Theme Music
Bandstand originally used "High Society" by Artie Shaw as its theme song, but by the time the show went national, it had been replaced by various arrangements of Charles Albertine's "Bandstand Boogie", including Larry Elgart's big-band recording remembered by viewers of the daily version. From 1969 to 1974, "Bandstand Theme," a synthesized instrumental written by Mike Curb, opened each show. From 1974 to 1977, the theme returned to "Bandstand Boogie", with an orchestral disco version arranged and performed by Joe Porter played during the opening and closing credits.
From 1977 to the end of its ABC run in 1987, the show opened and closed with Barry Manilow's rendition of "Bandstand Boogie," which he originally recorded for his 1975 album Tryin' to Get the Feeling. This version introduced lyrics written by Manilow and Bruce Sussman, referencing elements of the series.
The Manilow version was replaced by an updated instrumental arrangement of "Bandstand Boogie" when Bandstand went into syndication, arranged by David Russo.
From 1974 onward, Bandstand featured another instrumental at its mid-show break: Billy Preston's synth hit "Space Race."
Read more about this topic: American Bandstand
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