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October 1, 2020 7:51 pm  #1


Hit Songs That Have Inspired TV Series

The thread about Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon being turned into a possible TV series got me wondering - have there been other hit records that wound up as the basis of a television series? 

I can only think of two off the top of my head, "Harper Valley PTA" was a Barbara Eden series that briefly aired on NBC, inspired by the Jeannie C. Riley song. 

And Kenny Rogers played "The Gambler" in a number of TV movies. 

There have been a ton of theme songs that have become Top 40 hits and some TV shows that have inspired songs. But it seems to rarely work the other way around. Are there more?

 

October 1, 2020 11:14 pm  #2


Re: Hit Songs That Have Inspired TV Series

Although a little off subject, there was “The Legend of Tom Dooley” starring Michael Landon from 1959 which was inspired by the Kingston Trio’s hit.

 

October 2, 2020 7:35 am  #3


Re: Hit Songs That Have Inspired TV Series

A movie was made from "Ode To Billy Joe."

 

October 2, 2020 2:32 pm  #4


Re: Hit Songs That Have Inspired TV Series

Route 66 had been around since the 40s, before the TV show of the same name debuted in 1960.   Nelson Riddle jumped on the bandwagon (so to speak) in 1962 with his version that briefly charted on Billboard Top 40.    

But the original "pre-oldies" recording(s) evidently inspired the TV show

Last edited by G. (October 2, 2020 3:40 pm)

 

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