The Rockford Files Theme

Aired on NBC for 6 seasons, Sept 1974 to Jan 1980. Theme by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter. This version includes all of the guitar solos by Dan Ferguson. More Rockford Files music here: • Video
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[@jimrockford4968]

Whos listening to this 2024?

[@dogman3609]

"Dogman" here - salt lake city

[@davidfacca8899]

April 2024; still listening🤘🏾

[@seanodwyer4322]

Prophet- Sean O'Dwyer- 136- 140 Hobson Street.- Auckland City. 1010.- New Zealand.- South Pacific

[@georgegoodyear9631]

I am.

[@user-yy8ms8og1l]

🙌

[@Triggerzombie677]

My Dad's favorite show. He was always busy with his job. But whenever he had some nights off we'd watch this show together. He'd pop some popcorn & we'd have our barefeet up on a stool & watch tv all night especially on a weekend. No internet back then. No distractions. We also watched Mash. My dad. My hero. ♥️. I wouldn't be nothing without my Dad.

[@ricolewis2949]

You’re DAD was obviously a real man. Salutes and Respect from your soul brotha in Louisville who loves his Dad infinitely

[@Shamphere]

Thanks for sharing your memories. It's always good to see how many different people have these awesome memories with these old shows. I feel ya, bro.

[@Scroolewse]

haha old

[@sbella6719]

It's the simple pleasures most treasured!

[@batphink2655]

Sorry for the loss of you Dad yes they were great times with great shows.I can;t remember the last time I spen an wole night watching quality shows one after ther other!

[@robindew9072]

Born in 66. Everyone loved Rockford Files. Coolest damn car too.

[@pmafterdark]

In my opinion one of the best TV theme songs ever written. Rest in peace Jim.

[@jamesschmidlin1127]

1. Rockford Files 2. Magnum PI, who wrote Rockford File Theme 3. Miami Vice 4. Hawaii 5-0 No particular order. All four great opening credits from music to scenery.

[@veronicaalleyne]

next to the one from Baretta

[@timcavanaugh4518]

Yes-a great number of great guitar riffs.

[@jazzjackson9875]

WKRP in Cincinnati

[@patrickball2493]

That and Hawai five O .

[@kevingrabkowski5505]

If I close my eyes I feel like im sitting in the living room of the house I grew up in with my dad again and time has stood still!

[@metta108]

+Kevin G Yep. Same with me.......weird how these shows are like time capsules for us... It's the closest thing we got to having a "time machine".

[@kevingrabkowski5505]

Yes my friend the emotions run high!

[@kevingrabkowski5505]

The show was gr8 the theme song will live in my mind infinitely! You were lucky kid we had only one TV for the family of 6

[@thedungeondelver]

+Kevin G Big Zenith console TV, orange shag carpet, wood paneled den? Gold-colored plastic starburst shaped clock on the wall? Did I get it right? :D

[@kevingrabkowski5505]

Sears TV,brown shag carpet, strange large clock with roman numerals, wood paneled den with animal heads and guns on every wall!! close

[@d.haroldangel241]

Hearing this theme song carries me back to the time when it was actually fun to watch television.

[@Wellch]

I agree.

[@wesleymcjunkin687]

I don't even watch TV at all nor live stream anything. Just not the same anymore. 10-13-2022

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Exactly! Bring back the 70’s! The greatest decade.

[@mcscheck2000]

Right? When I hear this music all I can picture is that Pontiac tearin up dirt. But hearing asphalt...

[@Wizardofgosz]

TV storytelling is better than it ever has been. Almost cinematic. What's not to like?

[@rach2.2]

My dad died in 2020. I didn’t know this was the ringtone on his phone until after when I had all his things and his phone started ringing. Miss you, Dad. ❤️

[@topquark6919]

Stay strong, Rachel. Your Dad will always be with you.

[@rjl7655]

@@topquark6919 DITTO

[@toddbob55]

Thats awesome RIP to your father he had good taste

[@18_rabbit]

that's wonderful. As a kid i loved the song as well and the show even. However this isn't clear enough to me to sound quite like it did. There must be clearer versions out there

[@Adrian-jk4kx]

Xx

[@jasonbarney4737]

So glad I grew up a 70’s and 80’s kid. The shows that are on today are nowhere near the classics we had back then. Rockford, Charlie’s Angels, Quincy with Jack Klugman, Trapper John M.D.

[@Ed-ez8kl]

And Jonny Quest & Scooby-Doo on Saturday mornings... : )

[@DemonWarp65]

We got, nothin' better to do, than watch tv, and have a coupla brews!! Dont wanna talk about anything else. We don't wanna know!! We're dedicated to our favorite shows!!

[@bluefinger100]

When I see and listen to the introduction to this series, my memory returns to the most beautiful years of my life, at that time I was young and my father and mother were alive.

[@tammyparker9472]

The same happens for me when I hear it- I return to a wonderful time when my mom was alive and my dad would be in his recliner watching this in the living room while me and my sisters ran around the house. Those were the best days . . .

[@Scroolewse]

haha old

[@pjeng1]

@@Scroolewse Young guys will never understand what you are missing.

[@Scroolewse]

@@pjeng1 old things new things. who cares? people live and die at different times :shrug emoji:

[@pjeng1]

@@Scroolewse Happy Holiday!

[@landerson2639]

Almost took my breath away for a moment. I can close my eyes and almost feel like I'm sitting in that old smoky living room at my grandparents house. Folks I'd love to go back

[@tammyparker9472]

It can almost take my breath away also. I can close my eyes and see my dad in his recliner watching Rockford while us kids ran around the house.

[@seansteel3499]

Same here sitting with my dad when mam went out wed nights 1970s in the UK. I can almost smell his cigar smoke. Great days.

[@circleh5173]

Walmart has series for 29

[@ericcollins81]

@@seansteel3499 what channel did it come on bbc or itv

[@seansteel3499]

I can't remember if it was on itv or bbc, if there were adverts it would be itv, it's a long while ago.

[@agalgonzalez]

The guitar riffs, synthesizer and harmonica cross the range of emotions without words.

[@crystalwaters8852]

100% agree.❤

[@Scarletspeedster68]

You could get Dennis DeYoung, Glenn Frey, and Huey Lewis to record this and it would still be a hit TV theme song.

[@CoastersNSich]

@@Scarletspeedster68the synthesizer in this theme song almost sounds like the one used by Styx in “Fooling Yourself,” so you’re definitely not far off when mentioning Dennis here.

[@christopherheath7340]

1978/79. I was 10 going on 11.The deal was I would come home from school, get my homework done by 8pm and as a special treat I was allowed to watch The Rockford Files on a Thursday evening. Admittedly the stories went over my head initially, but it was the car chases in the bronze/gold Pontiac Firebird, the fistycuffs, the damsels in distress and the Hollywood locale that fascinated me. As I grew older, I came to learn that even though the plots were formulaic, you could learn a great deal about the law, that things aren't always as they seem and that life is about being able to take the knocks and getting back on your feet. Jim Rockford was an anti-hero with a heart of gold; a cynical ex-con going out on a limb to help his friends. Reaching out to people with an air of distrust, waiting to be had. Unafraid of bending the rules and often using a novel approach. Rarely did he come out ahead financially which is why he lived in a trailer on the beach. Always an amateur philosopher giving out homespun advice to disillusioned clients. There won't be anyone like Jim Rockford or Jim Garner on our screens ever again.

[@karlphillips6834]

Really groovy times✌️

[@shawnmcnamara6032]

Same age and the same reasons I loved this show

[@gilliankingston8259]

Yes, the same reason I loved Starsky and Hutch, the car chases, if I ever own a car of my own I want to learn how to execute a J-turn - love the Rockford Files.

[@toddadams7442]

We STILL have reruns

[@jaminova_1969]

I'm pretty sure I moved to California because of this show specifically! And I think we are the same age!

[@1dogelsa]

Being in my mid 50s, this really takes me back when we had three networks to choose from and you looked forward to watching your favorite shows...

[@debrahitchman416]

Agree. 😁😁

[@skirmisherfront1498]

Now we have 500 channels of garbage!🤢🤮

[@skug9bob]

Three channels and some local UHF channel you have to tune in (somehow) with a loop antenna.

[@Santor-]

@@skirmisherfront1498 Mine has now been "upgraded" to 1,100 channels of garbage. Zapped through them once, then went for a walk.

[@Tubes12AX7k]

right there behind you!

[@gnumusik]

Thanks for the comments. This is the single recorded at United-Western Studios with guitar overdubs, all of it only myself. John Goux, a fine, fine player played with me on a lot of the episodes, but not on the single. Cheers-Dan Ferguson

[@bigstuff52]

Was this the cut that was on radio in 1975?

[@priscillabenbrook5335]

Cool! I have it on 45. :)

[@wolfholiday1257]

Daniel Ferguson Thank You!

[@argerinejordan4703]

Daniel Ferguson. Loved this theme song esp the gituar playin. Very catchy. 70's series was sooo good back then!

[@CChallinor]

this is the walk on music for the soccer team I support in the UK has used for decades....long story why..

[@leafmixer]

I noticed a lot of people saying they liked to watch the show with their dad's. Same here, what a great show and theme song. I watched the show from the time it aired until it ended. I was only ten years old when it began and frankly I still watch it once in awhile today. I always wanted to go to Malibu the beach where it was filmed. Last year I finally made the trek with my wife and kids. Took me until I was 57 years old to get there but I still felt like a kid when I arrived. 😉

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

All the guys on Dad's side watched this one. I even think Grandma did to.

[@drk9011]

As the comments here prove, this was the ultimate “dad” show in the 70s. My dad worked way too much and too hard, but he always found time to watch this show, as well as Bonanza and Gunsmoke. James Garner even reminded me of my dad, with his laid-back demeanor and relaxed attitude. I was only in my 30s when my dad passed away, but this song always inspires such great memories of happy times I will forever cherish.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Rockford, Mannix, Barney Miller and Kojak. The ultimate "dad' shows of the 1970s.

[@bryanglass5818]

This WAS a “Dad show”! Granted I was really young during the show’s initial run, I still remember my Dad talking about the latest episode with a neighbor. Both were drinking PBR’s and smoking cigarettes in the garage while I zipped around on my big wheel. If I could only go back to those days.

[@darren894]

Jezus, I could have written this. Verbatim, the same!! Great memories though!!

[@NeithDollhouse]

Still one of the coolest TV show theme songs ever, it has everything, including a harmonica solo~!

[@lzyaccurate7919]

it's part of the high life by sponsors of Miller beer.

[@sekovittol3124]

This and the Hawaii 5.0 theme.

[@CoryseFraser]

2021 I'm 48, in bed and this tune just popped in my head. Oh, the joys of the olds days.

[@CorePathway]

2022, 58, same thing. Haven’t heard this in like 20 years. Don’t know why it popped into my head, but damn, what a theme song.

[@thomasschneider8384]

Im 44y old live in germany and have the same Feelings...

[@tyrondavis6727]

2023.... Oh yeah.... and in today's world... Who cares... is what they used to say.... but this tune says it all.. good theme song

[@lyndonlewis6667]

2023, and I am in my 50s...same thing, woke up and it was in my head!

[@rickjohnson6299]

James Garner was My Dad's FAVORITE Actor when He played Brett Maverick in the TV show Maverick. When He played Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files, I was hooked. Every Friday Night when The Rockford Files came on Dad, and I were in front of The TV watching The Rockford Files. RIP DAD. RIP JAMES GARNER. MISS YOU BOTH.

[@judgedredd2729]

I was just listening to this remembering watching it with my Dad in our old family home, he died a few years ago aged 86 and I'm 58 now. I then noticed the many comments from others who said it also reminded them of their fathers. It's lovely to share such a thought, my Dad was a really decent man who managed to raise a family of nine children on a teacher's wage somehow. I'm in tears writing this. Miss you Dad. xxx

[@GlennMichaelHasting]

Very similar circumstances . I am 57 and lost Dad at 85 last November. Bought him the DVD series set a few years ago and we watched most of them together. Worth the time for sure. Miss my Dad as well .

[@cornwallshelton3693]

One of the most iconic television theme songs and a hell of a show.

[@markruddle5136]

Growing up in 70's Ireland, we had one channel only, RTE. We were fed a diet of US detective shows in the evenings usually, watched religiously. What a diet it was, and this theme tune takes me right back to being nine or ten, happy times.

[@TubeRadiosRule]

James Garner has been on my "favorite actors" list for years!

[@richb4099]

A great show and the music was unforgettable. Back before America’s brains fell out ! We’re living in a different America today.

[@KatrinaRainwater]

Amen

[@tibb814]

It was nearly 50 years ago, and that world was a different one than in 1925. Times change, always have, always will. And every generation reaches an age where "Back in my day" is their favorite way to start complaining.

[@richardmapa2585]

Yes- not All Change is for the Better, sadly…

[@jwt871]

Whether it was Jim Rockford, Maverick, his character in The Great Escape, I always thought James Garner was the coolest dude.

[@jameshafner1442]

Even in those "Support Your Local " whatever movies.

[@kendallrivers1119]

@@jameshafner1442 Loved those! I'm not much of a western guy but I love Garner and co in Support your Local Sheriff.

[@jameshafner1442]

But especially in Grand Prix.

[@rickswineberg]

My favorite performance of James Garner was in "Barbarians at the Gates "

[@diamondd2778]

aGREED!

[@curvy71]

R.I.P James Garner. he was a good actor.

[@jim6820]

He was a world class actor. I enjoyed him and will miss him.

[@thomream1888]

Both Sarah and Jim are right, he was an amazing actor. But more importantly, and something that sadly is a rarity in Hollyweird nowadays - he was an outstanding human being! These days they'd rather broadcast the scum of the earth instead of the cream of the crop. Guess that's why they haven't had a true blockbuster hit is such a long time. Seems like somebody ought to tell 'em they're missing the boat. Thank you Jimmy, for being such a remarkable man. Not afraid to stand up for the little guys (and gals), knew who his friends were (and were NOT!) and how to treat them right. Stood up FOR his Country when they called, stood up TO his Country when he thought they were wrong. I sure hope Gigi wanders thru these pages every once in a while - do her heart good to know how well-loved and well-respected her Dad still is.

[@20alphabet]

He wasn't acting.

[@coltsfan79]

@@thomream1888 totally agree couldn't of said it better myself

[@paulpatrick1108]

Amen...yes..he was...and.. AMERICAN..

[@teresaaqui]

Missing James Garner. He was such a awesome actor.

[@cgb2779]

And a wonderful man too ❤

[@rickstalentedtongue910]

Huge Raider fan too!..when they were great!

[@seanodwyer4322]

ter- did he ever smoke as assumme most actors did but love to know someone who did not ape the gang

[@gregpettis1113]

​@@seanodwyer4322he smoked Marijuana every day he said

[@AldenRDavis]

“This is Jim Rockford. At the tone, leave your name and your message, and I’ll get back to you.”

[@community1949]

Wonderful time to be alive.

[@susanscheuermann4898]

Rockford Files Always Reminded Me of My Dad. It Still Does !!!!!!! Every Chance I get to Watch The Rockford Files !!!!! I Still Do !!!!!! My Dad Loved his Earlier Show From the earlier 60s Maverick. My Dad Looked like James Garner. Except He had Dark Blonde Hair and Blue Eyes. instead of the Black Hair and Brown Eyes. My Dad had the exact facial features as Jim. He had the Same forehead, cheekbones, eyes, and chin. Because of that. I´d be watching a James Garner movie. And Notice the Same Facial Expressions as Jim. Same Personality !!!!!! Unbelievable !!!!!! My Dadś Mother was Hungarian, with Black hair and brown eyes. My Dad Said if he had been dark like his mother. He would have looked more like Jim. Now They're Both In Heaven Together. God Bless You Both Jim and My Dad Tony.

[@knuteboy3778]

This had the best guitar solo of any television theme song imo.

[@jm0lesky]

I was born in 1970. Whenever I heard this theme it was time for bed.

[@leonotarianni5410]

I remember that exactly too....my older siblings would stay up

[@craigyoung4156]

I hear ya I was born in 1972

[@kewrock]

1969. Me too. But I used to sneak into the hallway behind couch and TV, and watch it over my parents shoulders. I watched all the great detective shows that way. Rockford and Kojak were my favorites. Still are.

[@drumdude46]

I was born in 1960. When i heard this theme, it was 'Party Time'.

[@atranfanatic]

I hear you there man. 1974, here.

[@rudolphtedesco4592]

Jame's Garner,Was The Perfect Actor For Playing Rockford...

[@pointingdog7235]

He was that part playboy and part tough guy. In his Firebird.

[@shawnattwells5355]

Wait a while, they'll probably find someone else to play Rockford. Why not, they've rebooted everything else, including Magnum P.I.

[@dariobava]

@@shawnattwells5355 noooo!!!

[@kendallrivers1119]

@@shawnattwells5355 Don't put that out there! Lol. Btw they made a reboot pilot ten years ago and it BOMBED. I think that's proof enough that there's only one James Rockford.

[@DJKhrome]

@@shawnattwells5355 that Magnum P. I. reboot stinks to high Heaven!!

[@liborioruiz7278]

What a great theme song. Its 70’s music no mistaking it. You youngsters out there listen to this, it was what your Dad’s we’re into.

[@rodneypostel7547]

Definitely one of the Best shows on TV back in the days when we were kids, no worries and our whole lives ahead of us. Miss my dad, the memories this brings back are golden!

[@sliceoflife4220]

Same

[@seanodwyer4322]

@@sliceoflife4220 me too s Dad provided the televisions and the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ too paye for it all. and the roof

[@bradburks696]

What can be said, Jim Rockford was cooool. Would come to the Indy Motor Speedway for the month of May during the 70's, 80's, and into the early 90's. RIP.

[@liveandletsdive]

Probably the most meaningful and engaging series of the 70s, with an equally musical theme.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Rockford and Columbo are arguably the best detective\mystery shows ever! I'll admit I only started watching Rockford last summer when I bought the first season dvd online never having seen it but curious and now I got seasons 2 and 3 and working my way to buying the rest including the 90s reunion movies. I've become quite the fan of Rockford and James Garner who had what many stars of shows don't have today which is extreme work ethic and commitment to his or her show. No one works as hard on a popular series today as Garner or Peter Falk or Raymond Burr or Angela Lansbury, Jack Lord or Tony Randall and Jack Klugman did. Today everyone just takes the show for granted, abandons the shows that made em rich and end up in movies that bomb.

[@Phantom1090]

Cannot think of another tv intro that won a Grammy award and made it into the Top 10 charts. This was a time when a lot of time and effort went into these intros .

[@sblagg527]

Uhhh. Miami Vice theme?? Won TWO Grammys, and hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

[@agalgonzalez]

One of the best themes ever played on American television!

[@rw3423]

Yes and original Bob newheart theme song

[@chickypooh73]

I love the Rockford files theme.

[@seanodwyer8691]

+Jennifer Harris '''It's horny''''

[@kurtkauffman4326]

+Jennifer Harris I do too!

[@asill.6668]

Me too!

[@ogre7737]

This will be an awesome ringtone

[@joewaltz2709]

Duane Hill was mine till I got an iPhone.

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

Still my favorite TV series. Did you all know that NBC tried to stiff James Garner from any residuals when this series went into syndication? Those SOBs at the networks kept telling James for years that the RF reruns were not making a profit so he was not entitled to receive any residuals. About 20 years ago, he took them to court and after 2 years and $2.5 million in legal fees, he finally won and they had to pay him a substantial amount of money in back pay. These networks can be unscrupulous. Glad James won.

[@ZulcanPrime]

The same happened to Australian actor Nick Tate when he was the most popular actor in Space 1999. He never asked for a pay rise. But the two main American stars were given more money because they demanded it.

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

Unfortunately, it happens quite frequently. These networks will rob you blind if they can get away with it. That's why we should never assume that if actors or actresses were part of a TV series that was syndicated internationally that they made millions upon millions in residuals. it all depends on how cooperative the networks are in each case.

[@eugenebarnes6378]

Did'nt think JG would be naive enough to believe them, where was his agent?

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

It's not a question of being naive or not. This had already been negotiated and was part of the contract Garner signed with NBC. The problem was that the network was cooking the books to show that the reruns were not making a profit even though they really were. That is why one of the things Garner's attorneys did was conduct an independent audit on the reruns of this series which is why NBC agreed to settle this case. That may be why, if you notice, most TV series only last around 10 years in syndication. Networks will try to avoid paying residuals if they can.

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

***** Universal was probably using the Reverse Enron Accounting Principle (REAP) which shows that you're making less than you actually did.

[@oliverw.douglas285]

One of my favorite shows as a kid. RIP James Gardner.

[@shyguy_09]

Brings me back to my childhood eating popcorn with my 6 siblings and parents. LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!

[@John-vg7jb]

The guy who left the message on the machine was Andy Kaufman telling off Jerry Lawler on the Letterman Show. lol

[@cyopticdnb]

i was about to ask if anyone else noticed that... i almost spit out my beer when i first heard it.. lol

[@timsweeney6209]

Caught that as well. Anyone posting the Rockford Files theme and sneaking in an Andy Kaufman soundbite gets a tip of the cap from me

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Man that was a long time ago. I didnt catch it.

[@gfunk63901]

Effin brilliant!

[@sherryhannah498]

Really John???????????!!!!!!

[@DCGamingNetwork]

Used to watch this all the time with my grandfather. The song alone got me hooked on this show.

[@anndavis2920]

Same here

[@TheLast2Say]

This was my grandpas ringtone, this song will forever remind me of him.

[@jamesbowen8960]

I love hearing stories like that! Thank you so much! You made my night!

[@erichill612]

I was 9 when the show premiered on Friday nights. This was my dad's show. I remember really liking the theme song. Friday nights was pizza or burger night and I would always fall asleep before the show ended.

[@TheNickel1964]

My parents watched this every week, which means I did too. (Only one TV in the house back in the day) Remembering James Garner this morning. RIP dude, you were the best.

[@ellismedavoy7314]

and three stations, four if you include PBS.

[@Valhalla369]

One of my favourite TV series of all time! Loved it! Just loved the very subtle jokes! James Garner is such a lovable person! So sad to hear he's left us. RIP Jim! God Bless your good soul!

[@robertchandler4033]

+Dylan Suppiah to ANGEL and me he will always be JIMMY...

[@davidhall1707]

.. or Jimbo!

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Mike Post created so many memorable theme songs.

[@kennethhacker3014]

Best tv song...monster guitar players!! Thank you for taking back !!! Ohhh the memories....

[@1968dogg]

I was a child when this came out but my soul knew it was special.

[@alanmorris7669]

It brings back good memories of the 1970s!

[@kendallrivers1119]

Some shows from the minute you see the pilot you know it's gonna be a timeless classic and Rockford is certainly one of those shows!

[@Evan.Arapis]

I was nine when I first saw it in Greece back in the early eighties on a black and white TV set with Greek subtitles, I was immediately hooked by the music theme and Jimbo Garner because for some strange reason I thought that he looked like my Godfather at the time, still do !

[@Mr2at]

Wonderful memories from the 70', makes me smile just watching this. Bravo

[@anotherkat4u]

James Garner..... RIP old man... you were one of the best ,,,,=^..^=,,,,

[@roberthughes5880]

same here!

[@andrewphillips8198]

The harmonica was and is my favorite parts of this song. I miss being a kid around this time

[@kennethsullo7474]

To mike post Thank you for all the music you’ve created over the years unbelievable talent

[@dominysynclair]

Right. His themes weren't throwaways, they were as much a part of the shows as the shows themselves. As a musician, I think the guy is kind of a genius.

[@mikestanley9176]

One of the best TV show themes of the 70s.

[@michaelellams9105]

As an aussie born in 57 just hearing this theme takes me back to simpler times and others like the six million dollar man, bionic women and so many others still miss those days but time waits for no one.

[@gregpettis1113]

Back before wokeness

[@emilyh.8704]

I agree with the last post here, if I close my eyes I too will see my beloved mama, sitting so intently fixen to watch her favorite all time show, and oh how she loved the main character, James Garder..she thought he was sooo handsome..ahhh yes, the 70s brought such wonderful memories 💖..I miss you so much my beautiful mama..may you continue 🙏 to rest in eternal peace..until I see you again..❤😔

[@sharronneace3423]

Such memories..always loved this theme song..so 70s

[@karlphillips6834]

Really groovy ✌️

[@LeeMSanders15]

RIP James Garner.

[@revertinotse8582]

And Noah Beery as Jim.s Father. And Actor Joe Santos

[@BostonRedSoxForever]

+Lee M Sanders: Cut that "RIP" crap! What the fuck should happen to him or anybody else who's already dead? That somebody digs him out at night and takes him to another place, let's say a golf course or an apartment? He's dead, for fuck's sake! He already has the worst behind him! And even if somebody digs him out and takes him to another place at night, James Garner wouldn't notice that anyway!

[@TimothyRMorris]

@@BostonRedSoxForever Rest In Peace (RIP) is a common way of honoring the dead. Calm the fuck down.

[@Dreamskater100]

Indeed. But he's alive in my world, just like Roger Moore etc

[@jaminova_1969]

@@Dreamskater100 I believe the spirit of Jim is still with us! Rest In Peace James Garner!

[@loribrom8389]

Oh me, I loved Rockford Files and so did my late mother. Makes me sad that James Garner, and some of the other stars from the show, are no longer with us. RIP Mr. Rockford!

[@Jamiwrites]

I miss this…watching with dad, my 8 year old self, wandering into the living room to this theme song, gold shag carpet, and the smell of my dad’s late night grilled cheese sandwich. I miss you, dad, and James Garner too. What a great time we all had.

[@Teach.Experience.Dance-Vicky]

This is a total dad happy memory for me too !! Loved him Rockford basically because my dad did !

[@jeffthewhiff]

I loved the Rockford Files tv show while growing-up in the 70's and this is definitely one of the coolest tv show theme songs of all-time!

[@paulkevinkoehler9490]

Only Mike Post could so effortlessly and seamlessly mix that synth and harmonica. Great theme--thanks for sharing.

[@rockets4kids]

Here is something you might dig... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZDUkJ6Vhqmll7M

[@gidzmobug2323]

I think I hear some synthesizer in there, too. And guitar.

[@mescko]

@@gidzmobug2323 I believe it's a Dobro.

[@gidzmobug2323]

@@mescko Is that a brand of guitar?

[@mescko]

@@gidzmobug2323 It is a brand as well as its own type: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZXXgZZprLOrhck Mike mentions it when remembering composing the theme.

[@chucke9715]

Thee BEST 70s Television Show And Theme Song Ever !!!! R.i.p Jim Rockford

[@muzzafarsiddiqi6863]

Agreed - one of the best theme songs and one of the best series ever. James garner was fantastic and there was a lot of humour and action. RIP James Garner - you are a TV legend.

[@cfwbdude]

This show is up there with the best tv shows around, a true gritty PI show, coupled with a true memorable kickass theme tune just awesome.

[@cornwallshelton3693]

In the days before PC and snowflakes ruined television.

[@sambasha747]

Love this show in particular James Garner. Rest in Peace sir.

[@patticakesintexas]

I'm hooked on Rockford files again. It reminds me of my dad and mom, now gone. They watched this every week growing up. James Garner was v nice looking. I see why my mom liked the show too. 😃

[@lorih6514]

James Garner, a handsome cuss from Maverick clear up through Murphy's Romance and beyond. Such a class act, worked in constant pain for years from a back injury on the set of a movie. And this was great TV, with a real story and everything. The characters were more real than the "reality" stars of today. Theme song is a classic. What a complete package Rockford Files was!

[@gregorywesley7456]

Woooow!!!!! Almost in tears! When I heard this come on I knew it was "bed time"!!!!!! It always followed "Sanford and Son"!!! Such special television memories, of when life was simple! My childhood was the best times of my life!

[@jeffbyrnes3686]

One of the best 70s tv themes ever.👍

[@jamesbowen8960]

THE BEST!!👍🎶🎵

[@fernmann7]

Man I agree. And there were lots of great ones. Hawaii 5-0, Room 222, but this one is fantastic

[@barbaracozart9099]

I remember I was 8 years old and looked forward to that show on Fridays night. I especially loved the theme song. Memories.😀

[@tmjw69]

God I can remember hearing this from my bed in my bedroom. I think it used to come on at 9 pm on NBC back then. That was bedtime for me. My mom used to watch this all the time.

[@kendramiller3677]

Love the theme and love this show. RIP James Garner.

[@sagewaterdragon]

My dad got me into the show when I was a kid, and now the theme brings back so many happy memories of watching it with him. This is one of the all-time greats.

[@thunderbolt2145]

0:51 THATS the guitar solo I've been searching for so long. The best version in my opinion. Thanks!

[@thunderbolt2145]

Used to watch this with my grandfather. Rockford, and Sanford & Son were his favorites. I had a great time being a kid in the 70's

[@algerc.5492]

One of the best TV theme songs ever, great series, great role for Jim Garner, nice synergy with Rocky, Angel and the cast, a must see Friday night series back in the day.

[@jamesbowen8960]

Beth Davenport was yummylicious!!

[@jaminova_1969]

Dudes and Duddettes! I learned to drive around LA because of shows like Rockford Files, Emergency, and Dragnet. Many of the Landmarks are now gone, but some remain! I visit the location in Malibu where Jim Rockfords Trailer was parked when I'm in town! Miss ya Jimbo!

[@CHUTNEX]

How the years roll away when you hear this and remember it from childhood!

[@frenchtoast5843]

One of the best theme songs EVER done for telly. It fit the programme and character perfectly, and it was just such a feel-good theme. Great music! Garner was an all time great, believable actor who brought amazing life to the Rockford character, too. I think Rockford was probably his best ever character. Garner was an Oklahoma native, smart, down to earth, very REAL, and an amazing, sexy man that women loved. There are no actors like Garner on telly anymore, no characters like Rockford, and no music like this great theme song. Just as well I suppose because no one could play a character like that better than Garner could. James, you left a wonderful legacy to us all. May you rest in peace.

[@sbella6719]

I'm in my 50s and just discovered this show in recent years. You're right, I love the Jim Rockford character and James Garner played him well. Those were times when actors/actresses brought such depth and substance to the character. The writing was great also

[@frenchtoast5843]

@@sbella6719 Agreed. You know a programme is truly good once it has long ended and is still in regular reruns for years and constantly gaining brand new fans. There were very few detective or police type shows I ever liked. I loved Rockford, and I loved Cagney and Lacey. Garner and Rockford Files did more for the private eye genre, and Gless and Daly in Cagney and Lacey did more for the police genre, than any other actors and programmes ever in my humble opinion. Both are very high quality programmes (perhaps Cagney and Lacey even more so) for the medium, and I expect both will be in reruns for many years to come. Lucky us. :)

[@sbella6719]

@@frenchtoast5843 I watched C&L growing up and enjoyed it also. I saw Tyne Daly more recently in an episode of Columbo and her acting skills just blew me away. Now that I'm older I'm truly in awe of the level of talent we got to witness on TV from so many back then.

[@frenchtoast5843]

@@sbella6719 So true, S Bella. I still adore Daly and Gless, but I stopped watching commercial telly many years ago. I have watched PBS only for many years now. I do not doubt that there could be some fine quality programmes on commercial telly these days, but I would not want to waste my time searching for them. Some of the best commercial telly programmes are found in reruns now: Cagney and Lacey, Rockford Files, Northern Exposure, etc. Anyone who missed out on these programmes years ago would do well to catch them in repeats. They are well worth the viewing time.

[@sbella6719]

@@frenchtoast5843 I should clarify. I was watching reruns of Columbo (with Peter Falk), one of the shows I missed out on growing up. Daly made a guest appearance on Columbo, probably before C&L... I had forgotten about Northern Exposure. I know what you mean, I watch old reruns also and it would make me very happy if I could catch up on a lot the shows I didn't watch, some because I had no interest in at the time (like Rockford) and some because a favorite was on another channel. We only had 3 channels but it was the best in TV, but no way to record anything- Lol.

[@davidconway6874]

Some might say otherwise but for me this is the best theme song of all TV shows.

[@11dsw]

Yes ! Also, Theme from SWAT and Alice (1st season theme) 😀

[@davidconway6874]

@@11dsw Lol! When I was seven I used to call the local radio station and request the theme from SWAT.

[@benfranklinsays2713]

@@11dsw the Rookies.

[@robs6372]

I agree. The best ever. The A Team was great too but this was the best 👌

[@youllhavetowait]

this and the Fall Guy!

[@bestoftimes80s]

I remember watching this in the 70s with my grandfather. I wish ,I could go back even if for An hour. Times were so much easier and innocent.

[@CharmedKitEcat]

Who doesn't know this tv show theme. It's the most recognized. I loved the show. One of the best themes of television.

[@MissAmazanda]

When I was in high school in the mid 90's I was obsessed with 70's tv and movie themes like this, people thought it was weird but I just love them.....

[@michaelfrietsch3983]

I'm totally with you there.

[@dianajames4717]

IN THE MID 1990S I WAS ALREADY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER HA H HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

[@toddlee2571]

Not only is this the best version of this theme I've ever heard, it's a great still photo compilation (in keeping with the tone of the original) and putting Andy Kaufman on the answering machine was truly inspired. Well done.

[@signwriter1]

Just picked up on the Andy bit (because of your post) FAF

[@TariusShinobi]

They don't make TV Shows like this anymore!

[@jessergates4526]

yes I agree!!

[@doughesson]

Crying shame, ain't it?

[@kendallrivers1119]

Nope and tv isn't as good because of it

[@FredMeyer42]

Damn straight!

[@mikecubes1642]

you got that right, now all they run are police state shows

[@MsSissiePooh]

Wow... this definitely takes me back to Friday nights, watching TV with my dad. The Rockford Files was one of his favorite shows, and it became my favorite show, too.

[@margretnorenberg8643]

I watched it with my dad too, Stephanie. :) Great memories.

[@MrKaiserdurdenex]

Man this takes me back. Great theme song.

[@goontoonful]

This takes me back to school nights and family TV together in the 70s, never missed it loved by everyone I knew, James Garner, what a hero and great guy, RIP Jimmy, what a cracking tune too.

[@mudwiser1391]

Man I loved that show when I was a kid. There was a few different guitar solos in the theme. Best TV theme song EVER!!!

[@abelardlindsey7579]

This was one of my favorite shows in the late 70's.

[@kppd41]

I’m in my room falling asleep 7 years old. I can hear that intro while my dad is watching it in the living room.

[@mrjones29]

I loved and wanted Jim's classic muscle car Firebird every time I watched this show during my schooldays. Great actor, great man, great show, awesome theme tune. One of the very best US shows from the 1970s.

[@DonBonin]

Mike Post is a legend.

[@jamesbowen8960]

That incredible guitar at 0:51!

[@docskate4312]

We had this show in Germany by the end of the 70s. Watched with my granddad. Unforgotten.

[@HunterMann]

Hi Dan Ferguson, Thanks for your most significant contribution to popular culture. This song is indeed flawless. HM, working in motion picture production since 1981…