QUEST 16 The Incredible Music of Hoyt Curtin

[@allwinds3786]

Jonny Quest is one of the reasons I took up the trumpet in '70, seeing Jonny Quest was the highlight of my week when it first ran on Saturday morning

[@donowens7872]

I took up trumpet too in the 70s and the JQ composition rules! I watched JQ in the 1960s. It first aired on Friday nights and The Flintstones were on Thursday nights on ABC. They switched nights and I really enjoyed The Flintstones, but JQ was MUST WATCH!!!

[@maxauburn]

Hoyt Curtin's music is brilliant, and is part of what I love about this show.

[@1mespud]

Thank you HOYT CURTAIN for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift, talent and for composing and arranging the soundtrack of our babyboom lives.

[@tanyahamilton6761]

Sir Hoyt Curtin...WE SALUTE YOU!! You gave me and so many other kids a happy childhood with your musical genius. The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Johnny Quest....need I go on? Chime in if you will.

[@wolf101002]

So that is why I love the early Jonny Quest.

[@topkatspride]

👑 Thank-you for sharing your immense talent; Mr. Hoyt Curtin... You are greatly missed and much needed. Salute! 👑

[@offroad77]

Thank you for bringing the musical genious of Hoyt Curtin to light. He really wrote some incredible sound tracks to the Hanna Barbera cartoons of the 60's. His music really set the mood for all of the adventure in these cartoons. Hoyt ignored conventional (meaning boring) musical norms and really stepped out to compose some really fantastic music. If only there was a way to get his musical compositions on CD.

[@VictorianMaid99]

14 years ago this post was made and it still is true !

[@alicel3992]

I'm in my sixties and still love JQ, Space Ghost, Herculoids. Outgrew the others. Thanks for the happy run, walk, jump down memory lane 🤩😁🤩

[@loudandfastisbest]

Thanks for putting this out there Jetsons and Jonny Quest wonderful

[@Agg1E91]

Honestly, the "roughness" of the trombones adds an endearing quality to the performance. As an amateur musician myself (trumpet and french horn in HS), I can hear that it's not precise, but given the "rough and tumble" sound of the piece overall, a bunch of spot on trombones would not have hit the same way. I always thought the light trombone "mushiness" represented some sort of wild hand to hand combat where people are rolling around in dirt, throwing things, smashing into things...real Jackie Chan type stuff. Musically, it sounds like all of the instruments are having to really work to keep up with it all. The perfect approach and sound.

[@richardteasdale8014]

Right on! Curtin was one of the all time best composers of original American music. Imagine Johnny Quest, the Flintstones, or the Jetsons with the trite, campy music used in some cartoons. When you've outgrown the Hanna Barbara cartoons, Curtin's themes stay with you forever. Fantastic stuff, and such a wonderful snapshot of top notch '60s jazz!

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

To me, the great injustice of 60's technology was that Hoyt Curtin couldn't have those same musicians record all those great musical cues in stereo! Since TV sets were fitted with monoraul speakers, there didn't seem to be a need for expensive stereo equipment. Just imagine if those studio musicians had recorded a stereo album of JONNY QUEST!

[@Agg1E91]

The cool thing is that we have the score and the historical performance references. There is no reason why equally talented musicians and arrangers couldn't work that out today and record the result.

[@paulreynolds8245]

Stereo!!!! You make my mouth water. Would love to play. Give me 3rd and bass trombone!

[@countryhoney28]

Who needs 5 hr. Energy? Jusy listen to this, it'll get you energized.

[@lamonthamilton667]

MY MAN !!! Hear hear... And as a Special added Bonus The World of Super Adventure sound track! Who got Tang or Bosco???

[@mustafajackson9430]

We who grew up with your music salute you Mr. Curtin. In the words of Bob Hope, Thanks for the memories.

[@markrushing8511]

During Hanna-Barbera's Adventure Cartoon series, he produced music that was totally epic! Unforgettable!!

[@budgarner3522]

Spot on with the tribute to Hoyt Curtin. HB could not have reached their heights without his music. As a tween and beyond I looked forward to hearing the open and close to JQ!

[@DavidSmith-xs3or]

It's no coincidence that a show like Jonny Quest with its high-tech, undercover spy feel came out during the original James Bond era...the mid 60s. I wish I could go back to that time.

[@Agg1E91]

Him and Jerry Goldsmith elevated their respective 60's TV shows to another level. Just through the score. They filled in gaps for the viewer and made it easier to become emotionally invested in what they were watching.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

no one's ever topped the Jetsons' theme, we analysed it at Berklee when I was a student there.

[@michaelsalazar1665]

Such a shame that Jonny Quest was only one season! Great show and great music!

[@martysykes3221]

Greatest cartoon ever, hands down.

[@OpinionsAnimationStudios]

The "Jonny Quest" signature tune & underscores by Curtin rivals *anything* that Lalo Schifrin ever did for telly & film, m8's! And "J.Q." is my ALL-TIME UBER-MEGA-ULTRA RAVE-FAVE toon & music! Thanx fer this retrospective vignette...

[@ToniM10]

Omg... A musical Brilliant GENIUS!!!... ✌😎❤🇺🇸👍👍

[@jeffstowe4860]

So ahead of his time!

[@4JBrewer]

The estate of Hoyt Curtin needs awarded a special Emmy Award in the category "Music Direction" for "Body of Work".

[@4JBrewer]

- to be awarded -

[@abaneyone]

Absolutely the best! Extremely under rated!

[@mwp62]

Oh yeah, and The Jetsons - Incredible!

[@GaryMCurran]

Excellent video. I grew up listening to his music in those cartoons, but it wasn't until today that I am beginning to have a glimmer of understanding about what went into them. I'm going to have to go back and relisten to those theme songs to hear Mr. Curtin's genius.

[@elderrondyfleming6162]

Jonny Quest was my BEST childhood cartoon of all. Great action. Lots of interesting locations. Bad bad guys and One Eyed monsters, oh yeah! But, it was that intro music that brought me back every Saturday morning!

[@averyj8924]

Johnny Quest was the first great action cartoons. The stories and music were great as the best animae cartoons to come decades later.

[@markschildberg1667]

Up until Hoyt Curtin, cartoon music derived mainly from the symphony orchestra. Hoyt shifted it to the jazz band and gave animation a whole new sound.

[@hobodivine]

"Jack-hammer brass" That's the perfect expression! Thanks for posting!

[@steverudder3321]

"That Big Brassy sound" totally reminds me of H.S. marching band competition performances out there on the football fields back in the 70s. But these guys were MUCH better!😁👍

[@WittyUserName00]

Great tribute. Thanks for posting this. As a kid who loved music and never missed an episode of Johnny Quest, I always wondered about the musicians who wrote and performed all the great cartoon theme songs. Nice to finally hear the back story of such a talented musician as Mr. Curtin.

[@Scrabo]

This was a tremendous presentation!! Thank you! Hoyt Curtin is one on my heroes!

[@oliverortiz5226]

He was a very important part of what made Hanna-Barbera so special.

[@Normantnt]

Thank you for this tribute to Hoyt Curtin. Truly a great composer and all around musician. I would have loved to be in the studio when they originally recorded the theme to Jonny Quest! Such great players.

[@TMS5100]

such a fantastic composer. his theme for battle of the planets is one of my favorites ever.

[@alandhopewell]

If I ever had the chance to conduct musicians in a piece, this would be it!

[@pepperwilliams4428]

I've always loved HC. He was ahead of his time!!!

[@davidbruck4372]

Musical gifts from another planet. Brought those cartoons to life. I think he got better and better as he progressed

[@mikam2646]

Man, you told everything. I only wish to add this: once upon a time, when great men gathered to do great things.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Thanks so much for this upload...I grew up with all these shows and I hope those PHAT horn sounds are what formed the foundations for my love of music especially swing style Jazz...I could listen endlessly to those tasty horn riffs! :) Being a musician for many decades, I have stolen, er, I mean borrowed those upbeat tempos many times....:)

[@MsSteveman]

4:25...... ahhh turu turu how u scared the crap out of me as a kid! What a great mini doc ty ty for this

[@bisnagaboy]

THANKS So MUCH FOR THIS! Hoyt Curtin is one of my all time faves and his music really made Saturday mornings rock and keep me going to this day!

[@jeffreylocke8808]

Hoyt Curtin’s musical creativity just makes Johnny Quest the best cartoon series. Jazz is a just wing it style of music.

[@kdkatz-ef2us]

The prototype of jazz/rock fusion. The music from Space Ghost is great too

[@elizabethjordan5755]

Also the Herculoids and Dino Boy.

[@stxrynn]

Well, now I know why I loved all those cartoons. His jazz was and is a treat. Amazing man.

[@godbluffvdgg]

I've heard decades of Jazz, That sound Hoyt created was never copied; Imitated a bit, but; Listening to almost hours the cue's video on here; many times, It's staggering...I love the Top Cat opening too...Being a child of the sixties, I feel lucky to have experienced it first hand...I said thanks to you for the upload 6 years ago and thanks again..:)...,

[@cemott3rd]

As an avid fan since my first memories as a small child in the early-mid Sixties watching cartoons, it is nice to see someone honor this amazing composer and unsung hero of the later part of the big band, super cool jazz era. I couldn't have put my appreciation into words any better than you did... THANX!

[@paulbalogh4582]

The Bernard Herman of animation. This guy was fantastic. There should be touring bands playing this music.

[@rmo52]

Food for thought. Road band doing a Hoyt tribute.

[@aramboodakian9554]

Whenever I’m jogging up a a hill and need an extra burst of energy I hum under my breath the J. Quest theme music. I’ve been doing this for years. It always gets me going at full effort!

[@henguim7296]

My half sister is the great grand daughter of him, this was cool to see.

[@jmm1000]

your editing on this is friggin great. I just dont trust anyone who SMILES all the time!%

[@agustincardenas4549]

Thanks so much for this Video I grew up with all these music shows but never stop to know the gene back the magics sounds, was be the base for my love of music Jazz band.After these wonderfull times 1970, All music have a change and the world loss the magical formule. Hoyt S Curtin must be remember for ever with here name in hard.

[@JetScreamer24]

Such great music. I don't think anyone could create this kind of music again. Musical arraignment and recording of this type is lost.

[@DavidSmith-xs3or]

This is SO COOL!

[@cornucopiaofcool2144]

"Winging It" was very apropos for the JQ theme and soundtrack. Swingin' jazz with the freshness of improvisation. West Coast feel, very cool.

[@wanderingwade8877]

What a great documentary! I love Hoyt Curtin's music. I grew up on it. It's burned into my brain.

[@kayejeyeracer]

I always wanted to know who was behind the absolute GENIUS of the JQ, Flintstones, Jetsons and Justice League (1970's) music. Now my questions have been answered..The Riffs in the Brass were just mind numbing..Absolute Prolific composer and producer of that time and BEYOND! Thank you so much 4 posting..Play on H.C. Heaven's Gain..

[@mwp62]

Thank you for posting this, his music was a great compliment to Quest, plus it's fun jazz.

[@michaelwallbrown3726]

the absolute best soundtrack of any TV show in the history of the last 70 years

[@michaelgallegos5752]

An EXCELLENT job covering this man's talent! An the various cartoon shows he wrote for , we as kids were certainly blessed for that music! Definitely a part of a happier time in my youth. Thank-you for bringing him out of the shadows. All due respect to H.B.!

[@moeskido]

Thank you for this, and for the music!

[@MichaelSavidgeStoryteller]

Truly a television legend! Thank you thank you THANK YOU for sharing information on the man behind 60's animated music =]

[@jmm1000]

WHAT a killer amazing tribute this is - Hoyt is smiling in that big booth in the sky at the love youve shown here!!- sharing this with all my facebook muse-pals here in Connecticut immed - thanks Chris!

[@jamrobarm]

What a treat! Thank you so much. Between the JQ themesong and the Jetson's riffs, incredible!

[@delavalmilker]

This is absolutely wonderful! As both a Johnny Quest fan, and an interest in movie and TV music, I really appreciate videos like this. VERY well done!

[@samrichmond9709]

Great piece on his history and music. I have always enjoyed his music!!

[@dinomarshall4593]

After researching and learning the composer of one my favorite shows...Hoyt Curtin name should Be along with Johnny's theme from the rooftops.

[@tonywallacess45]

If the best background music is for NFL films this is the second best. The BEST tv theme ever.

[@salvadorzulueta5901]

Thank you for this post. A great part of my memory of Johnny Quest was my constant anticipation for each episode to hear that exciting intro music , the ending music. The background score added so much to the action.

[@alexadair5871]

He was a genious and one for the ages. Love his work.

[@lookn0ver]

My search from the QT Hush theme led me here...by far the coolest keyboard piece ever.WOW ~ i hit the jackpot what a treat to learn about Hoyt Curtin was my influence.

[@canon6]

Amazing work bro. Hoyt Curtin is a genius.

[@johnhintz4760]

Hoyt and The Wrecking Crew..The Jonny Quest intro was Mr Curtin's Master Opus.The Composition Was Mind blowing!..

[@rmo52]

Not so much The Wrecking Crew sir. Mostly the top call LA readers and of course a big band setting. Bud Brisbois on lead trumpet, Milt Bernhardt on 1st trombone, etc. Hoyt was indeed a genius

[@ajn465]

Mostly ex- Stan Kenton sidemen.. warriors.

[@rmo52]

Yes many former Kentonites. Fearless.

[@assignmentearth2899]

That's one of the coolest things I've come across in a while. Thanks for posting that, whoever you are.

[@annettepiff9759]

You are amazing, Chris! Thank you very much! You have done much research and I am truly grateful. I grew up with the HB and other cartoons, during the 1960s. I am learning a great deal from you. I appreciate all the work you have poured into this passion - it has to be a passion for anyone to cover this material so successfully! I am nostalgic and curious, so this series you have created is "right up my alley".

[@RodneyWallaceDynamoC]

Definitely checking the documentar, thanks for sharing

[@georgiageollc731]

Brilliant analysis, even more brilliant music

[@OrdinaryG33K-SF]

His music for Battle of the Planets is nothing short of amazing. SO good! I listen to it now just to listen to it! I don't have to be watching the show! I marvel at his skills!

[@JoePina0]

Incredible music I grew up with as a kid. I wished I had a chance to play one of those crazy trombone riffs.

[@roberthejl8788]

Love the drums when their in the boat chase

[@OdeeOz]

0:46 Hoyt's music for that escape scene in _The Lizardmen_ episode hooked me on the show when it first aired way back in 1964. Been trying to find an extended cut, or even the original score for years now. Thank you very much, for this marvelous insight behind the scenes, of a period in my life I hold dear.

[@nordattack]

I grew up watching these cartoons and listening to the genius of Hoyt. His music is a part of me and even now when I listen to the Johnny Quest theme, I get chills.

[@galt57]

I once saw a clip on PBS of a full orchestra performing the JQ theme but have not been able to find a full orchestra recording online.

[@jamesbryce4079]

I used much of his quest music parts in a video I made - action doom assassin theme. Perfect. What a composer he was. Jonny Quest themes were often based on reality but I didn't know it when I was a child. Love the trombones! And trumpets too! And flutes! Hell - ALL of it!

[@jordanrazowskymusician8178]

Love this. Thanks for sharing.

[@DwayneETowns]

The music of Hoyt Curtin made the show Jonny Quest, that much more exciting and thrilling, and he wrote The Flintstones, and the Jetsons theme music? wow!...

[@IntrepidDJ]

I just watched disc 2 of my season 4 flintstones dvd set and it includes a bonus featurette on mr. curtin. He is AMAZING. Thanks for posting!

[@Agg1E91]

Wow! I had no idea Curtin created so many iconic tv scores. I just knew about Jonny Quest.

[@fredfungalspore]

Where have all the great theme music composers gone. The likes Alan Silvestri who composed the Avegers Lalo Schifrin Bullit and Michel Legrand,Ice Station Zebra and Henry Mancini and Gary Chang Dead Bang and Eric Gross'theme from sea spray and Hoyte Curtain .Jonny Quest ......Believe me these guys were a head of there time 4 sure

[@darrenbennett1053]

Loved this cartoon and especially the music 🎶:)

[@525Lines]

The Hoyt Curtain stuff is so good. Little Hoagy Carmichael in there. No wonder he was in a Flintstones episode.

[@actionsub]

+525Lines I did find it interesting they identified Curtin and Alan Reed, but not Hoagy.

[@525Lines]

Mike Stidham I meant some of it was reminiscent of Hoagy Charmichael, not that he was involved in the shows.

[@actionsub]

+525Lines At about the 2:33 mark, there's a pic of Hoagy with the other two. That's what I thought you were talking about.

[@paulnz0]

Thank you! Echoing other requests for your documentary, which is no longer available on Rapidshare.

[@LachlanMadsen]

Thank you for this insight. I love the theme music from HB particularly The Jetsons.

[@AljoniMusiCo]

Bravo!!

[@JoePina0]

I love the idea that he wrote the impossible trombone parts as a dare and revenge against those players. Great music!

[@11281962]

I gotta join the crowd, I love Hoyt's music! My Dad and I loved watching all the 60's Hanna Barbera cartoons because of that unforgettable music! We still do! Long live Hoyt!

[@mustafajackson9430]

Thanks for sharing.

[@hknapp-hj2sn]

Timeless powerful music - absolutely joyful.