The Simpsons Theme Song is one of the most recognizable theme songs in American television history. It debuted in the Season 1 episode "Bart the Genius." The famous 12-note motif originated from the brain of Danny Elfman. Even though he wrote a lot of other television and movie scores, Elfman considers The Simpsons theme song the composition that he will be forever known for. In the The Simpsons theme song, the Roland D-50 voice patch and LinnDrum tambourine were heard.
History[]
Creator Matt Groening hired Elfman personally to write the theme song. He gave him a concept of what he wanted as well as a mixtape of songs that he wanted the theme to sound like. Groening put the concept of the song like this, "The trend in TV themes for the previous 15 years had been namby-pamby synthesizer schlock that seemed to whimper, 'We can't offer you much, but please like our pathetic little show.' I wanted a big orchestrated, obnoxious, arrogant theme that promised you the best time of your life." Elfman was inspired to create a composition that sounded retro, reminding him of The Flintstones. Elfman has described the Simpsons theme song as "the easiest thing I've [sic] ever done". The theme won the National Music Award for "Favorite TV Theme" in 2002, and has won the BMI TV Music Award in 1996, 1998, and 2003. In 1990, the theme was nominated for the Emmy for "Outstanding Achievement in Main Title Theme Music".