Jim Johnston: Behind WWE's legendary theme songs, why he's not in the Hall of Fame, thoughts on AEW
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- Опубліковано 26 кві 2021
- Jim Johnston is a music composer who worked as the music producer for WWE from 1985 - 2017. He is the man responsible for the legendary theme songs for Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Mick Foley, Degeneration X, The Undertaker, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Randy Orton and countless others. During the course of his 32-year career with WWE he composed more than 10,000 pieces of music before he was released in 2017. Jim joins Chris Van Vliet from his studio in Greenwich, CT where he talks about how he started working for WWE, his process behind creating music, some of his favorite themes, why he doesn't think he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and he ends the interview with a beautiful piano rendition of The Undertaker's theme song. This is truly one of my favorite conversations ever!
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#WWE #JimJohnston #GOAT - Розваги
Like this if you agree that Jim Johnston is the 🐐
A one-of-a-kind, genuinely awesome human being.
Hall of Fame Worthy!💜🌹
hes the goat but hes also a lil salty
Idk why AEW hasn’t picked him up.
You should totally get him to make a theme out of the guitar riff he made from outta nowhere, it was 🔥, I was lowkey mad he stopped.
@@decimationjones2342 For real, for real. My one gripe with AEW is their audio production. It... could use some help IMO. JJ is no brainer!!
He not only created theme music, he helped superstars make an impact and get reactions from fans. Induct him into the HOF for sure.
They need enough room for Drew Carey and Pete Rose you know. SMH.
He's too good for WWE's bullshit HoF anyhow
I still can't process why people take their HoF so seriously, like if it means something in the wrestling world
@@el-youtub3r402 facts . Their hall of fame is a circus just like the US election
@@theworldisimmense more like the whole U.S. as a country
If he has any dignity he would not want to be associated with that shit stain what they call hall of fame only one person inducts people depending on there relationship with him.
I don't know how WWE could let this man go. He's basically wrestling's John Williams.
Is John Williams a basketball player?...
@@justinterry7853 I don't know if this is bait... Greatest film composer of modern day (guy who made Star Wars music)
Who? 🤔
@@jjthapyro4130 more like who are you? Another shit bird sock puppet? Or just another shit bird?
@@julesmateo9954 LOL why are you so triggered? That was a real question. I don't know who that is. You have anger issues. Go take your medication kid. 😂
Themes back then gave wrestlers depth and individuality. Now everybody has either a rock/ hip-hop theme that loops lol. Props to Jim for all those iconic entrances.
They all look like were recorded by the same people, in the same studio, on the same day.
And now they changed a lot of themes again (probably due to CFO's departure) and they're even worse!
you’re right the last Theme he made was the Shields theme song then he was let go big mistake.
Was it The Shields theme? Always heard it was Barron Corbin theme from like 2015 ish
Yea 100% false. Themes gave wrestlers depth? No their a storylines did that. And the individuality came from their gimmick and that why certain music was chosen.
Nowadays people dont want cheesy gimmicks, they want a pro wrestlers character to be an extension of themselves, and thats the wrestlers want to. And thats why they are asked what kind of music do you want to come out to.
Its 2 completely different times, comparing them really holds no ground.
And there were just as many rock based themes in the 80s/90s are there ever were.
@@theignaciortega Yea, we were like "CFO is the worst..." and then def rebel arrived with even worse sh*** - HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!
The guest we didn't expected but the guest we needed.... thank you CVV
Thank you!
@@ChrisVanVliet thank YOU Chris!
Thank you Chris! We needed this during this time.
@@ChrisVanVliet ur Welcome 😁
Thanks Chris!
In 1999, I wrote about what I'd like to do when I grew up for a 5th grade class assignment. I actually wrote about Jim Johnston and how I'd like to write music for wrestlers. Took a couple of twists since then, BUT I did ultimately get involved in the music business. Johnston is a monster at writing short, recognizable melodies that loop - just like a classic video game musician.
He would probably be unbelievable at writing dance music with his skill set
The fact that he is not in Hall of Fame should be a punishable crime for every single person in WWE management.
they don't deserve him in their HoF
From this interview, it falls on both parties. Jim doesn't seem like he cares to be in the HOF.
Its okay cause you know.... the bella twins, the great khali, snoop dogg and drew Carrey are more important
@@HitmanEF the funny thing is that people like you are the ones who refer to the HoF as something legitimately when its the complete opposite
@@el-youtub3r402 wtf are you talking about.
Jim Johnston was the best at making WWF/WWE Theme music. Theme songs these days aren't as good
I think the problem with the songs now are it’s literally a minute of a song then it’s just a loop and that’s every song. Don’t get me wrong I love a lot of song that the CFO$ do but it doesn’t feel the same. Also they’re very generic or really good songs get changed to those generic themes.
@@CbabyDavy5703 just u tell that now CFO$ Doesn't make wwe's new themes they fired them like 2019 or something
@@CbabyDavy5703 u just freaking said it the repitition of the songs are so bad
The some theme I love done by CFO$ are shinsuke's and Keith lee's
@@sumigoutham1391 Oh shoot honestly I forgot they did lol damn. Who does it now?
The Legend behind the soundtracks to our Childhoods!!
Indeed! 💯
Oh yeah 💯
Responsible for some of the greatest theme songs of all time. Jim definitely is the *GOAT.* You should have him write your theme, CVV.
I think you might be onto something 👀
@@ChrisVanVliet the question is would you be a face or a heel?
"I'll do a theme for you. What would be a theme for you?" That's it, kill me now. Life has peaked. A theme from Jim Johnston himself?! What a dream!
I Really really hope chris takes him up on that so we get a great song.
I grew Up listening to his created WWE theme music , Today I am Successful Music producer And i gotta say his work still amazes me , He is doing every genre and doing it more than best .
The Undertaker theme at the end! One of the most iconic pieces of music.. regardless of place or genre. A fantastic interview. Thank you, Jim!
the ministry of darkness
These weren't just theme songs. These sold the wrestler and brought the crowd to life. When themes like Taker, HBK, Warrior....hell, Stone Cold, when they hit the crowd would just explode. Jim is the goat, legend and a genius. CVV killing the interview game once again.
HBK's theme was written by JJ McGuire/Jimmy Hart.
@@pigs18 Yeah, they are also goats of wwf and wcw theme songs. JJ has a youtube channel
What makes Chris so good at his job is he's an excellent listener. He does a perfect job of knowing when to get out of the way and it never feels artificial or forced. It's usually just a straight forward conversation with the questions everyone wants answered sprinkled in. It makes these videos (no matter how long) such an easy watch. Well done, Chris. While most interview shows are guest dependant, these videos never feel that way.
I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!
I'd say the Undertaker theme was his masterpiece, as much of that success comes from the man's portrayal, I think the music was vital to the vibe of the character.
its a perfect piece of music
kane's is also perfect
Takers was big for the character, same with Warrior. Ultimate Warrior without that theme doesn't work.
This man single handedly molded what I listen to today, true hall of famer
same!!!
*jim deserves to be in the wwe making music rn
The John Williams of wrestling. Pure genius. My favorite themes are Stone Cold's shattered glass, Taker's 1998 theme and the Brood's theme.
The Broods for sure
Ennio Morricone > John Williams.
@@mitchie2267 for Wrestling Themes he would have been probably 😂
I would not say better but as good as in a different way. You can't always compare or superior things over another
The way he took something as morbid and somber as the funeral dirge and turned it into a triumphant anthem that inspires hope and belief in millions the way he did with Undertaker’s theme is just one example of what a musical genius Jim is. The GOAT.
Jim needs more recognition from fans
He does I feel most fan are more annoyed that wwe doesn’t really hold him in that high regard as he is still not in the hof....
Oooooo he needs it need need need need need . I need this I need that
@@joee95 u good there?
Dude why are you crying for him not being in the hall of fame it was made for wrestlers/managers/gm not music artists
@@geleneceline2310 if Trump is in it, Jim has a shot.
Jim Johnston: the man, the myth, the legend. The best there is at what he does.
This man was the soundtrack to my childhood. Put him in the Hall of Fame!!
THIS GUY IS A F***NG LEGEND! Doesn't get enough credit for the Awesome, Nostalgic, Legendary themes he produced for WWE in the 90s and 2000s! ABSOLUTLY CRIMINAL HOW HE'S NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME!!!!
Back in the day the theme songs sounded like the wrestlers themselves would sing it. Randy Orton, Batista, Edge, Rey, Triple H etc. It always fitted perfectly and was unique
This alone should have a million views no dislikes this is about a man that made our child hood and gave us life through music
Jim Johnston, DESERVES, to be in the WWE hall of fame. all of us that grew up listening to his music are so appreciative for everything he did. just imagine the attitude era without him! thank you, Jim. we love you.
When he said about Corbins theme... The end of days. That choked me up! What a Legend!!
Number one rule of UA-cam, always place a time stamp.
The Summerslam 1988/1989 Theme, SNME Theme 88-91, Ultimate Warrior Theme are some of my favorites and are a huge, happy memory for me from the 80's. Him and Jimmy Hart had the gift and had "it." The music made the show for me.
I love that when Jim is sort of at a loss for words, his guitar is able to complete the sentence or story for him 🏆
What an interesting interview. Always wondered what Jim was doing! Thanks, Chris!
Thanks Swamp!
This man created the sound of my childhood!
What a genius! Crazy how one man was behind some of the most iconic wrestling themes. My favorite work of his is The Rock's 'Hollywood' theme. It's simply phenomenal.
IS COOKIN.............
@@HITTTAB the guitars are Epic!
Bro, I was legit just singing it, low key one of favorites, that and Slow Chemical by Finger 11, and Disturbed SCSA theme.
That theme is like something straight out of a church with it's long intro,slow and beautiful at the same time.
@@uniontrains.8631 That build up is Godly.
He DEFINITELY belongs in the HOF. You can't put guys like Drew Carey and the like in there. When you've got a super talented guy like this who put together so many of the wrestlers theme songs that we ALL remember so well. Jim was TOTALLY responsible for getting them over as much as everything else.
This guy is a savant. These are truly the interviews that i yearn for. His quirkiness and eccentricity are on full display and Chris ran with it and let him go. Excellency on display, appreciate it when you see it.
Today is the first time I see and hear the legendary Jim Johnston. This is 100% spot on how I pictured the guy to be. Spot on ha
Great interview. I actually like the fact he feels a little ticked that he was fired and none of the other companies tried to hire him. He deserves so much more.
Also, knowing he's the singer on the original Smackdown theme is incredible.
Let’s also be real about it. None of the companies ar the time he was let go had the infrastructure or money to bring him on. The cost he’d bring to a company would be high. Wwe saved some in royalties since they had a music division that held some of it but he sriknmade millions. None of the other companies had the funds for a music division to distribute his music nor could they afford the royalties. But it is susrprising an AEW never had interest since Tony has been willing to pay licensing for songs for people so you could see him being willing to pay for a Jim Johnston.
@@Matt-cr4vvTony has fumbled many bags at this point
He transcended a whole generation. His sounds were the anthem to all of our childhoods. Not only does he deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, he deserves his own wing! Hell.. This man IS the Hall of Fame!! Do the right the thing Vince.
We salute you Jim Johnston. 👏
*Triple H & Rock
Him playing DX out of the blue brought a huge smile to my face
WWE were dumb to let him go. This is a great interview. Chris you need a theme song for your youtube channel. MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! lol
Jim inspired me to get into creating music. Just hearing his work always set the tone for the talent, PPVs, and WWE in general. Why he's not in the hall of fame by now is a crying shame.
Couldn’t agree more. 💯
Am I the only one who teared up at that rendition of Taker's theme at the end? Great post CVV! Keep on keeping on with that brilliant smile of yours!
I did as well
Such a loss for the wrestling community not to have the legendary sound of Jim Johnston in this new era of wrestling we’re having. So many new talents that could benefit from his work that for many wrestling fans was the music of our generation.
-Thank you Jim
That’s another error Hunter may be able to correct eventually.
Some people might disagree but as a huge fan of music, I would put this man at the same caliber as Danny Elfman. A legend in his own right. Jim Johnston and Jimmy Hart are great and awesome when it comes to themes. JJ should definitely be put in a HoF of some sort. Not just WWE but somewhere. He helped propel many superstars and is continuing to do it. Without him, wrestling wouldn't be like it is today.
How this is not well WELL beyond 100k+ views is beyond me, this is WWF/WWE history. One of the top 5 CVV interviews, what a treasure
Even though it's been heard hundreds of times before, hearing Jim Johnston play in a "live" setting brings a tear to the eye, great way to wrap up this banger of an interview.
Jim's singing can be found on the first SmackDown theme "Everybody On The Ground" which is hilarious because growing up I would sing it the same way he did. It all makes sense now lol
Jim was the best and he should still be doing it. It’s not the same.
This is the guy who created our childhood music then , now , forever
Wow. So this is the guy who created music for WWE. What a talent.
Music is such a big thing for wrestling, man deserves a HOF spot easy. Wrestlers like Stone Cold and Undertaker would’ve been so different without their respected theme music
No mercy 2002, The end (armaggedon PPVs) Fight, Summerslam 2002. Those songs are so iconic that I listen to them on daily basis
First off, Jim Johnston if you ever come across this comment, thank you for everything you have contributed to wrestling and especially my childhood all the way through to my adult years. You are one of the biggest legends in the history of the business and are very much appreciated. HOF bound for sure, should probably have your own wing with all the legendary theme songs that have literally made stars. #ThankYouJimJohnston. I hope you continue with your Uncaged albums. This may be a long shot, but I would love to request some themes on your next album. Especially the saxophone 80s stuff.
1. Survivor Series 89
2. Survivor Series 90
3. Rumble 89 (30 Participants Intro)
4. Rumble 90 (30 Participants Intro)
5. Rumble 91 (30 Participants Intro)
6. Wresting Challenge 90 (Warrior Remix Intro)
7. Wrestling Challenge 91
8. Prime Time Wrestling 91
9. Zues
10. Bam Bam Bigelow 87
11. Lawrence Taylor
12. The New Midnight Express
13. Blue Blazer 1st
14. Blue Blazer 2nd
15. Owen Hart Nation (Arena Theme)
16. Rick The Model Martel (Arena Theme)
17. Brian Pillman Loose Cannon 1st
18. Test (Version 1, also used by Mabel)
19. The Radicalz 1st
20. Tajiri 1st (1997 Raw)
21. Ultimate Warrior 1st
22. Wade Barrett (Version 1 End Of Days)
23. The Corre (Version 3)
24. Spirit Of The Undertaker (With Guitar Solo)
And too many more to name, but this is my Uncaged wish list. Thank you again for everything Mr. Johnston 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Real fan right here
For my music production degree, I did my dissertation on wrestling themes, where Jim Johnson was cited countless times.
So glad to have this interview, wish it happened three years ago so I could use it in my paper!
Jim Johnston is the John Williams of wrestling themes
When the music guy says it was completely unstructured you know the place is wild. Chris says, "We just signed this guy he's debuting on raw tonight. We need a theme for him." Jim says, "Oh that wasn't rare at all. Happened all the time." Wow
And you could never tell from watching the show. Incredible.
When Jim says hes so humbled by people praising his work etc and at the same time embarasses him, I totally get it as an introverted personality myself. Just embrace it and enjoy it... hard to explain.
Great interview. As you Chris, Jim is responsible for the soundtrack to my (as many of us) childhood as well.
Not gonna lie, I'm tempted to commission my own theme that will never see the light of day, just to say I have my own music by Jim Johnston.
Haha how much would that cost? Such a sick idea
The true definition of a genius. A master in his craft, leaves an incredible legacy and a little socially awkward. It’s actually endearing.
And handled masterfully, as always, by fellow genius, Chris ☺️
Firing him would have been literally like firing the Dr Dre of wrestling music. Crazy
Much much more than the Dr Dre haha
@@ryanmoore7283 agreed 👍
This man has a huge impact in the success of the wwe. I dont know wth are they doing for not trying to make Jim come back and compose more bangers for the wrestlers
Undertaker's 1998 theme song is my all time favorite of Jim Johnston!
If you’re talking about the one with the guitar riff and chanting druids…..🍻. That’s still my favorite to this day. It was the perfect blend of the Undertaker with a little bit of Mark Callaway thrown in.
@@zlinedavid damn right I'm talking about the one with the guitar riff and the chanting druids! The theme song when he sacrificed Austin.
@@morningstar577 No, that was the Ministry theme. The one I’m talking about lasted from just after KOTR 1998 until just after the Highway to Hell Summerslam.
I’ve been waiting for someone to interview Jim Johnston. I couldn’t be happier that it was you. Thank you!
I still listen to WWE Originals & the segments of him & Stone Cold talking are always so hysterical....
He is a bonafide legend and themes aren't the same anymore after he left.... Paul Levesque needs to bring Jim back..... period!!! A new era needs a legend of entrance theme creation.
It's an absolute shame that he doesn't get the respect he rightfully deserves. His music did so much to help wrestlers get that much more over.
Triple H’s “My Time” is the best ever. There’s some close, but that’ll always be a 11/10! An absolute masterpiece still 20 plus years later
Don't think Jim did that, the same band who did the dx theme did it.
@@sleazyfellow Nah, he says it was him and that it's a funk song. Around 44 mins
@@sleazyfellow Chris Warren band performed DX theme. Jim wrote & composed it. Jim made “My Time” Chris Warren did the vocals.
Agreed. Superb theme. The instrumental version that Jim Johnston later wrote is brilliant too
@@CHANCEFOR27it was by motorhead heavy metal band
This is by far one of my favorite interviews Chris has ever done. As a musician it's super fascinating to hear Jim's story. That guy pumped out some of the most iconic themes that were literally a soundtrack for wrestling fans lives essentially. Superb interview and conversation!
Chris thank you for this interview. It's awesome to see Jim being appreciated.
This man is a music legend! Nobody making entrance music these days comes close to his insight into wrestler's personalities. If WWE doesn't want him, then AEW should hire him as a supervisor to the younger generation of music makers joining the company. Great pick for an interview!
Mikey Ruckus is doing a good job
@@jafet7965 Eh, he's doing ok. Definitely not offensive to my ears, but nothing really standout yet. It blends in with the show fine. His songs are maybe more memorable than the typical riffs heard on Impact, at least so far. Again, I'm comparing him to Jim Johnston, who had a hot streak of memorable tunes throughout the 90's and 00's. I just don't know if there will ever by anybody like that again. To put that into perspective, my dad, who is not by any stretch of the imagination a wrestling fan, caught himself humming the tunes of Stone Cold, Mankind and Diesel and even asked me to burn some songs for him.
I don’t think I’ve hit play and thumbs up so fast haha
Jim Johnston’s music still is played damn near daily from my phone 😂
what an awesome interview. Mr. Johnston is an absolute legend and an absolute class act with such a great attitude and work ethic in the studio. I had the pleasure of working with him in the early 2000s for a day out at the WWE studio in Connecticut, tracking a bunch of rock and metal drumbeats for him to use. I can only imagine what he used them for. Love ya Jim. I had a blast meeting you way back when.
I was in tears in the final! Such a great guy Jim! I'm thinking about that part when you asked him about his best piece... He knows that The Undertaker's theme was a masterpiece! ❤
The interview we didn’t know we needed
Chris never fails to amaze me with the guests he gets on.
Yes Chris!!! When you mentioned "The Brood" I thought I was the only one that rated that 👍👊
We need a part 2 to this and also please tell WWE to bring Jim Johnston back we all miss him and he’s needed
The greatest wrestling theme maker ever. Bring this man back for one more run and a hof induction.
Chris, you the man! Thanks to Jim we have this awesome combo : Glass shatters + insane pop + kick ass riff
Jim: “want me to do a theme for you?”
Chris’ : 🥰😍😦😲😮
-watches either video, reaches the end, hearing that gorgeous piano rendition of Undertakers theme song IM NOT CRYING, YOU ARE!!!!! D'X
It cannot be overstated what this man did for the business and for all of us.
Would love to hear him go through every song he ever made
Probably my favorite interview you've done.
Same!
You sir @Chris Van Vilet are the 🐐 for giving this interview to us
This is a really interesting discussion, one of the more underrated interviews you've done. Johnston has had a massive impact on the industry, setting the example for what entrance music should be and how to easily convey how we should feel about the wrestlers. He led a very important transition as WWF went into cable and elevated the presentation massively.
He's such an idol for composers and music producers. Thanks Chris for this wonderful interview!
Very knowledgeable and very touching interview. The ending made me very emotional. Can't wait for Chris' theme.
Hope AEW gets him. Its something I have been aware since early on that they've been lacking. Good music.
Just when I think that he interviewed everyone, Chris comes back with an absolute banger of an interview every time. GOAT
Of all of the CVV interviews, this one is my favorite. We all know Chris does deep dives into wrestler's histories to conduct great interviews, but him asking such relevant and interesting questions related to music is just so great. Thanks Chris
Thank you for this interview Chris. What a legend. I hope he goes into the Hall Of Fame in the future
I got to say I love all your interviews but this one with Mr. Jim is by far my favorite so far! Thank you for this amazing episode!
As a musician, originally I wanted to do composition in college, but I sucked at it. It is not easy coming up with catchy melodies or even choosing what instruments to use for a certain effect. I studied performance instead. So from a person with a background of music, I highly respect this guy.
I feel like a kid listening to the man who made my childhood great!
I remember i used to put on theme on my computer while we entered the room and then we siblings wrestled
Great guest and great interview! 😁
I remember I wished for an interview like this years ago. His mucic was a big part of my later childhood, like I would just sit down with my PSP and listen to SDvsRaw themes 😊
Jim's theme tunes were epic, and a huge part of what made the wrestling so amazing back in the day. We love and recognise your
contribution Jim, even if Vince doesn't
One of the best interviews I've ever seen, across genres. So well done.
Great interview! Thank you Jim for making our childhoods so special! 👏🏽🙏🏽🎸
Truly & deeply loved every second of the legend of Jim Johnson talk about his amazing music career, that change many people life's with. Thank you for this truly blessed
JIM JOHNSTON IS A MUSICAL GENIUS! 🫡🔥
Jim Johnston is one of the greatest musicians of our lifetime. That's including names like Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, etc. Who else has been able to create so many original songs of so many different varieties for as long as he did? Jim Johnston was the soundtrack to my childhood. I still listen to his music today. He defined a generation. Every person who was a kid in the 1990s recognizes The Rock's, Stone Cold's, DX's, and Undertaker's theme. Even those who have not watched wrestling since then will recognize those songs. Jim Johnston is an icon and needs to be in the Hall of Fame.
Def Rebel watching from an angry distance