The Dozen Greatest Rock Instrumentals: #3 (tie) "Hawaii Five-0" The Ventures (1968)
By John Roberts
@JohnRoberts (109846)
Los Angeles, California
February 23, 2017 9:03am CST
Why did I place “Hawaii Five-O” so high? Childhood fondness. I watched the television series as a kid and thought the theme was so great. The song was a major hit for the Ventures reaching Billboard #4 and I bought the 45. The TV series ran 12 seasons (1968-80) and famously starred Jack Lord as McGarrett: “Book ‘em, Danno.” TV show composer Morton Stevens intended the theme to convey the exhilarating excitement of Hawaii. You hear the song and immediately images of the show’s surfing intro come to mind. The Ventures are in peak form. No surprise “Hawaii Five-O” is the University of Hawaii anthem.
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10 people like this
11 responses
@FourWalls (69184)
• United States
23 Feb 17
Did you know this has lyrics? Sammy Davis Jr. recorded it.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Feb 17
I did not know that. I can't imagine lyrics and now I have this image of Sammy doing his Vegas style thing snapping his fingers.
@FourWalls (69184)
• United States
23 Feb 17
@JohnRoberts -- I didn't know it either until I got the Deke Dickerson/Los Straitjackets Sings The Instrumental Hits album.
Sammy Davis, Jr - You Can Count On Me (Theme From Hawaii 5-0)
1 person likes this
@bluerubymoon53 (3286)
• United States
23 Feb 17
One of the greatest TV theme songs ever. It sure is a favorite of mine along with the theme songs for Miami Vice, Peter Gunn, and Bonanza. All are VERY recognizable.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50590)
• United States
23 Feb 17
As a child I loved the Hawaii five 0 theme song.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23412)
• United Kingdom
23 Feb 17
Unmistakable and still a nice tune!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Feb 17
I loved that show! I like everything the Ventures play, too. When the new version of the show came on I almost did not watch it but I'm glad I did. I enjoy it every week, it's very good and they kept the theme song.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
23 Feb 17
I lived in Hawaii so of course I loved the show and I love the song.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Feb 17
I'm really not too familiar with this one.
Seriously, one of TV's all time great theme songs!
1 person likes this
