Match Game 1973-1982 theme music

This is the theme music to the 1973-1982 CBS and syndicated versions of the Goodson-Todman U.S. game show "Match Game", hosted by Gene Rayburn. Heard here is the on-air edit of the theme, by Score Productions.

[@DBR00]

This is Jonny Olson speaking for Match Game, A Mark Goodson, Bill Toddman Production. Due to a technical error, a portion not affecting the outcome of the game was recreated for broadcast. Stay tuned for Tattletales on most CBS stations.

[@MrJamieMurph4141969]

I remember Gene Rayburn was actually a contestant on Tattletales once.

[@offxbyxone]

Gene Rayburn's sense of 70's fashion and style is absolutely spot on! It is equaled by no one and exceeded only by Mr. Richard Dawson! Both true gentlemen in every sense of the word!

[@jerrypaugh3268]

I agree with you my good friend Both of really had style for the 70s and it's think about it. Your statement bring to good point.

[@timothy4545]

Gene Rayburn was a very nice guy and signed me an autograph picture, I still have it, for 31 years.

[@luckyguy8547]

how sweet!

[@kennethhuang371]

Gene Rayburn, Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Richard Dawson… they really made Match Game a big hit for CBS. BUZZR network continues to play this game in the afternoon. God bless all of you. Kenneth A Huang 9/18/2022

[@Kinoakim]

I was not born until 1982 (the year Match Game ended) but watching it now I can get a little taste of the decades I missed.

[@shaywhite172]

This is Johnny Olson speaking for The Match Game 7x/PM A Mark Goodson & Bill Todman Television Productions,Now stay tuned for Tattletales coming up next on most of these CBS stations,this program has been edited for broadcast.

[@drewconway4362]

When Johnny Olson signed off for Match Games 74,75 and 76 it was This is Johnny Olson speaking for Match Game 75 A Mark Goodson Bill Todman Production. Please stay tuned for Tattletales next over most of these CBS stations. In 1978 it was Johnny Olson speaking for Match Game 78 A Mark Goodson Bill Todman Production. This program has been edited for broadcast

[@paullarue2010]

Yeah, from 1978 to 1982.

[@a.b.sproductionsllc]

Studio AGF Johnny Olson said “Stay Tuned for “Secret Storm” over most of these CBS stations .” From July ‘73 until February ‘74 when the soap was canceled.

[@georgemaster689]

Great slideshow!

[@sgtnull]

one of the greatest theme songs to one of the greatest game shows ever. thank you to Gene, Charles, Richard, Brett and all the fabulous stars for hours of entertainment. I started watching the show because my dad loved it. I always think of him when watching it. (rip dad) my wife bought me the box set.

[@wesbjack]

STILL love this synthesized theme! I was a contestant in '76 and have NO tape to prove it...but all these dead people gave me an autograph: Gene, Charles, Brett, and even Fannie ( a big old lezzie who is very much alive, at this writing anyway..). The orange shag carpet was dirty, by the way.......Wes J. in NC

[@gladfan1989]

Did you remember how you did on the show?

[@koalafications8182]

Hope you’re alive and well in these hard times, you commented this 13 years ago! Happy Halloween!!

[@christopherlucas4620]

Wow! I know this is 13 years old, but are you still around? I have questions!

[@MitchellHang]

Were you on the daytime or nighttime syndicated version (known as Match Game PM)?

[@sherryhannah498]

wesbjack wow!!!!!!...did you have fun on Match Game '76???????....I didn't know Fannie Flagg is a lesbian....I hope you will reply to this-

[@DeLaDank]

Bring back the freakin 70's!!

[@luckyguy8547]

(didn’t even live in ‘em but) RIGHT?

[@petesayek2061]

The Match Game did more for the wah-wah pedal than any other song in history! :D

[@almattei88]

I wonder who the guitar player was!

[@HelsinkirocksAGF]

Voodoo Child

[@bluebear1985]

This is Johnny Olson speaking for Match Game '7x, a Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Production. Please stay tuned for Tattle Tales, coming over most of these CBS stations.

[@drewconway4362]

The longest intro for a beginning on Match Game 78 was " Get ready to match the stars. Star pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers Don Sutton, Brett Summers, Charles Nelson Reilly ,Lee Meriwether, Richard Dawson and Betty White. As we play thr star studded big money Match Game 78

[@Jiltedin2007]

R.I.P.: To those mentioned below: Gene Rayburn Charles Nelson Reilly Brett Somers Richard Dawson Gone but never forgotten 😢😢😢😢

[@cutemimi25]

And Betty White too.

[@wanderthestarnomad9436]

One of the greatest game show themes ever!

[@richardburr2436]

Yea

[@paullarue2010]

@@richardburr2436Yep.

[@paullarue2010]

Including that guitar opening.

[@laurenhutton596]

AMEN!!!

[@georgep.burdell7237]

Completely interchangeable with a '70s porno soundtrack! :-D

[@Cramhead43]

How I love game shows like this during the mid 70's through the early 80's!

[@tw1404]

Best game show theme EVER!

[@MusiCole-1]

This is Johnny Olsen speaking for Match Game '73, A Mark Goodson-Bill Todman production. Stay tuned for Secret Storm coming up after the news over most of these CBS stations. This program has been edited for broadcast.

[@2005dave]

Yep, this is the authentic air edit.... Great find

[@georgemaster689]

42 years ago today, CBS aired the final Match Game 79 after about 10 episodes weren't aired!

[@kagasan2008]

Wow! This brings back memories of when I first began to actually watch tv shows, way back when I was a toddler.

[@Monaghan]

Very '70's sounding. Love it! Possibly the best theme ever. This and The Rockford Files!

[@ns4270railfan]

Man, I really like this classic TV game show!! This had some very funny moments including funny questions, responses, & stars like Richard Dawson, Brett Somers, & Charles. I also like the theme music to it too!

[@brentobrien4719]

ns4270railfan I tell some people, often duplicated, but Gene had it in him...the man knew how to make people laugh and help contestants to be at ease.

[@ns4270railfan]

Brent O'Brien Gene Rayburn would had been a good comedian too. He always had ways to make the audience, players, & celebrities of Match Game laugh! I usually break out in laughter when the players give an answer, & how the celebrities respond to the players. If he can do that in his game show, he would had been a great comedian as well!

[@brentobrien4719]

ns4270railfan He actually wanted to be an opera singer!! If you don't believe me, listen to his story. NBC had the show first (12/31/1962), then CBS, followed by ABC...others tried, but didn't succeed.

[@ns4270railfan]

Brent O'Brien Oh really? I didn't even know that Gene Rayburn wanted to be an opera singer. It's a shame that he didn't succeed, but he succeeded on being a game show host.

[@brentobrien4719]

ns4270railfan I hope you had a chance to listen to his life story...he was also on the Tonight Show with Steve Allen in the late 1950's.

[@Cramhead43]

R.I.P. Gene, Brett, Charles, Scoey, and last but not least Johnny Olson

Gene Died In 1999, Brett And Charles Both Died In 2007, Scoey? Who Is Scoey? Olson Died In 1985

[@JasonRourhier]

The late Scoey Mitchell.

[@garland81]

This damn song played in my head for months.

[@paullarue2010]

I grew up, watching "Match Game".

[@tccarp43]

Saw Gene and Bill Cullen in 1995 in New York City and a friend of mine knew them, met both and they were terrific gentlemen. I did an imitation of "Old Man Perriwinkle" and Gene and Bill loved it, Cullen thought that the best impression of old man Perriwinkle he had heard beside Rayburn's, god rest their souls.

[@drewandjeffers5695]

Bill Cullen passed away in 1990.

[@jerrypaugh3268]

This was one of those games shows that really broke the mobile back in the 70s, and also G ray bird was probably 1 of the best of all time. That's what I hope cast was.

[@heelalucard2962]

Bruh 2024, and I found this gem h.a.f. currently on repeat cleaning effectively and efficiently

[@delawilson4316]

😂 this music sounds like a 1970's pimp detective movie

[@heelalucard2962]

​@@delawilson4316 sounds like a movie where Jorge is going to do plumber work at Mrs.Parkers house

[@delawilson4316]

@heelalucard2962 it sounds like Amy wanted a large pizza but got a large sausage delivered instead

[@heelalucard2962]

​@@delawilson4316I wonder if the synthesizer guy is available for weddings 👀.

[@delawilson4316]

@@heelalucard2962 can you imagine the wedding March with just the synthesizer

[@snuffereet]

I always liked the guitar sound in all the Match Game songs. The guitar is hooked to some machine that gives it the "Wah wah" sound.

[@kelvinpanesar6511]

Morley Wah Pedal

[@AlbieGray]

A classic theme as befits a classic comedy game show.

[@joaquimpayne1774]

Miss you guys

[@grantmccauley1828]

One word....Fabulous

[@aldiakaroofus]

Love that funky guitar riff.

[@AtsfMike559]

I remember an episode where everyone kept getting the wrong answers, the whole episode ran with just one contestant who had only point on the board. Couldn't believe all these so-called adults who couldn't get anything right LOL! Mike in Fresno, Ca.

[@MrJamieMurph4141969]

Get this-I remember an episode (from Match Game ‘77) where Fannie Flagg was reluctant to show Gene her answer because it was too embarrassing(I don’t remember what the sentence was), but anyway her answer was “A disease” which did not match the contestant’s, so naturally her sign buzzed off. Also an episode from Match game (over the summer of 1980) where a contestant named Mary TOTALLY blew it with her answer-“my CAKES”, which the audience booed big time, while most of the celebrities’ answers, on the other hand were “Body”. (She ended up scoring no points). Thus naturally her opponent, Sidney, only needed one point to win the game-“Grease” was his answer, and sure enough, that was first celebrity David’s answer, thus winning the game for Sidney (all the others’ answers were Grease, too, ha ha.) Match Game truly was one of the best, most exciting game shows.

[@Tazzman]

@smittykins Never ever be another show like it! RIP to all those who have left us and went to that Match Game in the sky!

[@paullarue2010]

That orange set, I still remember.

[@19Chuck80]

love your rare b&w photos of the cast & set, neat to hear this entire song go through!

[@Cramhead43]

I love this show, especially this song. I try to watch as soon as possible when I get home fro School.

[@laurenhutton596]

One of the things I ALWAYS enjoyed the BEST about being out of school for summer was being able to watch the game shows on the networks. Seems to me back in the day when there were only four networks (including PBS), five if there was an independent station such as WGNO Channel 26 New Orleans as it was back in the 70's, there was SO MUCH BETTER television on then as opposed to now with the MYRIAD of channels available!!!!

[@superwarioadamswa1322]

Before I would go to school this would be on me and my dad would watch it god rest his soul

[@shaywhite172]

Get Ready to match the stars,Nipsey Russell,Brett Somers,Charles Nelson Reilly,Sarah Kennedy,Richard Dawson and Betty White as we play the star studded big money Match Game 7x PM and now here's the host of Match Game 7x/PM Gene Rayburn!

[@georgep.burdell7237]

"Let's see what these dingalings wrote down"

[@newman20072008]

ONE of the best

[@MrJamieMurph4141969]

This theme music would also be heard when one of the two contestants won(and sometimes, some of the celebrities would show us what their answers were)and Gene would say goodbye to the "defeated"contestant,as he/she left as the platform turned around. And I remember the camera would then cut to the panel of six celebrities,who would wave goodbye,as well. It always looked like(to me,anyway)that Richard Dawson was making a funny face,as he waved goodbye.

[@amycollins2429]

Match made in heaven

[@glvdtxn]

We need more Match Game on GSN!

[@Ian16545]

Better yet, put it on Buzzr-midshow fee plugs and all!

[@paullarue2010]

GSN and Buzzr has "Match Game". Buzzr doesn't have the syndication version, just "Match Game" 7+ and "Match Game PM".

[@almattei88]

@@Ian16545The ticket plugs were The Funniest Thing Ever.

[@bobm7250]

Gene Rayburn was my favorite host of this program, with regulars including Richard Dawson, Brett Somers, and Charles Nelson Rally, and get appearances by Betty White, Fannie Flagg, Patti Deutsch, and many more. 0:00

[@paullarue2010]

I grew up, watching "Match Game", when I was young.

[@Jiltedin2007]

@Jeff50562 I do too! I was only 10 years old back in Summer of 1973 when "Match Game '73" came in place of "Hollywood's Talking". I was so sad about it back then because it was during a time when I started to fall in love with Geoff Edwards and the Game Show. Hollywood's Talking was an awesome Game Show, and it was also made you think very hard for the answers. Once upon a time, a man named Alan dominated Hollywood's Talking to the tune of $13,000.

[@Jiltedin2007]

The Game Show that permanently replaced Hollywood's Talking! When CBS put this Game Show on the air they did not move Hollywood's Talking to another time slot, they just flat out cancelled the show. That's what I'll never forget about Match Game when it was first aired in 1973.

[@MrJamieMurph4141969]

Well, I was only four in 1973 so naturally I don’t remember that at all, or ever heard of Hollywood’s Talking until just now. I do know though that while Match Game had been on TV since the 1960s, the early version was different. But this is the version I grew up with-the panel of six celebrities, two contestants who were to fill in a blank in a sentence, and won points for each celebrity whose answer matched theirs(as you know, one contestant’s points were represented by triangles, the other contestant’s by circles), each getting a maximum of six points of course. And of course, in 1973 when they started calling Match Game according to the current year(up through 1979), then in 1980-1982 it was just called Match Game. Yes, I might have been a little kid, but those were the days.

[@jerrypaugh6574]

this great love song and show and they lets all the crazy people out !

[@man975dog]

Yes chax1971. I agree with you that this TV game show was a very nice and great one too. Especially the theme music for the show. While the humour on this TV show did get a little silly, still, I liked a lot of it. When Betty White used to do those funny stripper type of dances to that famous music of "The Stripper", it always gave me a laugh and it really put a smile on my face. What cherished memories this TV show brings back for me. Everything about it was so nice. Certainly a must for DVD.

[@yaggy9]

gene leaves behind a great tremendous amount of achievements.

[@Keith-nm3uf]

This is Johnny Olsen speaking for Match Game, a Goodson-Todman production.

[@ShibaMomma143]

Wow, the song ends?????!!!!!!!!!!! 🤣 Best show ever!

[@shuttlemasterbkg]

Great childhood memories come back to mind hearing the show themes of Match Game, TPIR, 10K $$$ Pyramid, etc...I remember MG's orange set; who didn't have orange carpet in the 1970's??? (we did). Maybe that's why orange is my favorite color. LOL

[@ncisducky4ever]

I remember when Johnny Olsen also said Stay tuned for Secret Storm as well.

[@dann2ptf]

Happy 100th Gene Rayburn!

[@douglasgriffiths3534]

Yep. Born the same year as Man O' War.

[@Mikemoto1]

Love the “Love Boat” bridge at 0:36

[@Uncleplan]

I hope we can find the version of the theme that was used in the Blankety Blank pilots in the U.K. in 1978.

[@EricsEscalators]

Get ready to match the stars. Bob Barker, Arlene Francis, Richard Dawson, Michael Learned, Richard thomas and Della Reese. As we play the star studded, big money, Match game 73. And here's the star of Match Game 73, Gene Rayburn. They played this theme in some early episodes of Match Game 73. That was when they had an audio problem for a few episodes.

[@jomar500]

Get ready to match the stars! Gary Birghoff, Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, Fannie Flagg, Bob Barker, and Donna Pescow. As we play the star-studded big money Match Game. And now, here's the star of Match Game, Gene Rayburn!

[@playdawg2008]

Match Game was the funniest game shows of all time...best show next to TPIR...

[@tupac280001]

You forgot press your luck

[@tupac280001]

You forgot press your luck ❤

[@gregbeard1744]

My favorite game show ever

[@michaela.mccracken4461]

This is Johnny Olson speaking for "MATCH GAME". A Mark Goodson - Bill Todman Production.

[@mspysu79]

It was Ken Bichel who wrote the Match Game theme

[@snuffereet]

There is a MOOG and a hammoned organ. But that is a GUITAR you here making that sound, you can even hear the strumming, it's hooked up to those late 60's 70's wah-wah amps. You should know that

[@mysticgirl916]

The theme was also used on The Price is Right in a 2007 Showcase and for their 2009 April Fool's show

[@gaffneyrailroading1982]

"Speaking of bazzoms, Fannie, will you show us yours?"

[@RayNDeere]

The early shows Johnny would say "Stay tuned for The Secret Storm ..."

[@citronvannalemon]

RayNDeere I believe that was only during Match Game's first season back in 1973. If my memory serves me correctly (and it usually does), 1973 was also the final season of that long running soap opera "The Secret Storm" which ran for 19 years (1954-1973).

[@AaronBruceLadner]

This is Aaron Ladner Speaking for MATCH GAME, A Mark Goodson/Bill Todman Production.

[@Jiltedin2007]

This was the show that pre-empted Hollywood's Talking back in 1973.

[@megamanj2004X]

"This is Johnny Olsen speaking for Match Game '7*! A Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Production! Stay tuned for Tattletales, next over most of these CBS stations!"

[@berrypepperroni7708]

i currently watch match game in the mornings at 6 am before school on GSN :) id hate if they changed the morning schedule lol

[@UrLocalRuckaRuckaAliFan]

I watch it at 5pm on Buzzr

[@cutemimi25]

I like this and the 90s theme *don't get me started on the 98 version that stunk*

[@brentobrien4719]

cutemimi25 That's where it really dug itself six feet under!!!...the theme music and game show.

[@brentobrien4719]

cutemimi25 That's where it really dug itself six feet under!!!...the theme music and game show.

[@brentobrien4719]

cutemimi25 1998 version was the kiss of death!!!!

[@gameshow2500]

"...Next, over most of the CBS stations."

[@Jiltedin2007]

Back in 1973, the show Match Game '73 Pre-Empted on CBS was "Hollywood's Talking" with Geoff Edwards. Did anyone remember that show?

[@ricknibert6417]

Yes, and the producer even wanted Betty White to host but the network preferred Geoff Edwards.

[@Jiltedin2007]

@@ricknibert6417 Betty White a game show Host? I would find that shocking if I saw that. I know that I would never see that now. After her husband Allen Ludden died in 1981, she could have hosted the newer Password game shows as a tryout. America would have loved to have seen the show hosted by Ludden's Wife after his passing in honor of The Great Allen Ludden, himself. The only game show I would forever connect Geoff Edwards with(God Rest His Soul) is The New Treasure Hunt. R.I.P.: Betty White

[@newman20072008]

one of THE best themes ever made

[@HorrorVet]

Gene Rayburn played the guitar himself and it was also a Moog as well. He told me a long while back, he composed most of the song.

[@jackmeyhoffer5107]

Nonsense.

[@BenJabituya]

This is Rohan Padiyar speaking for "Match Game". A Fremantle Production.

[@brentobrien4719]

To ufsi84, I liked those microphones!!! Bob Barker always used one of those on TPIR.

[@TehJew22]

Brent O'Brien Hey there. :)

[@brentobrien4719]

TehJew22 Still being kept busy!!! I don't mind 80-85 F, but 95-100 F this weekend, shut your oven doors please...I'm not 14 or 16 yrs. old anymore. Thankfully, I'm on a lake place during the summer, North of Spokane.

[@brentobrien4719]

TehJew22 Fire season has been already in high gear in the Northwest!!!...anywhere you drive.

[@ParkerGabriel]

The mike in question, which Barker and Rayburn both used, was the Sony ECM-51, and as Rayburn discovered in one edition, the ECM-51's wand TELESCOPED! I hope I can duplicate that sucker for personal usage and give IT a telescoping wand.

[@bowlingballout]

So true!

[@annieallen8198]

Ah, the Absolutely Mindy background music.... You never let us down!

[@Keith-nm3uf]

This is Johnny Olsen speaking for Match Game, a Goodson-Todman production. Stay tuned for Tattletales. next on most CBS stations.

[@moneyincfan]

if gene rayburn was alive today he could be the raw gm. he could definitely improve that show.

[@brentobrien4719]

They are most definitely missed...Gene,Johnny,Charles,Richard,Brett. I always say, often copied, but never the real thing!!!!

[@Dannymac82]

THIS IS JOHNNY OLSON SPEAKING FOR MATCH GAME 74, A MARK GOODSON BILL TODDMAN PRODUCTION. STAY TUNED FOR TATTLETALES NEXT ON MOST OF THE CBS STATIONS!

[@Jiltedin2007]

R.I.P.: Gene Rayburn 😢😢😢😢😢

[@paullarue2010]

I'm Gene Rayburn. Join us next time, for "Match Game". Goodbye.

[@mamacass757]

RIP Betty White!

[@paullarue2010]

Match Game is still around, but on a different network.

[@hoodmistressreloaded]

Right. ABC would air the newer Match Game over the summer, while Buzzr would air the classics

[@Keith-nm3uf]

Get ready to match the stars: Betty White, Arte Johnson, Charles Nelson Riley, Nipsey Russell, Brett Summers, and Richard Dawson, as we play the big-money, star-studded Match Game. And here's the host of Match Game, Gene Rayburn.

[@petermathews3864]

Every time I here this I always end up humming the theme 😆 🤣 😂

[@janehex]

I play this video when my family and I are playing board games, as the music during our "turn". It never is not funny.

[@smittykins]

Best. Game Show Theme. Ever.

[@paullarue2010]

In memory of Gene Rayburn.

[@paullarue2010]

I think he died in 1999.

[@CarolynLouise99]

I Love Match Game!!

[@CreightonRabs]

This theme is far superior compared to that 1990 version. Yet another reason why the 1970s version of Match Game was better than the newer versions.

[@StukInBuf]

Elsewhere in KZbin, for example, before the *Eyewitness News* broadcast on Channel 7 in New York, Gil Hodges with the v/o: *MATCH GAME PM,* tonight at 7:30.

[@JayseGreene]

This was composed by Ken Bichel calling it "The Midnight Four"

[@mikeyb2049]

Best game show music ever followed by The Price is Right.

[@newman20072008]

R.I.P. GENE

[@newman20072008]

i loooooooooooooove this theme