Before it was Johnny Carson's theme: Toot Sweet (It's Really Love) - Tutti Camarata (1960)

The Walt Disney company's record label Buena Vista boasted both Mouseketeer singing star Annette Funicello and veteran composer-arranger Tutti Camarata, who conducted the studio sessions. In early 1960 each of them released versions of the Paul Anka-penned song "Toot Sweet" (lyric version "It's Really Love)," Annette's on an LP and Tutti's instrumental on this posted single.

Then in 1962, upon the departure of Jack Paar from NBC's "Tonight Show," this tune was chosen as the program's new opening theme; but part of the deal was that new host Johnny Carson would take over publishing rights and have his name added as "co-writer" of Anka's song, thus receiving a major chunk of the performance royalties. So we usually see the "Anka-Carson" composer credit associated with what has over the years become best known as "Johnny's Theme."

45rpm: Buena Vista 356 - Toot Sweet (It's Really Love) (Paul Anka) by Tutti's Trumpets with the Camarata Strings.

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[n2motocross]

WOW! Never knew it until now. Thanks for the upload. And the 45 rpm record is the perfect touch. Or it may be a 78 rpm?

[chrissyswedding]

I remember seeing Paul Anka as a guest on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show many years ago and he mentioned that he was the writer of that theme song. I don't remember them saying that Annette Funicello or anyone else had recorded it earlier though they might've talked about it. Many people don't know that Anka also penned "My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

[pastakota]

Grew up in Verona, New Jersey and was great friends with Carlton Camarata, Salvadore's brother. They were known as a fine family in and around Essex County, NJ. It is amazing to find out the origin of the Tonight Show theme song. Great to hear this.

[steveg268]

Thanks for posting this. I had heard the Annette version but the instrumental is dead-on The Tonight Show theme we know. It's still a fascinating story after all these years.