Ever wonder why certain theme songs from 90’s sitcoms sound the same?
It wasn’t just the style of the era. It was Jesse Frederick.
Who is Jesse Frederick?
Well, for starters, he released his self-titled EP in 1973:
(Courtesy of Rhino Records)
Haven’t heard of it? Don’t worry, no one has. Sadly, we can’t even find a song from it on youtube. Sorry Jesse!
However, he’s also this guy:
And this guy:
Yup, him too:
He didn’t sing on this one, but he did write this one too:
And believe it or not, this one:
Yes, this one guy, Jesse Frederick, is responsible for all of the nostalgia-driven theme songs from your past.
Sorry if we just ruined your childhood with our 90’s-theme-song-formula, but someone had to do it.
(Related: 90’s Rewind: Will You Watch the “Full House” Revival?)
Unfortunately, today’s theme songs are either short to begin with, or they become shorter and shorter over time, due to the desire for more ad time.
Two good examples of shows that are currently on TV whose theme songs have gradually been cut down, are Fox’s New Girl and The Mindy Project.
Here is the original theme song for New Girl:
Here’s where the new version approximately starts:
The theme song, which was short to begin with, was cut down from 22 seconds to 8 seconds.
Here is the original theme song for The Mindy Project:
Here’s where the new version approximately starts:
Once again, a 16 second intro got reduced to 3 seconds.
The good news for both of these shows? If your theme song gets cut down, it’s probably because you’re doing well and the demand for ad space has increased.
The bad news for composers such as Jesse Frederick? This new trend of snipping theme songs is sure to expedite the process of them going from being endangered to being extinct.
No wonder why we haven’t heard from Jesse since the 90’s!
What was your favorite theme song from growing up?
MORE 90S REWIND:
- 90’s Rewind: Move Over Brandy and Monica, The Boy Is Ariana Grande and Jessie J’s!
- 90’s Rewind Halloween Costumes
- 90s Rewind: S Club 7 Reunion!
- 90’s Rewind: ‘Friends’ is Coming to Netflix!
- 90’s Rewind: Carlton Does the ‘Carlton’
