Butterfly in the Synth: Reading Rainbow’s Magical Theme Song

Key takeaways

The creation of the Reading Rainbow theme song was a collaborative effort that involved creative lyric rewriting and innovative synthesizer techniques.
Steve Horelick's utilization of early synthesizers, particularly the Bucla, played a crucial role in crafting the ethereal sounds that defined the theme.
Over the years, the Reading Rainbow theme song has seen various iterations, each contributing to its legacy and cultural significance.
The theme song conveys a powerful message of empowerment, inspiring children with the belief that they can achieve anything through reading.

Summary

The Genesis of the Reading Rainbow Theme

In this episode, the host Dallas Taylor introduces the original composer, Steve Horelick, discussing his childhood memories tied to TV theme songs, particularly the magical feel of 'Reading Rainbow.' Steve narrates how he, along with his partners at Patchworks, created the iconic theme song after being invited to pitch their ideas among other music companies. The transition from the initial cute lyrics to the more empowering and energetic final version is explored, highlighting the collaborative effort that was put into crafting a memorable piece.

Creating Iconic Sounds with Synthesizers

Steve takes listeners through the innovative process of creating the unique sounds for the theme song, detailing his use of various synthesizers, including the must-have Bucla 200 series. He emphasizes the challenge of creating an attention-grabbing opening sound that would attract kids to the TV, comparing it to a butterfly's fluttering flight. Listeners learn about the intricacies of synthesizer programming and how certain techniques were used to generate a 'fluttering butterfly' feel.

The Evolution of the Theme Song

Dallas and Steve discuss how the theme song evolved over the years. After the initial success, the theme saw updates including contributions from different singers, such as Tina Fabri and later, Shaka Khan. They highlight the changes made to the arrangement to keep up with evolving musical trends while maintaining the essence of the original. The narration explains how each rendition impacted the show's identity and resonated with audiences.

Cultural Impact and Legacy of Reading Rainbow

The episode wraps up by reflecting on the cultural significance of 'Reading Rainbow' and its theme song. Steve reveals how the song became a beloved anthem for empowerment among children, fostering a love for reading. The notable success of 'Reading Rainbow' since its pilot in 1983 is discussed and how the legacy continues with upcoming iterations of the show, introducing a new generation to the enchanting message of the theme.

Show notes

The theme song to Reading Rainbow has been delighting kids (and nostalgic grown-ups) for over 40 years. But how did this instantly iconic track come to be? In this episode, composer Steve Horelick reveals the unlikely story of its creation, from its empowering lyrics, to its “fluttering butterfly” synth sound, to how Chaka Khan and a mystery drummer helped shape one of its later versions.

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