Theme from “The Magnificent Seven”

You know this one. From one of the greatest film scores ever, this particular theme was used in commercials for Marlboro cigarettes starting in 1963. In my arrangement I tried to imagine how the Ventures or a surf-rock band might present it.

Theme from Bonanza

Not much explanation needed here. If you were around, you remember the show and the famous theme.

Because They’re Young

Duane Eddy’s biggest-ever hit was with this tune in 1960. It is the theme from the movie of the same name: a 1960 film from Columbia Pictures, starring Dick Clark as Neil Hendry, an American high school teacher who tries to make a difference in the lives of his students. The film co-starred Tuesday Weld, Michael Callan, Warren Berlinger, Roberta Shore, Doug McClure, and Victoria Shaw. Duane Eddy and James Darren had cameo roles as themselves.

Wham

This tune was Lonnie Mack’s 2nd top-40 hit in 1963, although it did not climb as high as his first, “Memphis”.

The Ventures included this in volume three of their 2006 “60s Rock Instrumental Collection” series.

In Memoriam: Lonnie Mack & Memphis

As a long-time student of guitar who believes in giving full credit to those who shaped our instrument, I had to pay tribute to Lonnie Mack. This version of “Memphis” is based on his hit from 1963. The Ventures also recorded a version based on Lonnie Mack’s approach on their 1967 album, “Golden Greats”.

 

 

“In the Shadows” Playlist

Here is a playlist with all 25 songs from my “In the Shadows” project: 24 covers and 1 original tune all in sixties guitar rock style.

Theme from Rawhide

This is my instrumental arrangement of the theme from Rawhide, which was a very popular Western TV show starring Clint Eastwood. It was on the air from 1959 – 1966. Composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, this theme is very recognizable, originally performed as a vocal (with lyrics by Ned Washington) by Frankie Laine. It also figured humorously in the original Blues Brothers movie.