Tara: Game show themes! We should have thought of this long ago, Michael. Back in my day (she says while rocking in her chair and pulling her quilt tighter over her lap) we kids used to run around and sing game show songs all the time.
Michael: I hear you. With the recent passing of Richard Dawson, that’s what got me thinking about game show themes in TV Land. So we thought we’d put the word out to our fellow Clackers and see what they came up with.
But first, I want to say a few words about Richard Dawson: He was best known for three particular parts he played on television — his stint as Cpl. Peter Newkirk on Hogan’s Heroes, the bottom center seat of Match Game and the estimable host of Family Feud where he kissed the female contestants for luck. Dawson passed last Saturday at age 79 from complications of esophageal cancer.
I loved Match Game for its snippets or snappy responses and you could always count on Dawson to provide them along with the others. Of course, Match Game wasn’t without its moments of controversy:
Michael: I missed him when Match Game ended and only occasionally caught an episode of Family Feud.
Tara: Although I adored Match Game, I identify Richard Dawson most from Family Feud. I’ve boycotted every other host, simply because no one was as good. Both of those theme songs came to my mind right away when I heard he had died. You’re right. Floods of memories of being a kid. My best friend and I would rush to one or the other’s house to see Family Feud.
Michael: So … here’s what the CliqueClack team had to say about game show themes …
Debbie: Definitely Jeopardy!; in fact, I’ll now be singing it the rest of the day! I chose it because it really was the first theme that popped into my head.
Next, Wheel Of Fortune, but it took me a while to remember the tune.
Honestly can’t think of another game show theme song … I’ve watched the old Pyramid show, Family Feud, Win Ben Stein’s Money, Beat the Geeks, and I can’t for the life of me remember the theme songs to any of them!
(Michael: Beat the Geeks … ?!?? Really, Deb … ???)
Ivey: Jeopardy!, The Price Is Right, (Um, that’s it). Because it’s Jeopardy, man.
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
Photo Credit: TVGuide.com
This Post Contains Multiple Pages: 1 2
on Jun 08, 2012 @ 13:14 EST5EDT
Loved the Match Game..for the one liners. Didn’t really watch Family Feud too much. Loved Dawson in Hogan’s Heroes and can remember him on a season of Laugh-In. Hmmm…songs..the ones which stick out in my mind the most was Beat the Clock (there is an oldie)..and not sure if it is considered “game”…but the Gong Show.
Great post! Oooh, I forgot about Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? DO IT ROCKAPELLA!
Loved Richard Dawson, Match Game, Family Feud, Hogan’s Heroes, and all of the implied but never said naughtiness that was part of TV censorship in that day.
But there will never be another game show theme song like Jeopardy. Without words, we all still find ourselves singing it.
The Crystal Maze is my absolute favourite (did that ever air in the US?). Closely followed by Jeopardy (which was the first that came to mind) and Rockapella’s Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego (thank you, Kim for reminding me about that one!).
It was really sad to hear about the death of Richard Dawson. He, Brett, Charles and Gene must be doing a show in heaven right. They were all so funny together. That was the reason to watch the show. Why can’t there be shows like that now?
Regarding TV game show themes, I really can only remember Jeopardy. Use it every time I am waiting for someone.
You can’t hardly watch Family Fued now it is just so dang vulgar. I am sorry but I just think that guy on there now is too nasty and even some of the questions are a little over the line for me too.
I remember watching Hogan’s Hero’s and I loved Richard Dawson in it and on Laugh In.
I still sing the Carmen Sandiego Song can’t help it will be just driving down the road and it will pop in my head, heck it is there now I will be hearing it all day now!!! lol
6/14/2012 Did they take off Match Game? The game has been shown in Baltimore on the Game Show Network for quite a while. My favorite TV show next to Baseball. Best Game show on TV. I’m very disappointed.
Please put Match Game back on TV. Thank you. Charlotte Lawrence, Baltimore, MD