Bob James - Angela (Theme from 'Taxi') (audio)

Bob James is back with his most eclectic album yet, “Jazz Hands” - out September 15th 2023. For more information, visit: bio.to/BobJame...
‘Angela’, by Bob James, the instrumental theme from the TV sitcom ‘Taxi’. The easy-going vibe captures the spirit of 1970’s New York City. From the 1978 album ‘Touchdown’ featuring Bob James (Keys [Fender Rhodes, Electric Yamaha Grand, Oberheim Polyphonic, Piano -), Gary King (Bass), Idris Muhammad (Drums), Eric Gale (Guitar), Ralph MacDonald (Percussion). Produced, arranged and composed by Bob James. One the of greatest TV themes ever.
This track was also featured in the 1999 Jim Carrey film “Man on the Moon”.
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#BobJames #Touchdown #AngelaThemeFromTaxi
© 1978 Tappan Zee Records under exclusive license to Evolution Ltd.
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[@louisrivera9946]

A timeless classic. Everything in the world is good when I hear this tune.

[@uneedtherapy42]

I drive alot for Uber and this track has gotten me through so many bad weather days, nasty passengers, traffic, etc etc. this tune is a masterpiece of modern jazz

[@OoOoOo-we3dn]

This is the ultimate driving in the rain track I guess, this and Oscar Peterson's Night Train. prob throw in Bill Evans version of Nadis

[@thebreathalyzer]

Indeed!!!

[@yousefbhoyroo6960]

MR BOB JAMES TO YOU.

[@OkayOctowave]

The real life Travis Bickle

[@elrondhubbard9127]

I'm an Uber driver and Bob James is one of my go-to's. This track is also one of my all time favorite songs and I'm not even old enough to have watched Taxi. BOB JAMES FUCKS.

[@Syncloverton]

Heard this song as a kid, been looking for it again for 20 years. IT'S A GOOD DAY 🙂 ❤

[@samuelj.6186]

Best feeling in the world

[@BillPenny]

One of the most underrated bass tracks in human history. This thing is dirty mellow perfection.

[@thebreathalyzer]

The GREAT Gary King. That guy was always right in the pocket and so inventive.

[@jobobpriddy4593]

Big time👍

[@jobobpriddy4593]

@@thebreathalyzer u must b a musician..how would anyone know that lol

[@billrhea]

Agree

[@orunaiye]

"dirty mellow perfection" great description.

[@ezimari]

thank you Rick and Morty LOL. This is a quiet banger!

[@mishaelfernandez1]

nice what season and episode? :)

[@alias2402]

​@@mishaelfernandez1 Season 6 episode 5 it's at the end of the episode

[@mishaelfernandez1]

@@alias2402thank you!

[@spec_opsgaming]

​@@alias2402also towards the beginning during the shootout at panda express

[@kjh906]

80’s babies will always remember this theme song. It’s timeless and so relaxing.

[@takeiteasytigerny]

You aint lying! Bob James is the goat 🐐

[@somedude7633]

Bob James’s music really is calming. During long car rides that went after bedtime (when I was little), my mother would put on _Cool_ and I would fall asleep pretty quickly. We just called it the ‘Cucumber Music,’ though.

[@chrisb3976]

@Director HFerreira originally aired on ABC from September 12, 1978, to May 6, 1982, and on NBC from September 30, 1982, to June 15, 1983. So yes it was during the 80s.

[@berkslaw]

Mid 60s "babies" will remember this. They'd remember the whole, WILD 1978 prime time lineup!

[@christtruthfreedom2351]

70'$ Babies you mean... Ai $at On The Carpet While Dorothy LaurRaine Watched The LIVE EPI$ODE$...

[@fconsola]

I can listen to this all day

[@ShaunsCollectibles]

Likewise!

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

I HAVE!!!

[@jocoop631]

Me too

[@paultreadaway102]

U don't get sick of play over and over again repeat repeat add Hill Street Blues full version aswell good combo crank it up loud others etc etc that makes ya day/nite

[@CharlesWhitford]

Taxi Rockford Files S.W.A.T. (1975) Masquerade (Crystal Gayle) Vega$

[@ivanmay7890]

Not only was it the theme song to a great sitcom from the '70s, Angela (the theme from Taxi) also introduced me to the good music of Bob James. His Fender Rhodes work on this track is just dazzling!

[@mjrydsfast]

I too bought that CD.

[@DonaldPleasant-x9i]

What a musical masterpiece! This tune gives off very good vibes and brings back many wonderful memories of childhood.i love Bobs music. My dad kept him in rotation.

[@mattgour5874]

Anyone think of simpler times when you hear this? I jam it while driving all day.

[@diegosanchez1203]

after I gave my all to the day, I listen to this, take a deep breath and understand that we are here for a mere moment, but this song should make us feel eternal.

[@phenomenallymeapparel7877]

As an 80's baby named Angela this will always be one of my all time favorite songs. I loved it from Taxi but I was over the moon when I found out the name was mine 🥰

[@brentcepticon]

I don't know why this song sounds so familiar. Something from my childhood in the 80's. I don't wanna fall asleep to it, it sounds like the soundtrack to my life

[@tsntana]

Aside from being the theme song to the sitcom Taxi, it was probably used between shows on your local PBS station.

[@artistgarybedell8518]

This song reminds me of a time where I had no worries, playing outside all day was the thing to do and Grandma was still around. To those who are under the age of 20, don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy the people and places you have today.

[@SamirJzVFX]

Yes, once you get 18 time flies.

[@Abenaroya]

Wild, isn't it? Youth is wasted on the young haha! Wishing you nothing but happiness, health, and success

[@ODUBlue]

You're not kidding 😢

[@cropdustin6867]

​@@SamirJzVFX lolololol

[@cropdustin6867]

Poop joke, ducks are small hey now

[@robf6105]

"Taxi" was on from 1978 to 1983, but this song feels VERY seventies to me. Especially the electric piano. So relaxing. Reminds me of childhood.

[@gerardmcmillan8591]

Definitely! I use to watch the tv show when I was in high school. It almost makes me want to tear up. I realize to quote Michael Jackson, "time waits for no one". And Bob James because one of my top favorite jazz artists in my 20's.

[@alpine1600s]

Tech didn't invade until the mid 90's, so to me tech was the same level for decades. Especially cars. The taxis in Taxi were already 20+ years old Checker Cabs.

[@J5mobile]

I always like Jim he was in the clouds Cruising.

[@RocknJazzer]

@@alpine1600s It sounds 70s because it was 70s, doesnt matter when the show was on, the song was recorded in 1978 and had the dated i70s sound even tho ran thru the 80s when rhodes was passe, no one wanted them, synths killed the rhodes then.

[@RocknJazzer]

@@alpine1600s Tech invaded keyboards and music in the early/mid 80s. Synthesizers killed the rhodes off, no one wanted them then (except me so I got rhodes cheap in the 80s and 90s even the 00s)

[@claritymortgage8183]

I was showed clean and close to going to bed on a Sunday when this song came on. Always a comforting and nostalgic tune.

[@benlauden445]

Bruh, why aint nobody told me about Bob James? This man got hits that a lot of us sampled.

[@diegosanchez1203]

welcome to the Rabbit hole.

[@DRG342]

Soothing theme and a sweet memory of my childhood.

[@66doodz]

used to go by my best friends house all the time and he'd be watching Taxi reruns. RIP Dickie.

[@jeremyharden4656]

RIP Dickie.

[@patritablackston2064]

May Dickies, journey be a very peaceful one.

[@jobobpriddy4593]

🙏🌌

[@66mikerunner]

My God, is Eric Gale's guitar solo beautiful! All in all, this song is a wonderfully understated masterpiece!

[@troytaylor4996]

,❤❤❤❤it's incredible 😲 😮 😯!!!

[@McGillus]

Seems a whole new generation has been introduced to your fine tune this week, myself included. It starts sweet, goes bittersweet to dark chocolate blues right until the flute returns all sugary to end it sweet. Loving it.

[@TrevorsHeadUK]

You heard it on Rick & Morty too, huh? It took me right out of the episode, I was so blown away by it. The interplay between the bass, electric piano and drums is just sublime. Listened to this a whole bunch since it aired the other day.

[@Pirategod23]

I had to listen to the whole song so good

[@SYHOZHO]

Rick and morty sent me! Love this! Gonna play it while I’m sailing the world enjoying this masterpiece! Fair winds my brothers and sisters!

[@curtisdye7741]

This taxi really does take you to another place.

[@rishrish.]

❤

[@dwaynethomas2048]

Classic Melody.....Memories of days before.

[@jobobpriddy4593]

Like a drug..takes u back to innocent times

[@notsooldjoe]

This has got to be one of the most perfect tracks ever. You can't make music any better than this.

[@-onyx2626]

🎯

[@AnandaSim]

So much Bob James, I just realised the distinctive guitar was Eric Gale!

[@samuelj.6186]

Idris Muhammad on the drums… Earl Klugh on acoustic guitar… so many legends

[@BaYbOi41510]

I loved this show in the 80’s thank you BOB JAMES, now I’m in the mood to watch reruns of taxi, Thank God for HULU

[@Veronica.John10-10]

it's on Xfinity now, too - on the DECADES channel :)

[@danalong1237]

As well as PlutoTV and Paramount+.

[@ShaunsCollectibles]

I remember my father watching this show growing up in the early 1980s. I barely watched the show, but I sure remember this song!

[@derekolivas6943]

A star studded cast !

[@donmccullen1973]

Peter Boyles used this when he was 850KOA in Denver.

[@-onyx2626]

Good for you!

[@erinkinney9919]

I remember hearing this after my bedtime as my older brothers watched Taxi. Full blown nostalgia attack. And a great song

[@SimpLeeBeth]

💓

[@roysanders7245]

My favorite track of 1978!!! Bob James had an R&B, Pop and Jazz hit with this song on Billboard’s charts. The album “Touchdown”, where this song is taken from went gold!!!

[@carpenoctemgaming]

It should of went platinum

[@carpenoctemgaming]

Hell diamond

[@-onyx2626]

I checked it out from the library.

[@einbertalstein1394]

Im here from watching Man on the Moon. Beautiful. Just Beautiful.

[@DSMTheEditor]

One of the most wonderfully chill pieces of music ever composed

[@jobobpriddy4593]

Well said bro

[@prodigalpriest]

The song talks about the soul of a city. 🌆

[@martinseguidefez2343]

Great TV serie and a wonderful theme.

[@1d4n7]

I'm glad Rick & Morty brought me here. Just wish I discovered this jam sooner is all.

[@The_Great_White_Moose]

Just the right tempo. Perfect amount of funk and groove. It's timeless! Thanks, Bob.

[@dalemcilwain]

🌹🌹🌹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@stephengolden6080]

Went to a party once where the homeowner had all of Mr. James' records. Only evening I spent "spinning," albums all night. Laid down the best groove ever. Every album great, front and back. One of the best and most memorable parties ever. Thank You, Mr. James!👍🙂❤✌

[@MrResearcher122]

My first real love affair with Jazz. Thursday evenings, early 80s, London spring. God rest you, Beverley Ward, who loved this program because her dad lived in Brooklyn.

[@ABSIMPLYFAB]

Always reminds me of my dear departed friend Angela Boone, a true lady, accomplished opera singer and owner of Pennyfeathers resto in Manhattan. She was the spirit of NYC to me. I would hear this song playing in my head as I crossed the bridge. Great tune, great artist, great memories!

[@teacher55oliveros]

I love the drawings of the taxi entering or leaving Manhattan through that emblematic bridge. When Jazz entered popular music. How many memories.

[@cmgraham]

Edgar Oliveros Might be the old Tappan Zee bridge because that’s his label. At least I like to think it is❤️

[@teacher55oliveros]

@@cmgraham Off course , it is Cindy. Thanks.

[@jkllfdsa]

@@cmgraham My thoughts exactly.

[@ruirimas2598]

Had to search up this song after watching s06e05 of rick and morty. Such a great song

[@jimc2971]

Alright, fine, no wrong answers. Since that episode is my morning tune

[@benpedersen7540]

Same!

[@MultiTrev01]

Me heartbreak high

[@filstarove]

Bruh same xD

[@endriojordano671]

Sim😌

[@VINYLandSTUFF]

This reminds me of being a kid in the 80s in Los Angeles

[@jaysonklein6018]

Or those rare times my family drove to Brooklyn in the 80s and early 90s.

[@mariusallen3018]

For me being in Florida in the 80s I'm 80s kids I used to watch taxi every Thursday night

[@jonwedge575]

Me, in Liverpool

[@jennifernichols9468]

Omaha Nebraska

[@ec1628]

I was down the 5 growing up in the OC. A great time to be in Southern California.

[@djxpress5770]

Back when tv theme songs were hit songs played on the radio and one could buy them in a record shop.

[@dilanrauf4363]

Rick and Morty brought me here. Thankful that i didn't spend my life missing out on this masterpiece.

[@PSandurz]

This takes me back to the mid 80s when I used to watch the TV show Taxi, before I even knew who Bob James was. I fell in love with the song way back then.❤

[@denisemarcasciano3285]

I still watch Taxi it brings back so many memories. I put it on when I'm going to sleep and this theme relaxes me and brings me back to simpler times when life was great.

[@seymourscagnetti1413]

"Taxi" first aired in 1978. I was 21 yrs. old. That seems like a lifetime ago. F.Y.I. The Bob James' track: "Touchdown" was the original selection for the "Taxi" theme song.

[@markfaulkner5626]

I’m so happy the producers of Taxi switched to this. I love Touchdown, too, but Angela was more appropriate for the Taxi theme.

[@shanavrouletis1206]

Ok going to pop a Valium and lie on the couch with my turtleneck sweater on now

[@grahambrown1980]

Mother’s little helper, but sooo addictive.

[@texocalistation6049]

I once learned the intro and main theme to this on the Keyboard, I love how at the end of the song it returns to that theme and then resolves to an A minor chord, very appropriately melancholy to capture the feel of the sometimes Sad cab driver who is now heading to bed, but earlier while the guitar solo is playing the feel is that he was Jammin while at work drivin’ around NYC.

[@LaKyMarEntertainment]

Okay, I thought I was the only one who felt like this!

[@agapelove_0073]

A great song that brings back great memories of me watching the show Taxi as a child growing up in NYC.

[@LEE3R0Y]

Just heard this on the newest episode of Rick and Morty and I'm ashamed I hadn't heard this before, it's absolute audio caramel

[@Jaguarblack_lofi]

Your style is one of the reasons I learned piano, sir. Thank you for your talent.

[@STGinc719]

Rick and morty put me on this slappa of a jam

[@septemberquest6393]

Classic..lives on forever.... the great Bob James..

[@craigdavis5407]

R.I.P. Andy Kaufman!!!!🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹❤❤❤💎💎💎

[@MitchellHang]

The animation in this is beautiful!

[@AL110806]

I agree

[@MrTangent]

Animation? That’s a helicopter shot of the Brooklyn Bridge, dude. It’s too high rez for animation. You’re silly.

[@alanrogs3990]

I like how all the cars just pass him because he's chillin. That's a long bridge too

[@spikejones6151]

Happier times.

[@mariaguadalupereyesdelacru3298]

Just the Best 🎉❤

[@sergioporras1128]

Love that guitar solo

[@alonsolopezcastro5576]

Mr. Eric Gale

[@michaelmcmacken5457]

I mean, Rick & Morty was not wrong... Slaptastic. That bass and keyboard though!

[@catfood8863]

Love this... always did! The TVshow was great... the opening music made it timeless! I was born in 73. Used to watch the show when I was a kid. Made to New York years later, that tune in my Head! Thank you Mr. James!

[@RandomUser25122]

Love this tune then, still love it now. So cool, Saturday night jazz in the city sound 🙏🏽

[@DPizzle]

This one of my all time favorite instrumentals,after all.these years it still never gets old,it just soothes me as I ride to it ,brings back memories as a kid

[@trainman1209]

A little bit of Heaven.

[@Musicradio77Network]

Good night, Mr. Walters!

[@secondbestsull7541]

@Xavier Auberon *Paramount Television theme plays*

[@uneedtherapy42]

amazing how one little line conjures up so many memories of simpler and perhaps better times

[@DSMTheEditor]

Hnnnhhnngg...

[@janisseromero-cales7930]

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Like how ???????????

[@networktwentythree]

Hmmmrrhhhrrr...

[@diegosanchez1203]

Lesser known fact: the night Bob James composed this song, he looked smoothly to his right and said "don't worry, god, this will be our little secret"

[@nthierwechter]

This is a masterpiece and is one of my absolute favorite tracks ever. Thank you Mr. James.

[@ShlomoWoods]

Such a lovely, chill song but the nostalgia of it just brings me to a sad place for some reason. Had a happy childhood and am living a good life as an adult, but there's just something devastating about the reality of never, ever being able to go back.

[@charliemack7559]

I agree!🥺

[@Naminski1a]

Rick and Morty brought me here. Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd and James L. Brooks are so pleased for this all-new episode of Rick and Morty. Thanks, [adult swim].

[@larrydavis4019]

Long live Mr. Danny DeVito. He is & always will be my favorite dude on Taxi. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@vargazfaus6816]

All right fine ..... no wrong answers :) LOVE IT

[@bryndendanner4616]

This is severely underrated

[@mahagony74red53]

As so many of us in the comments hearing this meant.."oh crap time for bed" but for me it also reminds me of my momma who loved jazz blues etc etc 💙 💙 she gave me my ears 👂🏽 for music!!🥰🥰

[@orlandeuce6567]

Idris Muhammad A LEGEND IN HIS OWN RIGHT

[@everettrailfan]

Lots of 80s kids here. Man, this is kinda cool. I'm playing this as a big band arrangement on keyboard, and I'm really struggling with the keyboard part. XD

[@jkllfdsa]

How did it turn out?

[@SuperMike1955]

This show premiered in 1978. Still, it’s one of the best series ever to air.

[@ODUBlue]

This is in my DNA. I played my parents' copy of Touchdown often. ❤️❤️

[@DangDaVillage]

“HEY M-(burp)M-MoRTy iTS THE TH(burp)EME FROM TAXI”

[@larrydavis4019]

This is a great video. Very creative. My favorite driver was Jim. Love Christopher Lloyd. He was also 1 of my favorite Klingons. 👍😁👍😁👍😁👍😁

[@Ansem198]

(The first time you fall in love with music)

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

Song reminds me first time I fell in love-it wasnt reciprocated unfortunately!

[@YouWinTheAward]

thank you souls of mischief for introducing me to this gem

[@ginabooker2301]

It was a pleasure to see Bob James perform in Jacksonville Florida jazz festival OMG this little guy with a big. Voice..... a big personality he is phenomenal and a musical genius!!!! his band members especially the young guy from Florida on the drums he is a beast. They were all good to play with Bob James you have to be!!!!!! It seems like he has every note memorized he's a genius I tell you

[@reologan4262]

I'll bet it was epic!!

[@franklinknowles4404]

I remember this show. I never watched it, but I remember the intro. I didn't know it was Bob James who wrote it. When I heard this tune, I was immediately transported back to my childhood.

[@7o7-zoz97]

Back in the 80s, i was in a record store not knowing what to buy but wanted something new and fresh. I had absolutely no idea what i want. Then came a girl who tested several records, all of which sounded amazing. I was too shy to ask, so i waited until she left then asked the cashier and he showed me record vinyls all of which were Bob James albums. I thought to myself, that good huh so i bought one cassette - Sign Of The Times. I had no idea then that Bob James made this track until i saw the credits in the TAXI sitcom. Since then i have bought a few albums. His compositions and technique got better over time. The coolest & hottest tracks i've known not necessarily in chronological order are: Angela, Unicorn, Hypnotique, Snowbird Fantasy, La Delaissado, Calaban, Miranda, Marco Polo, Rosseau, Feel The Fire, Far From Turtle, Max-O-Man, Wish You Are Here, Lotus Leaves, Serenissima, Glass Hearts, Are You Ready, Take Me There and Bisso Baba. I used Calaban to test an audio equipment before i buy them or impress my neighbours. Far From Turtle when i need to de-stress and also to impress my neighbours because it's so crystal clear. Thank you so much Bob James for the good years.

[@KB32000]

this was and is a vibe

[@l.angellove15]

IT'S ALWAYS GREAT TO HEAR THE AMAZING LEGACY AND SO MUCH MORE FROM ANOTHER HISTORICALLY MUSICAL GENIUS AND THIS GENUINE CLASSIC HIT AND ONE I HAVEN'T HEARD IN MANY YEARS AND DECADES BUT SO UNFORGETTABLE WITH ALL THE OTHER FABULOUS EXTRAORDINARY & EXCELLENT HITS HE'S PRODUCED. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR AMAZING GOD-GIVEN GIFT WITH ALL YOUR MUSIC CONNOISSEURS WORLDWIDE.

[@JonRayRunawayVealMusic]

Woke up and just was like what’s that Rhodes mellow theme song from …..what a beautiful tune ….miss the show and those days

[@hasdrubalsosamarquez5430]

Bob James you put a lot of food and soul into people's mouths. Be appreciated my Friend ♥️ We are grateful for you 🤝

[@Coolbardie]

I first heard this track in a restaurant in Noosa, Australia in the 80s and I was hooked. It's the epitome of cool. Have a couple of other Bob James albums, but Touchdown's my favourite. Also love One on One with Earl Klugh. Love your work, Mr James. ❤

[@-onyx2626]

I bought the Earl Klugh album too, I'm 59.

[@Coolbardie]

I'm a bit older than that. Like us, good music just gets better with age. Earl Klugh's a very talented musician, too. Their pairing on One on One is a match made in heaven.

[@kengeorgejones6855]

This is wonderful. Such a soothing song and I never wanted the opening credits to Taxi to end. A 5 minute video with the taxi driving over the bridge is just what was needed. Thanks to whoever made this.

[@-onyx2626]

🎯

[@ChryztinaWonderlandMusick]

How is this song telling me everything is going to be okay...no words needed? Pure magic.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

Sure wish it could be 1981 again.

[@MrEddysetia]

Love it since 1981

[@danielferstendig]

I would play this music in my ford taurus.

[@jerryn.1823]

I am a Chauffeur driving a Limousine for a living and I do know that a Taxi and a Limousine are different, this theme music and the theme music from the movie Driving Miss Daisy, does make me think of my career as a Chauffeur

[@keithguy8507]

And still....one of my all time favorites!

[@MwanzaNaphtalilungu]

Rockford files ,colombo,hill street blues ,taxi ,bareta .70 s and 80s were just magical .life was just great.we had friends ( remember those) today i have only my precious daughters ,my beautiful wonderful wife (way young to know "taxi" but . .wonderful never the less.

[@bigmedge]

It’s better now - you can still watch all those shows , but in HD/4K , & without commercials

[@keptchild]

Every detail is soooo perfect, calm and soothing. This just put a smile on my face, beautiful memories of My Mama, brought us up to good, quality music - transitioned 09.10.2021 ❤❤❤

[@Joel_Cauchi]

So sorry 😢

[@khaipham796]

I came here after saw rick and morty in panda express ep :))) great sound track

[@ZINCOVIX8754]

Pure perfection from the maestro Mr.Bob James..Love the cute video too.Nice retro art style.

[@SuperMike1955]

Reminds me of the best times of my life.😊

[@MrSphereYT]

Rick and morty showing some culture with this gem💎

[@Wearethechamps]

Still listening 1st Jan 2020😄 England UK always loved from first hearing few decades ago and I'm 35 lol.. every part is beautiful Bob thank you x