Earl Hagen, R.I.P. Ever So Silght Mego Connection

[Wee67]

You may not know the name, but you know his work. Earle Hagen wrote music and theme songs for tons of our favorite shows, including music for Dukes of Hazzard and the Planet of the Apes TV show. Some of the songs you've probably hummed (or whistled in one case) include the theme to -

The Andy Griffith Show (he wrote the whistle)
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Mod Squad (awesome theme, oh so 70's)
That Girl
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
I Spy
The Many Loves of Dobey Gillis
Eight is Enough
Make Room For Daddy
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

His IMDB link- Earle H. Hagen

No he wasn't an icon in our world, but I think he is more than worthy of a mention as he whistles off to that fishin' hole in the sky.

[palitoy]

Considering I can probably hum 80% of the titles you mentioned (Including That Girl) I'd say he left a pretty big footprint in pop culture.

[The Toyroom]

I recognized the name...but I've always been a big fan of TV theme songs. Many classics from Mr. Hagen, a true talent. Too bad the TV theme song has pretty much vanished from today's television landscape. Anything to make room for more commercials I guess...

[toys2cool]

yeah I was reading this on my mail news, RIP buddy

[HardyGirl]

Awwwwww...*sniff* I know most of those themes too. You don't have to be iconic to leave an impression of peoples' lives, and he certainly did that w/ those theme songs. RIP Earl. Your talent will be missed.

[mitchedwards]

I heard of his passing yesterday, as a Andy Griffith fan it was very sad.

[Marvelmania]

Didn't recopnize the name but I sure know the shows! What a great group of shows he was connected to. He'll be missed. RIP Earl

[misterdroid]

It was huge news in North Carolina. Andy Griffith is an absolute ICON here. We have a statue of Andy & Opie from the opening of the show near downtown Raleigh. Kind of weird...Raleigh, NC - Statue of Andy and Opie