I'm not an American but have loved America and American History since my first visit during the Reagan years to this point as a graduate student. When I came to school here last year and discovered that I could watch PBS documentaries on my laptop I was thrilled. What I didn't expect was that the opening theme to these documentaries on American Experience would invoke in me so much emotion for a country that isn't even mine and give me a sense of belonging, even if just for the time I'm here.
The best American Experience opening of them all by far. This opening always tears me up and makes my heart swell with pride to be an American. The last shot of the Statue of Liberty going from black and white to color is so moving. It's such a symbolic shot of who were and who we will continue to be because we are such a great nation. Seeing that shot get me everytime. Really great stuff.
Best theme ever, period. I can only imagine somebody's liberal ideology got in the way when they decided to scrap it and force the atrocious "Time" theme on us instead.
Could not agree more. The Original theme by Charles Kuskin is probably the finest piece of music of any TV show. I cannot understand why they changed it.
Stephen Foster SWANEE RIVER Piano Cover and Tutorial
Paste this into the search box and play what you get. I always felt the AE Theme was inspired by the Stephen Foster, Suwanee River. Musicians and composers are forever borrowing from each other.
The first / original AE theme instantly grabs the heart and urges a sudden burst of emotion which would, for me, become a torrent of tears if it ran any longer. It is truly a masterwork which carries out it's intended purpose in a magnificent way. I cannot question the judgment of those who created perhaps the finest documentary series of all time in their decision to fix what was not broken. The newer theme has good merit as well, but for me, lacks the heart wrenching impact of the original.
very true.. the new theme is ok, however lacks to stir up the emotions, even in me. So many times when I see this country going on to some dark track (IMHO and I will be more than happy if I'm proven wrong) I come back to this song and listen a few times and feel great, that we will overcome whatever fate throws at our feet :-)
@jonhansen100 jon, well spoken. This version is good but the original is better and fortunately on here. When they show the people returning from WW 2 that gets me very time.
@jonhansen100 I agree with you 100%. This is such an emotionally evocative piece of music. Combined with the
visuals (or even by itself) it conveys the sweep of our country's history so well. They stopped using this theme a few years ago, then went back to it and now have a new theme which simply isn't as good. I wonder why? Licensing issues with the composer? Such a shame...
You capture my sentiments exactly. I can watch/listen to this over and over and at about 46 seconds in when the piano chords gets very soft and the Statue of Liberty comes into view....I get that lump in my throat . I miss the old theme so much on the new episodes. I have to believe WGBH has received this kind feedback. The quick demise of the "time" theme tells me they did get feedback....just wish they'd go back to the perfection they had achieved with the original.
You capture my sentiments exactly. I can watch/listen to this over and over and at about 46 seconds in when the piano chords gets very soft and the Statue of Liberty comes into view....I get that lump in my throat . I miss the old theme so much on the new episodes. I have to believe WGBH has received this kind feedback. The quick demise of the "time" theme tells me they did get feedback....just wish they'd go back to the perfection they had achieved with the original.
I agree, I like the older theme song better than the newer ( which is still pretty good ). As a Canadian I still find my buttons pushed by the images and music in this intro and can only imagine the effect it would have on Americans. I wish that Canadians could celebrate our country with the same enthusiasm!
@jonhansen100 What a beautiful comment. For so many years this little piece of music has really tugged at my heart.. It happened play on TV the day my Dad passed away and boy did it hammer me emotionally.
with all due respect sir/madam, this theme / video is appealing to only those who have some sense of history esp. American History, otherwise you are right. :-)
Who's the idiot at WGBH who came up with the new one? Total rubbish. This intro can make everyone who watches - liberal, conservative, immigrant or umpteenth-generation native-born citizen - proud of who they are and of their country. The new one is conjures images and feelings of the '60s, wherein lie many of the roots of the culture wars of today. It turns off many people, makes them feel uncomfortable. This one unites; the new one divides.
i completely agree with you. thats why as soon as I "detected" they had changed the theme, I rushed to make a copy of it and keep it somewhere anyone can access it.
@debater88 Everyone is entitled to an opinion and your right to express it is guarantied in the US. However, by virtue of that same right, in my opinion, WGBH and PBS are not in the habit of employing "idiot"s. May I say, to hurl this insult, casts a light of incredulity upon its author.
@debater88 - Well said. This might sound kind of silly but I actually found myself NOT watching American Experience as much when the new theme came out, and maybe I didn't quite realize why...but you are right on. Maybe the actual content of the show is not necessarily political in nature, but if I was a brand new viewer of the program and all I saw was the intro, I would probably get the wrong impression of what the show is about.
no sir, if you watch the new programs or even the old programs online, you they are replacing this theme with some new theme which I couldnt like at all.
if you are still seeing this theme and like it, by all means get a copy and preserve it before its too late :)
Thank you so much for finding and posting this bro. I'm the ultimate history nerd and I have downloaded tons of American Experience stuff from iTunes and this opening always gives me chills and sometimes brings me to tears. Americans may have a hard time taking pride in themselves right now (for good reason), but we should always take pride in what we have accomplished in the past.
This music and pictorial chokes me up sometimes when I see the image of New York City without the World Trade Center and a new day dawning. This a great post and I agree with BSNFabricating. They should have never changed the theme.
hey, glad that you also liked it. you cant imagine the lengths and breadths I went to get this music/video theme.
it also chokes me up many time, and countless times I have watched this theme in mere admiration, adoration and in simple awe.., simply put, words cant express my feelings..
this theme song does capture every single greatest moments of US history (pre-911) they shouldnt have change it atleast for next 20 years..
I would like to thank my American friend for all of his hard work and dedication in making this video available! Thank you, brother! Your hard work has not gone unnoticed! Hopefully, I will get to shake your hand, one day, and call you friend in person. My cup runeth over.
thanks for the appreciation, I like this country and what this country has stood for, regardless of the political climate or political affiliations of her citizens.
True, infact every time I watch this, it fills me with a thrill about this great land! and so far I guess no other news reel or theme has captured all the proud moments with such a great music
American Experiences best opening. The opening got me into the show.
badbook1 2 months ago
ahhh dont you miss the days when it was just black americans and white americans?
indeed1234 6 months ago
Can anyone list all of the people and images that are used in the theme opening?
Ffeifanc 8 months ago
I still believe this is US.
jonhansen100 8 months ago
THIS is the theme that they should have kept!!!!!!!!!!!
Malocosa 8 months ago
"the last, best hope of earth."
A. Lincoln
jonhansen100 10 months ago
I'm not an American but have loved America and American History since my first visit during the Reagan years to this point as a graduate student. When I came to school here last year and discovered that I could watch PBS documentaries on my laptop I was thrilled. What I didn't expect was that the opening theme to these documentaries on American Experience would invoke in me so much emotion for a country that isn't even mine and give me a sense of belonging, even if just for the time I'm here.
bebure 10 months ago 2
The best American Experience opening of them all by far. This opening always tears me up and makes my heart swell with pride to be an American. The last shot of the Statue of Liberty going from black and white to color is so moving. It's such a symbolic shot of who were and who we will continue to be because we are such a great nation. Seeing that shot get me everytime. Really great stuff.
blueman814 10 months ago 4
Best theme ever, period. I can only imagine somebody's liberal ideology got in the way when they decided to scrap it and force the atrocious "Time" theme on us instead.
ToddlerTN 1 year ago
Could not agree more. The Original theme by Charles Kuskin is probably the finest piece of music of any TV show. I cannot understand why they changed it.
eperozo7 1 year ago
Could not agree more. The original theme was among the fines pieces of music for any TV series.
eperozo7 1 year ago
Stephen Foster SWANEE RIVER Piano Cover and Tutorial
Paste this into the search box and play what you get. I always felt the AE Theme was inspired by the Stephen Foster, Suwanee River. Musicians and composers are forever borrowing from each other.
jonhansen100 1 year ago
It looks like they brought this theme back. It's slightly remixed though.
gemini6179 1 year ago
it is a beautiful piece of music that captures the essence of what this country used to be and should be today.
chinagreengirl 1 year ago
The first / original AE theme instantly grabs the heart and urges a sudden burst of emotion which would, for me, become a torrent of tears if it ran any longer. It is truly a masterwork which carries out it's intended purpose in a magnificent way. I cannot question the judgment of those who created perhaps the finest documentary series of all time in their decision to fix what was not broken. The newer theme has good merit as well, but for me, lacks the heart wrenching impact of the original.
jonhansen100 1 year ago 3
@jonhansen100
very true.. the new theme is ok, however lacks to stir up the emotions, even in me. So many times when I see this country going on to some dark track (IMHO and I will be more than happy if I'm proven wrong) I come back to this song and listen a few times and feel great, that we will overcome whatever fate throws at our feet :-)
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago 3
@wilsonsamuel Gotta keep the faith and find the right solutions. Peace.
jonhansen100 1 year ago
@jonhansen100 jon, well spoken. This version is good but the original is better and fortunately on here. When they show the people returning from WW 2 that gets me very time.
irish89055 1 year ago
@jonhansen100 I agree with you 100%. This is such an emotionally evocative piece of music. Combined with the
visuals (or even by itself) it conveys the sweep of our country's history so well. They stopped using this theme a few years ago, then went back to it and now have a new theme which simply isn't as good. I wonder why? Licensing issues with the composer? Such a shame...
donwert 1 year ago
@jonhansen100
You capture my sentiments exactly. I can watch/listen to this over and over and at about 46 seconds in when the piano chords gets very soft and the Statue of Liberty comes into view....I get that lump in my throat . I miss the old theme so much on the new episodes. I have to believe WGBH has received this kind feedback. The quick demise of the "time" theme tells me they did get feedback....just wish they'd go back to the perfection they had achieved with the original.
pwhelan81 11 months ago
@jonhansen100
You capture my sentiments exactly. I can watch/listen to this over and over and at about 46 seconds in when the piano chords gets very soft and the Statue of Liberty comes into view....I get that lump in my throat . I miss the old theme so much on the new episodes. I have to believe WGBH has received this kind feedback. The quick demise of the "time" theme tells me they did get feedback....just wish they'd go back to the perfection they had achieved with the original.
pwhelan81 11 months ago
I agree, I like the older theme song better than the newer ( which is still pretty good ). As a Canadian I still find my buttons pushed by the images and music in this intro and can only imagine the effect it would have on Americans. I wish that Canadians could celebrate our country with the same enthusiasm!
garfieldpellar 11 months ago
@jonhansen100 What a beautiful comment. For so many years this little piece of music has really tugged at my heart.. It happened play on TV the day my Dad passed away and boy did it hammer me emotionally.
ChowHallCommando 9 months ago
what thefuckisthis
EasyEs 1 year ago
@EasyEs
with all due respect sir/madam, this theme / video is appealing to only those who have some sense of history esp. American History, otherwise you are right. :-)
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
@EasyEs shut your filthy pie hole...
irish89055 1 year ago
Comment removed
MrSPFB 8 months ago
Comment removed
MrSPFB 8 months ago
@EasyEs Dawg, its Eazy E by the way, and that song is pretty chill (Eazy E is too)
MrSPFB 8 months ago
Why the **** did they change it?!
dlbysr44 1 year ago
Who's the idiot at WGBH who came up with the new one? Total rubbish. This intro can make everyone who watches - liberal, conservative, immigrant or umpteenth-generation native-born citizen - proud of who they are and of their country. The new one is conjures images and feelings of the '60s, wherein lie many of the roots of the culture wars of today. It turns off many people, makes them feel uncomfortable. This one unites; the new one divides.
debater88 1 year ago 5
@debater88
i completely agree with you. thats why as soon as I "detected" they had changed the theme, I rushed to make a copy of it and keep it somewhere anyone can access it.
I miss this theme and will miss for a long time.
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago
@debater88 I could not agree with you more. This is probably the best show intro EVER.
WGBH idiots should have left it alone.
AlaokDibar 1 year ago
@debater88 Everyone is entitled to an opinion and your right to express it is guarantied in the US. However, by virtue of that same right, in my opinion, WGBH and PBS are not in the habit of employing "idiot"s. May I say, to hurl this insult, casts a light of incredulity upon its author.
jonhansen100 1 year ago
@debater88 - Well said. This might sound kind of silly but I actually found myself NOT watching American Experience as much when the new theme came out, and maybe I didn't quite realize why...but you are right on. Maybe the actual content of the show is not necessarily political in nature, but if I was a brand new viewer of the program and all I saw was the intro, I would probably get the wrong impression of what the show is about.
Bring back the old one!
trhbaseball 8 months ago
I don't know what you guys are talking about with the "change of theme"... this is the current theme.
On a different note, I do find it to be a beautiful piece of music, although I much prefer the swirling theme by Mark Adler that this one replaced.
kyletop1 1 year ago
@kyletop1
no sir, if you watch the new programs or even the old programs online, you they are replacing this theme with some new theme which I couldnt like at all.
if you are still seeing this theme and like it, by all means get a copy and preserve it before its too late :)
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago
@wilsonsamuel It's "Time Has Come Today" by The Chambers Brothers... It sucks... there was nothing wrong with the origional.
dlbysr44 1 year ago
Thank you so much for finding and posting this bro. I'm the ultimate history nerd and I have downloaded tons of American Experience stuff from iTunes and this opening always gives me chills and sometimes brings me to tears. Americans may have a hard time taking pride in themselves right now (for good reason), but we should always take pride in what we have accomplished in the past.
KennethMelvin 1 year ago
This music and pictorial chokes me up sometimes when I see the image of New York City without the World Trade Center and a new day dawning. This a great post and I agree with BSNFabricating. They should have never changed the theme.
swingstate 1 year ago
@swingstate
hey, glad that you also liked it. you cant imagine the lengths and breadths I went to get this music/video theme.
it also chokes me up many time, and countless times I have watched this theme in mere admiration, adoration and in simple awe.., simply put, words cant express my feelings..
this theme song does capture every single greatest moments of US history (pre-911) they shouldnt have change it atleast for next 20 years..
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago
@wilsonsamuel
I would like to thank my American friend for all of his hard work and dedication in making this video available! Thank you, brother! Your hard work has not gone unnoticed! Hopefully, I will get to shake your hand, one day, and call you friend in person. My cup runeth over.
swingstate 1 year ago
@swingstate
thanks for the appreciation, I like this country and what this country has stood for, regardless of the political climate or political affiliations of her citizens.
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago
They never should have dropped this...it just sounds, well, majestic -- like this country! =)
BSNFabricating 1 year ago
Touching theme begins to give me chills at :28 seconds into it. thanks!
ralphmorris54 1 year ago
@ralphmorris54
True, infact every time I watch this, it fills me with a thrill about this great land! and so far I guess no other news reel or theme has captured all the proud moments with such a great music
wilsonsamuel 1 year ago