy Morgan.
Overview
[edit]Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin were developing an Americanized version of the British sitcom Steptoe and Son, and Yorkin approached Jones to compose the theme for the new show.[1] Although initially incredulous that comedian Redd Foxx (whom Jones had known for a number of years and had a reputation for "blue" comedy) was to star in a television show, Jones was able to draw on his familiarity with Foxx, composing the instrumental theme in about 20 minutes and recording it in about the same amount of time.[1][2]
"The Streetbeater" was first released by A&M Records on Jones's 1973 album You've Got It Bad Girl and as a single from that album.[3][4] It is also featured on his Greatest Hits album.
Although the piece itself did not reach Billboard status for that year, it has maintained mainstream popularity, ranking 9th in a Rolling Stone Reader Poll of Television Theme Songs.[5]
The song was sampled by pop artist M.I.A. in “U.R.A.Q.T.”, a track from her 2005 debut album Arular.
Personnel
[edit]- Composer & Conductor: Quincy Jones
- Harmonica: Tommy Morgan
- Drums: James Gadson
- Alto Saxophone: Phil Woods
- Electric Piano: Dave Grusin
- Tenor Saxophone: Ernie Watts
- Bass: Chuck Rainey (Played the wrong last note but kept by Quincy)
- Trumpet: Quincy Jones
Other recordings
[edit]Harry James recorded a version in 1979 on his album Still Harry After All These Years (Sheffield Lab LAB 11).
References
[edit]- 1 2 Burlingame, Jon (1996). TV's Biggest Hits. New York: Schirmer Books. pp. 192–193. ISBN 0-02-870324-3.
- ↑ Starr, Michael Seth (2011). Black and Blue : The Redd Foxx Story. Milwaukee, WI: Applause Theatre & Cinema Books. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-55783-754-7.
- ↑ "Sanford & Son Theme (The Streetbeater) by Quincy Jones : Reviews and Ratings". Rate Your Music. September 27, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ "Manhattan by Quincy Jones @ARTISTdirect". Artistdirect. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
- ↑ Greene, Andy (September 21, 2011). "Readers Poll: The Best Television Theme Songs Pictures - 9. Sanford and Son - 'The Streetbeater'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 27, 2025.