I prefer this original music and video over the changes that came later after several episodes into the first season. When Magnum first aired, this was what I fell in love with and makes me think about the show. Many fond memories watching Magnum's pilot and first season back 1980.
I was very young when this first opening came out by Ian Freebairn Smith. While the Mike Post Theme is very 80's. And replaced it. This version was always a Buddy Rich, Jazzy , Fusion of complex Violins & Horns. With a Bass line that keeps pace . And a smoothness only Magnum had, who played the Sax in the show. I told Ian Freebairn Smith that as a young musician I preferred his version. Which to me is nothing short of Brilliant. Thanks TV1966 for putting up this piece & video . Subbed
Complex combination of horns/keyboard with an accent from percussions! Reminds me of the "Peter Gunn" and "Route 66” theme songs. The long version featured here, emphasizes those qualities. I always liked this version! Thank you for finding and sharing this!
This first theme song was heard on the pilot episode "Don't Eat the Snow in Hawaii" (December 4, 1980) and the next nine episodes. The more familiar theme scored by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter first appeared on episode 11, "Thicker than Blood" (February 26, 1981).
This could have been used as the theme to Quincy. It has a feel like a lot of '70s TV show themes, which probably had something to do with it being replaced.
This should have been the music for all 8 seasons. Post & Carpenter were great with other shows they did so many shows in the 80s but this was classic it should have been kept.
@phillydisco I think my dad's theme was too hip, unfortunately. Too bad. Mike Melvoin killed it on the keys and the bass is fab -- probably Abe Laboriel.
@@AlisongsLA Oh wow Ian Freebairn Smith is your dad? Even though I like the Mike Post/Pete Carpenter theme, I like this one better. Its a shame they did not use this one another show after Magnum.
@phillydisco And besides, it was Hawaii, this theme would've been more suited if it took place someplace other than Hawaii and if it were shot at Universal in Hollywood, but producers wanted it in Hawaii all the time. That's why Post was brought in, and especially the bongos/conga drums really made it sound Hawaiian.
@@AlisongsLA I love this theme music far superior to Post & Carpenter and I wish they had kept this for all 8 seasons. Was it Bellisario or the network that wanted a new theme for the opening credits?
Netflix? later theme is quite good. it does actually fit quite well, however I do also love this theme. it captures the smoothness of thomas magnum, whereas the later theme more captures the P.I part of the show.
Sorry, glad this opening theme died off quickly. The one they replaced it with was much more energetic in line with the show. I'd be ok with this original used for "Murder She Wrote" but that's about it
I prefer this original music and video over the changes that came later after several episodes into the first season. When Magnum first aired, this was what I fell in love with and makes me think about the show. Many fond memories watching Magnum's pilot and first season back 1980.
1st Twelve Episodes
If Magnum aired in the 70’s this would have been the theme.
Of course, the 1970's was the age of Rockford!!!
That was the theme for the first half of season one.
@@jaydogvaI like this theme so much better
I was very young when this first opening came out by Ian Freebairn Smith. While the Mike Post Theme is very 80's. And replaced it. This version was always a Buddy Rich, Jazzy , Fusion of complex Violins & Horns. With a Bass line that keeps pace . And a smoothness only Magnum had, who played the Sax in the show. I told Ian Freebairn Smith that as a young musician I preferred his version. Which to me is nothing short of Brilliant. Thanks TV1966 for putting up this piece & video . Subbed
Dakers11, just saw your comment. I whole heartedly agree, as you could see from my comment
This is right up there with Mannix and other classics… No computers, no software, just real pros (musicians) doing what they do best!!
Glorious, love it! Should’ve been this theme throughout.
I've been looking for this for some time!
What a marvelous jazzy and cool tune!
Complex combination of horns/keyboard with an accent from percussions! Reminds me of the "Peter Gunn" and "Route 66” theme songs. The long version featured here, emphasizes those qualities. I always liked this version! Thank you for finding and sharing this!
This first theme song was heard on the pilot episode "Don't Eat the Snow in Hawaii" (December 4, 1980) and the next nine episodes. The more familiar theme scored by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter first appeared on episode 11, "Thicker than Blood" (February 26, 1981).
This could have been used as the theme to Quincy. It has a feel like a lot of '70s TV show themes, which probably had something to do with it being replaced.
I'm shocked no rapper ever sampled the beat.
As much as I've come to love the traditional theme, I've always thought the original was the best.
🏖🚘Absolutely a georgous opening theme🌷. It is like album " LUPIN the THIRD" soundtrack.🇯🇵.
This should have been the music for all 8 seasons. Post & Carpenter were great with other shows they did so many shows in the 80s but this was classic it should have been kept.
Love it!
Love it...the editing👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
This music is king!
Grande serie televisiva e un grande successo per tom selleck.
Fucking awesome!! Love the jazzy feel
Top tune!
Does anyone know why Ian Freebairn Smith was replaced by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter ?
@phillydisco I think my dad's theme was too hip, unfortunately. Too bad. Mike Melvoin killed it on the keys and the bass is fab -- probably Abe Laboriel.
@@AlisongsLA Oh wow Ian Freebairn Smith is your dad? Even though I like the Mike Post/Pete Carpenter theme, I like this one better. Its a shame they did not use this one another show after Magnum.
@phillydisco And besides, it was Hawaii, this theme would've been more suited if it took place someplace other than Hawaii and if it were shot at Universal in Hollywood, but producers wanted it in Hawaii all the time. That's why Post was brought in, and especially the bongos/conga drums really made it sound Hawaiian.
@@AlisongsLA I love this theme music far superior to Post & Carpenter and I wish they had kept this for all 8 seasons. Was it Bellisario or the network that wanted a new theme for the opening credits?
@@moviesgalore9947 That's a good question. I'll ask my dad to see if he remembers.
Magnum Pi 👓
I've always loved the original theme song for Magnum PI and I ALWAYS LITERALLY HATED Mike Post's theme song...to me, it just didn't feel right at all
Netflix? later theme is quite good. it does actually fit quite well, however I do also love this theme. it captures the smoothness of thomas magnum, whereas the later theme more captures the P.I part of the show.
Sorry, glad this opening theme died off quickly. The one they replaced it with was much more energetic in line with the show. I'd be ok with this original used for "Murder She Wrote" but that's about it