Park Avenue Beat

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"Park Avenue Beat"[1][2] (also known as the "Perry Mason Theme")[3] was the theme music for the 1957–1966 CBS television drama Perry Mason. It is one of the best-known works by composer Fred Steiner.[1][4][5]

CBS executives had wanted the theme music to convey the suavity, sophistication, and toughness that they felt were the fundamental aspects of Perry Mason's character, as well as his dealing with criminals and crime. "Historically, you associate jazz with the seamy side of life," Steiner said. "[In 1957], rhythm and blues was the big thing. That rhythm just seemed like what I was looking for: a contemporary beat for that side of him, and yet the symphonic sound to represent him as the kind of guy who goes to the opera. It sounds easy now, but I must have gone through four or five different versions."[6]

The theme was reused in the NBC series of Perry Mason television films starring the surviving original cast members.[7][8][a]

In 2001, "Park Avenue Beat" topped a Knight Ridder top 10 list of television themes.[9]

Notes[]

  1. ^ The San Francisco Examiner incorrectly credits Bernard Herrmann as co-composer of "Park Avenue Beat."

References[]

  1. ^ a b Lewis, Randy (June 25, 2011). "Fred Steiner (1923–2011): Hollywood composer created 'Perry Mason' theme". Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  2. ^ "Mr. Know-It-All". San Francisco Examiner. April 17, 2008. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "TV Mailbag". Morning Call. February 3, 1958. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  4. ^ Stewart, Trudy (May 1, 1996). "Musical score sets the scene in TV, movies". Stevens Point Journal. Stevens Point, WI. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  5. ^ "Harding bands to present spring concert Thursday". Marion Star. Marion, Ohio. April 25, 1989. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  6. ^ Burlingame, Jon (August 30, 2002). "Melodic memories: classic theme songs remain a vital link to the legacy of a cherished series". Variety. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  7. ^ Shales, Tom (November 28, 1985). "Perry Mason returns, just in the nick of time". The Tennessean. Nashville, TN. Washington Post. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  8. ^ Henniger, Paul (December 1, 1985). "A New Mystery Case For the Old Perry Mason". San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "TV's Top 10 theme songs". Daily Press (Victorville). Victorville, CA. Knight Ridder. May 1, 2001. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
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