Revealing: The REAL Truth About the Gilligan's Island 3 Theme Songs!

[@heatwave]

Speaking of who the singers were, who sang the calypso version?

[@ricknineg]

The singer of the calypso tune was kasionian “Sir Lancelot.” He was a native of Trinidad and Tobago.

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

@@ricknineg Actually Rick there is a slight difference in the season 3 arrangement of the theme somewhat lost and not included in current reruns and DVD versions! The drumbeat and flutes are more pronounced! Even the sound of the wind storm is a bit louder too! Plus the minnow as shown in season 3 intro is migrated differently apon further comparison. 🏝🥥🛥👍

[@StevePemberton2]

@@SuperMarioBrosIII That's really interesting. But then that means that while creating the DVD and syndication packages they copied the opening from season 2 and inserted it into season 3. That would take some effort as they would have had to do this on all thirty season 3 eposodes. What would be the point? Only thing I can think of is that it may have had to do with royalties, i.e. the slight differences in the music mixing perhaps created two separate copyrights on the opening song, and they only wanted to deal with one. If that's not the explanation then I don't know what is.

[@StevePemberton2]

@@SuperMarioBrosIII What do you mean by the Minnow has migrated? It's not in the same position on the beach, or the shot is cropped differently or something?

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

@@StevePemberton2 Yes, the shot of the minnow is in a different angle aka position when compared to season 2. And the opening credits with the actors names and faces appear seen to give a darker background for the minnow. Aside from that it is the season 2 theme song! Also Sometimes Dawn Wells and Russell Johnsons names appear in reverse at the ending of the intro from left to right/ right to left! If not for Bob Denver insisting to Sherwood that Russell and Dawn be added to the intro and be credited it maybe would have remained the same? Interesting that Tina Louise is now the only living member of the original cast alive today? The season one intro somewhat forshadows this as she is credited last! Not to mention that Russell Johnson and Dawn Wells would die right after each other albeit years apart. 🚤🕵🏝🥥

[@crisslastname9417]

I was crushed when the show was canceled. I'm still traumatized. I still have a boyhood crush on Dawn Wells.❤💘

[@Beagle3561]

Another Jem, Rick! I had always assumed The Wellingtons sang all three openings-- Who knew! Weren't The Wellingtons also in the same episode where Ginger, Mary Ann and Lovee sang "You Need Us" in a failed effort to get off the island? That's another Gilligan's song that I can't get out of my head!

[@ricknineg]

It’s a great song

[@LANESxNOWONLYx]

Yes, The Wellingtons did appear in the same episode. It was S2 E12 "Don't Bug the Mosquitoes" We heard musical performances from The Mosquitoes, The Bumble Bees, & The Gnats.

[@veracastle9]

For me, the theme used in seasons 2 and 3 is my favorite version. First, because it includes the entire cast, unlike the first season; which simply states the last two castaways as, "the rest." Second, the seasons 2 and 3 version sounds more like a traditional sea shanty song, unlike the first season; which sounds more like a Hawaiian luau song.

[@jsimpers]

I heard that one reason Schwartz wrote the new opening was to explain to viewers how they ended up on the island. After all, the first episode starts with the ship already aground after the storm, but the theme told us how it all unfolded, as did the radio broadcast in the first episode. But the theme let new viewers any time know

[@LANESxNOWONLYx]

Precisely! The main reason why!

[@davids6898]

I’d heard that some of the incidental music in all 3 seasons was written by John Williams. That is the background music and music played between scenes and before and after commercial breaks.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Rick, way back in the mid seventies when I was in high school a bunch of my buddies & I would cruise around in an Oldsmobile wagon & sing as loud as we could the Gilligan's Island theme song, both opening & closing verses!!! It was season 2 & 3 version we did. Ahh, to be young & foolish again!!! Just sit right back... Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@harperstacey9604]

Hi Mr. Kraft. I don't know if you remember me but we communicated in the past when you were moving into your new home. I hope you're doing well and I hope that you will have a blessed day. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@christopherkraft1327]

@@harperstacey9604 Thank you so much Ms Harper, it's been a year since I moved to the new place & I am settled in & really like it here!! I hope that you are doing well!! You have a blessed day as well!!! 🙂

[@gailwatson4927]

I remember that episode with the group in first season. I liked both versions . Thanks for the information on the theme songs.

[@jess4metoo]

My favorite season theme was three. It had a military sound to it. During the close up of Skipper and Gilligan at the helm the storms wind is more distinct. Seasons 2 and 3 are actually different.

[@jed6271]

Thanks for pointing that out! Sometime in the early 1990s the original season 3 version was removed from syndication and replaced with the season 2 version! I really like the season 3 version also.

[@sallyn2393]

Very interesting. I wouldn’t have known the differences had you not pointed it out, but what’s so astounding to me is that these theme songs are so deeply imprinted in my brain! This one is no exception, and it wasn’t even a favorite show of mine. Great info, Rick! 🤗

[@ricknineg]

🎼

[@dbfcrell8300]

RICK, Do you know who wrote the Mosquito song "He's A Loser" that they sang on the show? It's an awesome song I've wanted to learn on the guitar since I heard it in the 60's. It's got a naughty line most people don't catch; "He's a loser, pay no mind to what he says, he's a loser, he's got rocks in both his heads". That's hysterical!

[@Bmille1965]

Both his hands

[@WoefulMinion]

The composer, George Wyle, also wrote the Christmas classic "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

[@edryba4867]

I knew George Wyle when he was the Musical Director of The Flip Wilson Show!

[@jeffbax1966]

I never noticed the difference. I wasn't into this show as much as others but I watched in reruns. Thanks, Rick.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

My favorite was by far the original first season tune sung by The Wellingtons. It had a less "production" and more folksy feel to it.

[@lilajagears8317]

I agree.

[@fizixx]

I likes all three seasons of the theme song, but the colored version seemed to be more robust and have more depth. Love your Gilligan's Island pieces, thanks you.

[@nickimontie]

There's a 4th unofficial theme song - Stairway to Gilligan's Island. Many versions on YT for all you Dr. Demento fans. 🤣 And it's my favorite!

[@WoefulMinion]

Yes! I was hoping someone would mention this. Little Roger and the Goosebumps.

[@christophercruz8359]

After watching "Don't Bug The Mosquitoes" for the first time, I researched to see if there had been an actual group by that name in the 1960s. I was kind of disappointed to find out otherwise. LOL!

[@julier.1902]

Dawn Wells said once that she and Russell Johnson always signed notes and letters to each other, The Rest. LOL

[@harperstacey9604]

Dawn Wells was close friends off-screen with Russell Johnson, Natalie Schafer, and Alan Hale, Jr. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@brianrebmann5398]

As always thanks for a great video. I love learning new facts and I never knew who sang the theme song 🎵 and I find that very interesting. Keep up the great work.

[@al007italia]

I found the pilot calypso theme. Found it very interesting. In some ways it was better than the theme used on the actual series. It made it sound like they were sailing in the Carribean rather than from Honolulu. It also talked about a 6 hour tour. Which still doesn't explain why the Howells had all that luggage. But I also noticed a progression. The pilot lumped the other 3 as "the rest". Then the 1st season had the 1 passenger & the rest before the 2nd season listed all 5.

[@greenleafgallery2424]

I was. Just speaking to my spouse the other day wondering who composed that iconic theme song and also the first few notes take you right to the island!!!

[@clrobertson13]

The Wellington’s version. I think the voices sound a lot like Bob Denver’s, so it’s almost like Gilligan is singing his own theme song.

[@tammyevans7333]

Awesome Rick, thanks , great show

[@williampetersen9915]

I prefer the 1st season theme; due to the fact that it had that great and mellow Hawaiian guitar sound in keeping with the tropical local and the fact that they set out from Hawaii. I would've preferred they stuck with it for the whole series; however since due to Bob Denver having their backs, the theme had to be re-recorded to include the Professor and Mary Ann. And for whatever reason they went from the Hawaiian sound to a sea shanty tune. I guess they figuered when you're telling a tale of the sea you make it a traditional sea shanty. I also liked the calypso tune, but that brings up images of the Carribean and Trinidad which maybe the reason they changed to a South Pacific Hawaiian sound. BTW, back in those days John Williams went by Johnny Williams.

[@ddavenpAZ]

John Williams was a “powerful force”… 😂 Was that an intentional pun based of his Star Wars scores? It’s really great to note that a lot of the classic tv theme songs, music and lyrics respectively, have lasted the test of time. I remember attending a professional baseball game and the entire stadium was clapping in time with the Addams Family theme song. The calypso version of the GI theme is new to me, (today on the video is how I first discovered it’s existence) and although not as popular as the other two theme songs, I really liked it. Always something new to learn on the channel! 👨‍🎓

[@Jared_Wignall]

Really cool to hear about who sang the theme songs. I didn’t really expect to hear about that, but I’m glad you made the video. Keep up the great work Rick and take care!

[@ricknineg]

🎼

[@MattelAquarius]

They were there for a long, long time. They had to make the best of things; it was quite an uphill climb. No phone! No lights! No motorcars, not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe, it was really as primitive as can be (but with a radio and lots of clothes 😉)

[@donnicholas7552]

Interesting stuff! My favorite is the first season theme song.

[@cadeevans4623]

Thanks for sharing Rick love the show a lot your always great for information and news great video buddy

[@ricknineg]

🙏

[@LANESxNOWONLYx]

Personally prefer the S2/S3 version. Actually, 3/4 of The Mosquitoes were band members of The Wellingtons. Those being George Patterson, Ed Wade, & Kirby Johnson. Les Brown Jr. was cast as the Mosquitoes Drummer & band leader. "Don't Bug Me" & "He's a Loser" are great songs. It was a fun, yet brief, concert to watch. Have literally watched that concert hundreds of times! John Williams also composed some of the mood setting music heard during many of the S2/S3 episodes. Thank God Russell Johnson was cast as The Professor, as opposed to John Gabriel.

[@jasonesler2716]

Love that episode! The girls rock the stage. Lol Love all three, had no clue that they had a calypso version 🎉

[@Anglovox]

1: "....and the rest" 2: "...Professor and Mary Ann..." 3: "...They're here for a long,long time."

[@joeross3866]

At 0:43 the building in the background under construction is the Ilikai Hotel which is the building that Jack Lord is standing on top of in the opening credits of Hawaii Five-0

[@Grandmaster__Gee]

Oh my god wow!

[@davemorrisMCMLX]

Always preferred seasons 2 and 3. Also, originally season 3’s version was slightly and subtly different from season 2. For some reason it was not used on the dvd sets, but at one time (and maybe you still can) you can find it on KZbin if you type in something like “rare season 3 gilligan’s island theme”or something like that. That one was really my favorite of the series.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I've always been quite the opposite! I love the first season. In the first several episodes, incidental music by the famous John Williams!!!!

[@PamperedPetz]

Wow so cool‼️ I like season 2 and 3. I love running around trying to cut ✂️ the guys hair priceless 👌 😄

[@ricknineg]

It was a great scene and befitting of Mrs. Howell

[@robbiecrafter]

I think that I would pick Season 2&3. I really enjoy the riff (is that the right word?) of "The Professor and Mary Ann". Kinda climatic.

[@leesanna7835]

Great episode Rick, cool era in classic 60's TV, a lot of shows were trying to jump on the rock bandwagon, when they couldn't get the Beatles, they had to settle for Chad and Jeremy as the British Invasion representatives (Dick Van Dyke, Patty Duke show), the best though, was the Seeds on 'The Mother's In-Law', have you ever mentioned that episode? Stooges' Joe Besser as a Salvation Army bandleader...

[@andrewgurudata2390]

I've always been torn about the two main themes - I prefer the performance in the first version, but the lyrics of the second version. "And the rest" always bugged me. :)

[@davidbeaver7406]

The season 2 Theme and the Season 3 Theme are slightly different. The 3rd Season Theme is hard to find because when Turner bought the rights to the show, they substituted the 2nd season theme for the 3rd season theme. Both the 2nd and 3rd season themes were sung by The Eligibles.

[@pipe2devnull]

Knowing that John Williams did a Gilligan’s Island theme has me imagining the lyrics displayed in the yellow back sloping beginning text of Star Wars.

[@asteverino8569]

Thanks for this. I haven't seen this episode.

[@StormBringer-]

That pilot episode song we are not use to. Maybe in the Caribbean it would have been good. I remember it mentions Gillian, skipper and millionaire and wife and calls the rest others. Glad “Gillian” insisted that everyone was mentioned in the intro after season 1.

[@bradyguy7701]

I'm glad you mention GILLIAN over and over. I wish you would have mentioned GilliGan though....😁😁

[@StormBringer-]

@@bradyguy7701 Spell check but Ian Gillian the singer is a good friend of mine.

[@PatJones82]

Season 2 and 3 had a better theme song, but the wellingtons/mosquitos" were awesome! :)

[@ricknineg]

🦟

[@LANESxNOWONLYx]

Remember reading in the S.W. MI edition of T.V. Guide, back in mid 70's, the synoptical description of the episode "Don't Bug the Mosquitoes" when Gilligan's Island" was aired in syndication. It read, "The mopped top Mosquitoes arrive on the island, seeking refuge from their fans"!

[@julier.1902]

I like the sign, exotic trips/free lunches!

[@Joseph-ki3zj]

I actually thought they were a takeoff of the Monkeys. I remember the epoxide well. Thank you for all your hard work and research that goes into doing these videos 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@harperstacey9604]

Monkees, not monkeys. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@LANESxNOWONLYx]

Interesting thought. The Monkees, of course, had their own prime time show that premiered on 9/12/66. "Don't Bug the Mosquitoes" originally aired on 12/9/65. Due to the original air dates, this would lead me to conclude that "The Beatles" was the inspiration for "The Mosquitoes", as opposed to "The Monkees"?

[@Joseph-ki3zj]

@@LANESxNOWONLYx very good research. I didn’t know that. Thank you 👍🏼. I was a baby at the air time so only saw it in rerun. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@bradyguy7701]

@@LANESxNOWONLYx LOL....not sure any reasonable music lover/TV viewer needed all that help. But thanks. Beatles ------> Mosquitoes. Easy.

[@LimitlessStudioProductions-LSP]

Nothing better than having a Rickenbacker on a deserted island.

[@pl5624]

I think every time they made a change.. Cast or music...they made it better.

[@Tim-57]

Hey Rick Going to look for the 1st theme now. Take care

[@Grandmaster__Gee]

Thank you. my favorite gillian's island song is the last re recorded song.

[@ericletford1178]

I like the one at the end of the show that they close the show with that was a good one too

[@moviesgalore9947]

Bingo, Bongo, Bango and Irving they were the most fun guests ever on the island and I also loved Rory Calhoun and Harold "Oddjob" Sakata in the Most Dangerous Game episode and the two Russian cosmonauts they were also a lot of fun.

[@markkalfahs1047]

...yup, Irving was great...probably the greatest plucker ever 😉...

[@harperstacey9604]

Kurt Russell appeared on an episode of the show as jungle boy. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@LANESxNOWONLYx]

Harold Sakata, "Raymoo"! He was great!

[@jeffsadon552]

At the 3:47 mark of the video it shows the Minnow leaving what looks like Newport harbor I've always wondered if that is in fact Newport harbor can anyone confirm this ❓

[@richschwartz8004]

I personally didn't care for the pilot theme song. I was also happy that Bob stood up for "the rest" and made sure they got equal billing. So I personally like season 2&3. Great video Rick and thank you for sharing. God bless and stay safe.

[@ricknineg]

🙏

[@kategulick4781]

I prefer the second version because it includes the professor and Mary Ann. The Mosquitos is actually my favorite episode.

[@armandodimarzio1136]

Very interesting

[@dennistietz9363]

I like them all but I remember feeling that is was wrong to not mention the professor and Mary Ann. Kinda made them less important in some way. So to answer your question, Season 2 where all the cast was included. 👍

[@richardhall916]

I liked the honeybee's and their smash hit " you need us "

[@twhey828]

My favorite Giigans island theme song was a u tube parody that was sung in tune but your not going to find it any more.

[@craigfazekas3923]

@4:08 ? That girl looks like my heart throb- Maureen McCormick. (Albeit an early 20s aged Maureen; she looked very similar then) 🚬😎

[@perry92964]

the brady bunch has a pretty recognizable theme as well.

[@wnychevy09]

I like the version from season 2 and 3

[@joelluth6384]

This is what the Information Age is all about - unprecedented access to the great Gilligan's Island data mine

[@rickyn1135]

I like both version 1 and 2.

[@hifijohn]

I wonder what happened to the boat they used for the minnow?

[@Mouserjan0222]

Where did the Mosquitos get power to run their electric guitars and amps? my favorite is anyone that mentions the professor and maryann

[@tenllell8325]

Read that the Wellington's were a trio and they brought in an actor as the 4th member of the band for the show.. Which one was the non-member of the band?

[@MisterPersuasion]

I liked the 2nd and 3rd season theme the best.

[@travislogerwell2675]

My favorite was the song from season three!

[@jerrystern10marissanikki62]

At the end of your video who are the two ladies and the guy with the tie. I don’t recognize them. Were they substitutes for Marianne and Ginger and the professor at one point or was that it just an episode I don’t remember

[@josephforest7605]

They did not make it past the pilot episode .They were dropped , for Tina , Dawn and Russell .

[@kevinmiller6380]

I liked the theme song for seasons two and three over the theme song for season one, which was better by far, even though I don't know who sang it for season two.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

So...some people were raving online about Better Call Saul and then someone said, "Gilligan has never done anything unwatchable." I of course thought he was talking about Gilligan's Island, and I thought it was a really funny joke! Turns out it's the Breaking Bad writer's name. Oh well

[@michaelshockley4270]

I like the first season theme.

[@deborahrowland4264]

I liked the Wellingtons 💓

[@georgeshelton6281]

It's true that the Gilligan's Island cast members never met the Monkees. Simply the Gilligan's Island crew members never favored them. The mosquitoes were referred to the Beatles. I never knew that it was the Wellingtons who played don't bug the mosquitoes. I also didn't know the eligibles as well. I also didn't know that John Williams who wrote the original Gilligan's Island opening theme. I know George Wiley now.

[@BudTheDrummer]

I prefer the 2nd Season Version with the full listing of the Castaways. Not the shorter version that says "and the rest" after "The Movie Star".

[@donkeydesiamericanprofessor]

Love

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I like the sound of the Wellingtons, but the later lyrics of the Eligibles are my favored 'words'. John Williams was clever in one respect choosing an island calypso style, but that idiom is Caribbean, not in any way Hawaiian. After over half century of hearing the main aired themes, finally hearing the pilot music in recent times... it was not comfortable.

[@mamas.8259]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@mrscott5778]

season 2

[@jeffmckeough4012]

Season 2&3

[@MsBackstager]

The professor and Mary Ann.

[@news1m]

There we’re actually 4

[@ferrosjewellers4558]

I've never heard any of these songs. I live in Africa. We don't have time for fairytales.

[@chriscoleman6956]

I have 3 seasons of it and I remember there were three songs the polit song I didn't like.

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

I didn't like how the singers in both themes pronounced "Crusoe" as though it had three syllables: "Car-u-soe".

[@loveisall5520]

Not uncommon poetic license in music; thousands and thousands of songs in all languages use it.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

I've even read that book for school and everyone pronounces it Car-u-so. Maybe it's just easier to say

[@jsimpers]

Same way that you sing Is-rye-el in The First Noel in place of Israel

[@bradyguy7701]

OH, I"M WITH YOU, Chris!! I've heard several Jeopardy contestants pronounce it that way....and were deemed correct! TYPICALLY, on Jeopardy, any mispronunciation that ADDS or SUBTRACTS a letter or a syllable is ruled INCORRECT. DRVIES ME CRAZY!!! Glad it's not just me...

[@bradyguy7701]

@@lazyhomebody1356 Or maybe people are just dumb and don't pay attention....

[@michaeltaylor1603]

The Wellington's is MY favorite. The John Williams one was fine but, only for a few listens. It got OLD really quick. Sorry John.

[@michaelfontanelli2450]

Their, not Thier

[@aquatarkus2022]

Les Brown Jr. was in a later band called "Rockin' Foo." Seriously. I have the album and it's terrible.

[@johnbeechy]

my ask: when u mention singers performing the theme songs, please try and include information on how much they made from their songs/performances. residuals, album sales any of that financial stuff thanks be well ,

[@ArmpitStudios]

A trivia item somewhere else also says how the Mosquitos’ names are a “reverse” of the Beatles’ names. I don’t get that.

[@nancyM1313]

👍🏻⚓🚤🎸awesome stuff Rick9g