John Williams Recording NBC Nightly News Beat

John Williams did the theme music for NBC Nightly News Beat many many years back. Recently in 2006 end he recorded it afresh with a 90 piece orchestra at the Sony Studios, Culvert City, CA.

[@gabrielcaron9436]

Does anyone else get chills listening to the music from this brilliant man?

[@dianalee3059]

Raising my hand!

[@pamtebelman2321]

ME!

[@psalm37v4]

Absolutely. I haven’t heard it in a few years and listening to it now brings back those chills.

[@TheStabbyMedic]

Yes!!! He is absolutely brilliant!!

[@Nrvous68]

🙋🏻...and tears of pure emotion. That ought to be researched.

[@allenjones3130]

One of the greatest TV theme songs ever written!

[@emeraldfae8]

John Williams' compositions always make me feel like the best years of my life are ahead of me. Like the possibilites are endless....I'm such a geek.

[@gabrielcaron9436]

You are no geek. Beautiful statement

[@Camop-iz9kt]

This room is the former MGM recording studio, where all of the glorious MGM musical scores were recorded. It's never been altered, other than the technology. If those walls could talk.

[@jimstokes6742]

OH WOW! Thanks for the info!

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

John Williams could make a ringtone epic.

[@nyyterp]

One of my favorite Williams pieces. I've had the pleasure of actually hearing this performed lived at several Williams conducted concerts. He would usually perform it as an encore. One of Williams' favorite running jokes was to apologize to the audience that the show was running late, and that they missed the news. He would then introduce the piece (without giving away the name) by saying he hoped this would fill in the gap for them. It usually brought in big cheers and laughter of approval.

[@alexkije]

Brings tear of joy to my eyes! HEY!

[@Gail1Marie]

My husband and I watched John Williams conduct the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl years ago. In an audience of 40,000, I'd say at least 30 percent (maybe more) had light sabers. Every time they played anything from a Star Wars movie, all the light sabers came out. The sight of thousands of light sabers waving in the darkness was an experience! I'm so glad we had the chance to see him conduct live.

[@harroldroberts8137]

Epic😂Bravissimo👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@440864]

Who knew that something like a throw-away tv news theme could be so staggeringly heroic. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Maestro John Williams.

[@sfperalta]

Only John Williams could elevate the nightly news to an emotional journey! Good stuff!!

[@panchothemonkey]

Brilliant. John Williams - a modern day Beethoven.

[@alexkije]

competent craftsman with one main theme and variations. NO Beethoven!.

[@DavidMcCoul]

Amen!

[@alexkije]

@David Harrell more or less

[@alexkije]

Not the same genre of music as Ludwig Van though. JW is in a category all his own!

[@nickepic1863]

He is John Williams don't compare him with anyone. This is why you guys will never accomplish great things because you constantly compare yourself with everyone, no originality in today people

[@tavisferguson808]

Ok, so I know that there are people who are not that fond of the media, or NBC. But regardless of our opinions, can we at least agree that this is a beautifully composed piece of music?

[@alexkije]

yer ding danged right. Romanticism in music.

[@alexkije]

News is all controlled by demonic liberals. This music was Heaven-Sent!

[@jimstokes6742]

Outstanding. Brings tears. ET the movie theme sounding. It s o a r s!!!

[@brucekuehn4031]

It makes you really believe that what they are about to report is true and very important.

[@bikeguyhd1035]

Yes!! I grew up with Nightly on the tv during dinner as we ate as a family. I always liked the opening and closing score. Still do.

[@eldermcnamara3631]

Probably only reason why I still watch NBC nighly news is because of this beautiful theme … There is something about hearing it every night closing and seeing the skyline of New York after each broadcast and this music plays … Very beautiful

[@retrofan81]

Only one of the best instrumental movements of all time by the one and only John Williams! Hearing the full version is enough to give on Goosebumps!

[@ClassicalTheist]

This is WAY too epic for the news.

[@ATARIMAN]

News can be pretty epic.

[@ShonTolliverMusic]

I would have paid my last dollar to be in that room.

[@mrExcellent101]

Me Too. Epic music from John Williams.

[@asadfalconsfan1851]

Same

[@MrBowtie1982]

I would have spent your last dollar to have been in that same room also.

[@BlackMambaFox]

I'll add my last dollar to that pool as well!

[@jimstokes6742]

Me2, bro.

[@jimScienceNerd]

I heard the NBC theme tonight -- during the news -- and it just 'sounded' like JW. And here I have confirmation that, once again, the genius of music wrote that piece too. Thank you John Williams for decades of wonderful music.

[@armstronglance]

Incredible arrangement! Mr William's scores has always been among my favorites.

[@sierratrilogy]

I remember when I was a young kid, probably in 87 or 88, watching the clock on Fridays to time the end of the show, just to hear the extended theme. When I was a bit older, and before the advent of digital media, I went to 5 music stores in my town, looking for this particular tune. I finally found a guy in one of the stores who took pity on me and helped me order a John William's CD of him conducting the Boston Pops, which had this on it. And here it is, over 30 years later, and I still get goosebumps at about a minute in, and am reduced to tears by the end of it.

[@baylinkdashyt]

Someone has since posted the entire 4-movement, 8.5 minute suite elsewhere on YT...

[@thegoodgeneral]

I bet you we’d be friends in real life.

[@Nrvous68]

I got you!... I'm glad that I'm not alone with the "being in tears" thing. It happens to me with just about everything from John Williams.

[@franklesher4459]

Fantastic. I heard the entire works of John Williams, but i never believe he made this iconic anthem. My respects.

[@TheMidknightryder13]

Just FYI, when "The Mission" debuted as the then-new theme for NBC News, they were number 1.

[@polkmusic]

Such a classic theme. Just love this.

[@mudhens2]

Just close you eyes and let this Master take you to so many places just from his music. Amazing

[@APK1NEWS]

Brings a tear to my eye to know how wonderful a network can represent a nation

[@alexkije]

RAYNOS APKNEWS You are full of bullshit.

[@legendarygames1855]

MURRICCA

[@alexkije]

This is for the sheeple: a highly spirited anthem. Broadcast news is just headlines and bullshit for people too stupid or lazy to READ.

[@bowl1or2]

Yeah... wonderful...

[@alexkije]

This is his greatest composition, in my opinion.

[@kingblax6779]

Music make me feel like I can fly

[@donaldthomason4588]

You know it's good when it gives you chills, well done!

[@theotherview1716]

It’s all white folks so NO I’m not interested in promoting this. ZERO diversity

[@tctyt]

@@theotherview1716 just because all of them are white, you wouldn't accept it? You just witnessed peak of 2007. And your argument is bullshit and invalid, clown. 😂

[@fookthefrench]

Must be very rewarding for the composer to hear the individual instruments come together for the first time!

[@armstronglance]

It's so amazing John Williams wrote these amazing pieces on paper, without the use of software tools like LA Studio Strings that the modern composers are use to.

[@ScoopNemeth]

No electronically-produced synthesized bullshit here. This is the REAL, GOOD SHIT!!

[@oscarmike1131]

armstronglance you know how you compose doesn’t matter right? Paper or computer shouldn’t matter

[@mshara1]

NBC presents the Evening News.. now with dinosaurs, space-ships and the holy-grail.

[@ThePoreproductions]

And witches and wizards.

[@Youngstown529]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded.

[@TarrVlogs]

Look at all the work they do for the best bit of news music in America! I envy you John Williams!

[@armstronglance]

Thankyou MSNBC for this re-recording and video of the Nightly News theme! It's actually my favorite John Williams theme.

[@alexkije]

Mine2. Around 2 minutes it is like ET but a better tune!

[@alexkije]

@David Harrell Lydia, the tattooed lady.

[@AkiraChan24]

I had no idea this was John Williams! Wow, that's really cool that such a big name is behind the Nightly News theme. No wonder it's so beautiful.

[@ScubaSteveM45]

I always wondered how NBC's news intros were on point, now I know why

[@LFD254]

anyone notice that the whole time this is playing that the markets indicators were up? Guess Wall Street likes good music!

[@irish89055]

You never hear more than 15 seconds of it now.Back then you could hear maybe almost a minute on Fridays showing the full credits

[@dianalee3059]

It must b so gratifying to hear one’s “spots on the paper” as I’ve heard Williams call her s call his compositions brought to magnificent life by 100 musicians

[@Hairmetallurgist]

Why is this piece so powerful, to me?

[@JerryT21]

The melody and the harmony is perfect

[@robinkulbay]

Because it’s John Williams. You know why.

[@pgcstudios]

Incredible. For years I thought the Nightly News theme sounded like a John Williams piece. Today I finally looked it up and I was right. Amazing as always Mr. Williams.

[@oneoctavelow]

A monument carved in music.

[@mmmbad]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. It gives me chills every time I hear it! Thanks for posting!

[@laurenceadams3372]

It's like a journey of adventure, intrigue, enlightenment and resolution. Thank you.

[@MsMimi49]

john Williams is brilliant!!! all his music is unbelievable!!!!!!!!i loved every score he has ever put out!!!!! love you john!!!!!!!

[@thestampium3295]

2023 who’s still listening

[@twoot63]

I love Dr. John Williams. The man is brilliant, iconic, and legendary. Period.🥰

[@Nrvous68]

🙋🏽

[@chrisaguilera1564]

I literally would watch NBC Nightly News just for this.

[@neptune8thplanet]

When i grow up I would probably work at NBC Nightly News OK I Am not a Operating System

[@thompastor6930]

This is America's best ! For 30 years I was an officer of the American Federation of Musicians. When contract negotiations got tough, I would come home and play this ! These are the studio players of motion pictures we all love and cherish

[@mendesnelson]

This is dramatic music at its best! Wow, gave me goosebumps the whole way through! Beautiful!!!!!!

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

I'm Benjamin Hahn , for NBC News. From Los Angeles. "Goodnight - Goodluck, and be well"

[@ZeroCool_Numbers]

how can one person be so gifted? john williams never ceases to amaze me

[@richdabucs2003]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!! Ever single time I listen to this it always sounds great!!!!!!

[@theotherview1716]

When was the music written?

[@heathbreaux875]

reminds me so much of just being in the living room and winding down for the evening. all that talent coming together for this tune. love it

[@charliebaker5701]

This theme makes me think of NYC

[@CipherRhodeShow]

This has been NBC Nightly News. Thank you for watching... Good night.

[@raspberrian]

I grew up with this theme on the news everynight. I am glad it's on youtube to share. This theme is dramatic and amazing.

[@Soteb1]

Probably the most amazing piece of work I've heard, by probably the best movie composer I know. What an amazing talent to have - being able to compose music that goes along with a film so perfectly, as if the music was written first and then the movie came! I absolutely LOVE whatever this guy does, truly an inspiration for us as young composers. Thank you John.

[@SilasGupta]

Can't describe my feelings if I'm listening to that. John is one of worlds greatest living composers. A master! Thanks for you music, Johnny!

[@adriande1]

Goddamit, Johnny Williams, you never cease to amaze me, I've grown up with your music.

[@akindy]

If they opened the news like that every time, with the announcers only being shown right then... I'd probably cry a little every time. That's freaking epic!!

[@psalm37v4]

It is so interesting to see and hear these news themes. Thank you for posting!

[@alanlinda]

John Williams is, no doubt, the greatest composer of music alive today. This is truly a beautiful piece!

[@srd767]

There's nobody better at scoring music than John Williams

[@asadfalconsfan1851]

Now this is music. I'd literally do anything just to be in that room!

[@non-wx8qm]

Very monumental, American, and lofty. I don't feel bound by gravity after listening to this piece.

[@marcojimenez9366]

Fun fact, just in case people don’t know who John Williams is he is the person that created the theme song for Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones even created the theme song of NBC for that’s what the song you’re hearing right now he even created some of the song for the Olympics during the the 1900s and he even created some of the songs for the NFL, so John Williams is a really good music producer. He is 91 years old now and he is about to almost win an Oscar. He really deserves this. I really hope he gets it.

[@PoetryMan11]

I love the brass choirs especially at the 3:05 -3:16 mark as well as the final flourish--brings a tear to my eyes! It's one thing to write a catchy tune, quite another to figure out its orchestration and arrangement. Bravo!

[@pamtebelman2321]

Such an exciting and gorgeous piece! This man doesn't age!

[@gallai1]

john even makes the news sound EPIC.....fantastic!

[@nickrod9526]

Very lovely!!

[@pamtebelman2321]

Wow, I never get tired of listening to this!

[@RosyAfterglow]

I first "heard" the NBC Nightly News theme music every night in the days before the Space Shuttle Challenger due to take off. So hopeful and so exciting. Then it also played the night when President Reagan addressed us all after the tragedy saying "We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of Earth' to 'touch the face of God." It will forever wring my heart but thanks for posting it.

[@PatrickWoo]

so beautifully moving, the motif is always evolving, seamlessly moving from one form to the next.

[@rileykernaghan]

This is one of my favourite pieces of music. Always brightens me up ! Fantastic!

[@ziggyless]

this has been my go to video to feel at peace for a long time now. thanks for posting it! the 8 dislikes probably don't like baby puppies either.

[@TheStabbyMedic]

He is so amazing. I love this so much!

[@16JohnBonham]

this is amazing!! John never ceases to amaze me! Hes brilliant!

[@AustinDaStarWarsGeek]

I like how when he's finished, after the stinger he puts his baton away like a lightsaber.

[@Dra741]

A masterpiece that cannot be ignored for the history of mankind if you hear the song you are inspired by

[@BettieJ2222]

John Williams Is known for all the top achiving movies from star trek to star wars...i will always be a fan

[@pamtebelman2321]

Gorgeous! Thank you so much!

[@joeemti17]

It is an unbelievable experience if you ever get the chance. He often does shows in Western Massachusetts with the pops during the summer months when the outdoor seating is open and it is quite the experience.

[@natn310]

When i hear his music, I feel like i need to walk into the nearest woods and have a little adventure.

[@pamtebelman2321]

by far his greatest composition! The complex, intriguingly close harmonies are wonderful!

[@user-ic4is1ew6r]

Anyone else going to see him at the Hollywood Bowl this September (2021)?? I'm making the trip from MN just to see him! 💓💗🤗

[@roberttang225]

I was very fortunate to listen to Mr John Williams conducting Philadelphia Orchestra ( Mann Center) playing this piece of music in the summer of 2003. What a great treasure he is!

[@Crzycomic]

Musical genius! John Williams... such a talented compose one fo teh greatest of our time. Star Wars. Indiana Jones, Just to name a few. Hes been the biggest in movies and the best in the industry. Also a fun guy when u meet him. Very funny. The great, and wonderful...John Williams.

[@mscupcakedreamson36]

This takes me back to middle school. I just love it!!

[@heterosectional]

Good old John Williams motif. Tears me up. Such romantic/heroic music. Quite similar in structure to ET.

[@4444peter]

John Williams wrote et too With the addition of our In-laws we have come to feel packed in like sardines. Every spare nook, cranny, corner, hallway, landing, ledge and closet is lined with STUFF! Our house is splitting at the seamsJ

[@toastietube]

I'd watch NBC Nightly News growing up just for the rare case when they'd close with long credits that could accommodate 30-90 seconds of the theme. The tech unions must have had something in their contracts that allowed them to be credited every few weeks.

[@jianmei2083]

It's a very beautiful music. Thanks! I listen to it every day. Today I know the author is Mr. John Williams.

[@Ladybug025]

Beautiful

[@JimRockford853]

I think it was showing the transition b/t Brokaw and Wiliams and the intregrity of NBC that it wouldn't change.

[@shaneharrisnj3484]

Seven in Australia and NBC... Man they did some great stuff together like sharing Fall promo themes and the 1987 Sunday Night at the movies intro, but this... this was the best thing.

[@perrogaruao]

@SevenFootPelican very well said my friend. My english is poor, but the idea is exactly the same .... so comforting ... anything he composes is great ... what a gift right ??

[@brucehehl9941]

C trumpets bastard of the brass section! John is incredibly in ever aspest! His scores are visual and filled with passion..

[@joehughes3413]

i loved this theme song for NBC news

[@c3dmf4s]

Amazing talent. 👏

[@mmmbad]

One of the most moving pieces of music I've ever heard. The only good part of the news in the evening was getting to hear this song! Thanks for posting!

[@hifimidi]

3:30 - "I was there."

[@neptune8thplanet]

are u Tom Brokaw

[@porkyfry]

I love being able to hear E.T., a glimmer of Star Wars' fanfare in the brass, and some olympic themes. Pretty cool.

[@JerryT21]

Very beautiful competitionl brilliant!!!

[@annamcuthbert3993]

Very tuneful for a news programme , i like it

[@rjmcallister1888]

One of four major themes, plus several additional arrangements, Williams and his 99-member, hand-picked orchestra first recorded in 1985. This 2004 re-recording takes advantage of digital technology improvements. The Sony Studios' scoring stage was, originally, the MGM Studios recording stage in Culver City. Needless to say, a mini-symphony of its own, recorded in an historic room.

[@tubabacon]

finally somebody that at least knows the difference between classical, romantic, baroque, etc. my faith in humanity has been restored!