The best TV show instrumental themes: #4 "Bonanza"

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Who has not hummed this iconic theme over the opening credits of the burning Ponderosa map. “Bonanza” (1959-73) is TV’s second longest running and famous western after “Gunsmoke.” The series focused on the Cartwrights and their Ponderosa Ranch on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The theme was composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, a legendary team who won Oscars for “Buttons and Bows,” “Mona Lisa” and “(Whatever Will Be Will Be) Que Sera Sera.” There were originally lyrics sung by Lorne Greene, Michael Landon and Dan Blocker during the closing credits of the pilot episode. It was deemed hokey and dropped. The thundering opening was meant to evoke galloping horses and excitement, Guitarist Al Caiola’s instrumental cover charted at Billboard #19. The “Bonanza” theme with differing lyrics has been covered by Johnny Cash, Faron Young and 80s ska band Bad Manners.