Les Elgart - Bandstand Boogie (American Bandstand Theme)

In 1952, big band musician and arranger Les Elgart teamed up with his brother Larry and recorded the song which Dick Clark would use as his theme for the longest-running musical show in television history, "American Bandstand". Barry Manilow would later add lyrics to this very recognizable theme.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Les Elgart
• Larry Elgart
• Bandstand Boogie
• American Bandstand
• Dick Clark

[BunnyGibson1]

Thanks for the memory of my Philly American Bandstand days 59-61. You're right, Bob Horn originally chose the music.

I have some other fun videos from our AB dancing days, on my website:

Bunny Gibson

[Nocaro]

@BunnyGibson1 Thanks for the comments and heads-up on your website. I'll definitely have a look...Lanny (Nocaro on YouTube)

[WSenator1]

Isn't kind of ironic that the theme for "American Bandstand," which featured rock 'n roll, was big band music?

[Nocaro]

Many people see rock and roll as nothing more than "big band" music arranged in a different way. Of course, that's simplifying things a little, but the Funk Brothers who were responsible for most of Motown's success were nothing more than "big band" or "jazz" musicians playiing in a "rock and roll" setting. Those guys would have been just as comfortable playiing for Count Basie.

[billchew450]

If I'm not mistaken, Bob Horn, the original host of the show, chose this song for the theme long before Dick appeared on the scene.

[Nocaro]

That very well may be the case and I probably need to reword my commentary.

[MISisback]

The ORIGINAL original theme for the show was "High Society", by Artie Shaw.

[spideraxis]

Oh what memories this song evokes...

[auaiao9]

@grundid44 Manilow didn't destroy it. It's just another version (his version) of a good song.

[auaiao9]

@iPaintFlowers lol, you won't die

[iPaintFlowers]

My teacher want us to play this for our concert... I play clarinet... I'm going to die O_o

[Glinkaism1]

@WSenator1 Listen a couple times and you'll hear it. Sure there's a key shift. But the same basic melody. At 1:06 the melody changes. They're playing matches the B melody lyrics "I'll meet her at the shore, playing the pipes for her."  (etc)

[WSenator1]

@Glinkaism1 - REALLY? Didn't know that. Thanks for the info, and have a good day.

[Glinkaism1]

@WSenator1 Not only that. The tune goes waaay further back. Tis an arrangement of "My Bonnie Lassie," and old Scotch song. Cheers!

[grundid44]

Let me just say that this tune simply kicks ass! I remember being eight years old and just being overwhelmed by the tightness of the rhythm and unrelenting phrasing. It's a classic and should be acknowledged as such. A solid, proud piece of American history. And it sounds even better today than it did 50 years ago. These players were no apologists. This was in the pocket, driven blues, accurate and moving. I love it and always will.

[jcghooker]

@grundid44 Amen. This tune was intended to be played as an instrumental, and Barry came along and ruined it. The Les Elgart band, which co-existed at the same time as Elvis Presley and The Beatles, was probably the last big band to have a wide public acceptance in America. Brother Larry Elgart also plays on this record. He's still around, his Hooked on Swing LP from 1982 was a big hit album.