“Fugitive” was a track on the Ventures album “Fabulous Ventures”. It was also released as a single in 1964, although it did not crack the hot 100. This is not the theme from the TV series “The Fugitive” (1963-67), although it is reasonable to assume it was inspired by it — although I can find nothing to confirm this other than the similar timeframes. This “Fugitive” was composed by Lou Josie, who also wrote “Midnight Confessions”, the Grass Roots hit.
My arrangement follows the form of the original Ventures, but makes several changes in rhythm and overall feel.
“Hogan’s Heroes”, a highly improbable comedy series set in a WWII German POW camp, debuted in 1965 and stayed on the air until 1971.
The actors who played the four major German roles—Werner Klemperer (Klink), John Banner (Schultz), Leon Askin (Burkhalter), and Howard Caine (Hochstetter)—were Jewish. Furthermore, Klemperer, Banner, and Askin had all fled the Nazis during World War II. Werner Klemperer was the son of the great conductor Otto Klemperer and was an accomplished musician in his own right.
The theme music for Hogan’s Heroes was composed by Jerry Fielding. Fielding was a successful TV composer whose credits include the Star Trek episode “The Trouble with Tribbles”.
My arrangement is an instrumental guitar rock setting featuring a snare-drum driven march and a rockabilly solo break in the middle.
This iconic theme originally from the 1960’s TV series was written by Lalo Schifrin. It’s driving feel is heavily reliant on its irregular (5/4) time signature. I have given it a surf-rock setting (surprise!)
In 1966, the Ventures released a “Batman” album with the Batman Theme and a bunch of other adventure/spy themes like “The Man from Uncle” and “Secret Agent.” This Batman-themed track was one of the filler cuts.
This was the song used over the closing credits for the 1958-63 TV western “Have Gun – Will Travel”. As played by actor Richard Boone, Paladin was the main character. Duane Eddy released an instrumental version that was a top-40 hit in 1962.
This tune was a HUGE hit in 1962. As written and recorded by Acker Bilk, it went to #1 on the US charts. It also has the distinction of being the “rock era” first recording from the UK to hit #1 in the USA.
This tune is actually not the theme from the cult-classic 60’s TV show, the Outer Limits. Of course the opening riff is a rip-off of the theme from the Twilight Zone, another — and probably better — spooky program. All of this got composer and Marketts leader Michael Z. Gordon in some legal hot water. However, the tune was still a #1 hit and the Marketts went on to record the 1966 Batman theme. Later in his career Gordon was a very successful TV and film producer.
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