Who Sang the Reading Rainbow Theme Song
The Reading Rainbow theme song, known as “Rainbow Connection,” was performed by Steve Horelick on saxophone and arranged for the show. The composition was written by Dennis Hysom and performed in the series in a style inspired by the 1972 song “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie, though not a direct cover. Confusion often arises because host LeVar Burton is closely associated with the theme, but he did not sing or perform it. Below is a quick reference table outlining the key credits and facts for the show’s signature music.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Performer (instrumental) | Steve Horelick (saxophone) | Credits and production notes |
| Composer | Dennis Hysom | Copyright and publishing records |
| Inspiration | Rainbow Connection (The Muppet Movie, 1979) | Music publishing analysis |
| Host involvement | LeVar Burton did not perform vocals or saxophone | Interviews and show documentation |
Background and Original Song Inspiration
Reading Rainbow debuted in 1983 and featured music designed to feel warm and inviting. The producers crafted an original instrumental theme drawing stylistic influence from the 1979 Muppet song “Rainbow Connection,” made famous by Kermit the Frog. The two works are distinct compositions, but the later theme echoes the earlier song in mood, title phrasing, and key. This deliberate reference was intended to evoke curiosity and a sense of adventure aligned with exploring books.
Composers and Music Credits
Dennis Hysom composed the Reading Rainbow theme, and Steve Horelick executed the on-screen saxophone part that audiences recognize. The production team arranged the piece to support the show’s educational tone without overshadowing the storytelling. Music credits were consistently documented in show materials, ensuring proper attribution over the series’s long run. Understanding these credits helps clarify why host LeVar Burton is sometimes mistakenly thought to have sung or played the theme.
Common Misconceptions
Because LeVar Burton introduced each episode and interacted warmly with books, many viewers associate him directly with the theme. In reality, his role was on-screen presentation and narration. The soothing saxophone melody that opens the show is performed by a studio musician, not the host. Additionally, some assume the theme is a direct cover of The Muppet’s “Rainbow Connection,” while it is an original composition inspired by that song. These distinctions matter for accurate attribution and for appreciating the craft behind children’s television music.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
More than three decades after its debut, the Reading Rainbow theme remains iconic, often recalled with fondness by educators and viewers. The melody continues to signal exploration and discovery, central to the show’s mission. Music from the series has been studied as part of children’s media design, highlighting how instrumental cues support engagement. Preservation efforts and retrospective interviews have reinforced the importance of accurate credits, ensuring that composers and performers receive recognition for their contributions to childhood literacy experiences.
Comparison of Key Details
| Detail | Reading Rainbow Theme | Original Rainbow Connection (Muppet Movie) |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Reading Rainbow Theme (often called Rainbow Connection) | Rainbow Connection |
| Primary Performer | Steve Horelick (saxophone) | Kermit the Frog (vocals) |
| Composer | Dennis Hysom | Paul Williams, Kenneth Ascher |
| Release Year | 1983 (Reading Rainbow debut) | 1979 (The Muppet Movie) |
| Host Involvement | LeVar Burton (no vocal or instrumental performance) | Performed within Muppet narrative |
Summary
LeVar Burton did not sing the Reading Rainbow theme; the song was performed by saxophonist Steve Horelick and composed by Dennis Hysom. While inspired by the Muppet’s “Rainbow Connection,” it is a distinct instrumental piece crafted for the educational children’s program. Accurate credits support the people behind the music and help preserve the show’s legacy.