Tonight on LNG, we are continuing with the TV theme songs. One of my favorites is the one from Barney Miller. I searched for years to buy the CD, but never found enough information. What I did see were several covers of the track. All of the covers were actually pretty good, but I still wanted to know the origin of this track. Even trying to find a video for this post was difficult.
The theme song to “Barney Miller” is a distinctive jazz-funk instrumental composed by Jack Elliott and Allyn Ferguson. It features a catchy bassline that sets a laid-back yet rhythmic tone, perfectly reflecting the show’s blend of humor and the everyday challenges faced by a New York City police precinct. The theme’s groove became iconic, capturing the essence of the 1970s era in which the show was set.
Cast of Musicians
Jack Elliot – Co-Composer
Allyn Ferguson – Co-Composer and Pianist
Dan Ferguson – Guitarist
Paul Humphrey – Drummer
Chuck Findley – Trumpeter
Chuck Berghofer – Bass Player
Memoirs of Madness 