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This Thursday, August 15, marks the arrival of my book, a work that comes directly from the heart as well as the keyboard, Hanna-Barbera: The Recorded History, from Modern Stone-Age to Meddling Kids, published by University Press of Mississippi. To mark the occasion, I present my first of two Top Ten Hanna-Barbera great audio releases.
This week, we focus on recordings from companies other than H-B, though the studio may have produced the material. Next week we look at records from the fabled HBR label. Please note that this list is based partly on historical significance and partly on personal affection borne of life experiences. The list is not presented in order of merit. They all go home with a trophy.
SONGS OF THE FLINTSTONES
Golden Records LP-61 (1961)
The Flintstones was the cornerstone of what became a legendary animation studio. It’s the foundation of the animated half-hour art form. It’s also one of the finest television series ever created. This album is generally considered one of the best examples of how well a cartoon or TV series can be represented on a record. Most of the music behind Songs of the Flintstones became familiar Hoyt Curtin music cues in subsequent H-B cartoons. Nancy Wible and Ginny Tyler’s “Car Hop Song” is a soundtrack from the first season episode, “The Diner.” The vocals in the reprise of the song at the end of the album are slightly different from the way they were heard in the TV version.
The original cast — Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc, and Bea Benederet – sing all eight songs, either together or solo. The Rubbles get more solo opportunities than Wilma and Fred. Betty gets center stage for “I Flipped,” and Barney sings “Bowling Alley Blues” with comments from Fred.
This album introduced “Meet the Flintstones” before it appeared on the show, though the album includes a second verse for the Rubbles (Golden Records, whether they hired the original casts or not, often recorded H-B themes with additional lyrics). The first Flintstones theme, “Rise and Shine,” is presented with lyrics, presumably by Bill Hanna.
THE JETSONS – Original TV Soundtracks
Colpix Records CP-213 (1961)
Only a few of the Colpix/H-B albums were able to present the soundtrack dialogue with the original background music and sound effects. This one has all three, plus two songs (“The Swivel” and “Epp Opp Ork”).
Even if one has never watched The Jetsons, it’s easy to follow the soundtracks on their own. For those of us very familiar with these shows, the absence of the visual only intensifies the quality of the voice acting, writing, music, sound effects, and editing. The album includes the two first (and best) episodes, “Rosie the Robot” and “A Date with Jet Screamer.” Here’s Howard Morris’ famous turn as Jet Screamer from the finale of episode two, heard exactly as on the record:
HUCKLEBERRY HOUND AND THE GHOST SHIP – Original TV Voices
Colpix Records CP-210 (1962)
This is the first of two Colpix albums written by and starring Daws Butler and Don Messick, the other being the equally delightful Quick Draw McGraw and the Treasure of Sarah’s Mattress. The two albums are personal favorites of Butler since he loved writing. In addition to Butler and Messick, Doug Young provides voices, making this and Sarah the only two made-for-records productions featuring all three actors.
This was also the first time a group of H-B characters from different cartoon series were combined in a story performed by the original cast, ten years before Yogi’s Gang on ABC. At the time, such combos only occurred in various storybooks, puzzles, and comics. So it’s Huck, Yogi, Pixie, Dixie, Jinks, Hokey Wolf, Ding-a-Ling, and more from the legends who voice them into life.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS from the Hanna-Barbera TV Show
Capitol Records ST-665 (1970)
Josie and the Pussycats brought a distinctive female pop sound to Saturday mornings, a result of the talent and enthusiasm of the artists and production staff on the songs. The singing voices are Cathy Dougher as Josie, Patrice Holloway as Valerie, and pre-Charlie’s Angels star Cheryl Ladd (Cherie Moore) as Melody. The album combines songs from the series, often with additional instrumentation, as well as hits of the day, like “Close to You.”
The Pussycats were also supposed to tour as a live group, hence the cover photo (and other publicity pictures with the trio. The Archies hit #1 with “Sugar, Sugar,” but Ron Dante was kept a secret at the time, so they couldn’t tour. Unfortunately, Capitol Records “dropped the ball” on facilitating the tour, which seems like a major mistake as these are great tracks. There were additional songs on Capitol singles sold in stores and special 45s sold by mail from Kellogg’s cereals.
THE BANANA SPLITS SING ‘N PLAY
Hanna-Barbera Premium Division 34578/34579 (1968)
Like Capitol’s Josie records, Decca released an eclectic album of twelve Banana Splits songs while Kellogg’s sold two extended play (EP) 45 rpm records with four songs each. Some songs appeared in both formats, like Barry White’s memorable James Brown-like composition, “Doin’ the Banana Split.” Most of the songs were performed by Rich Lanzilotti, though the singers varied a bit from song to song.
The “Tra-La-La” theme song featured the male singers who performed most H-B themes of this era, as well as on the HBR Cartoon Series albums. Among these vocalists are Ron Hicklin, Stan Farber, and Al Capps. While I love the Decca album, I am partial to the Kellogg’s record that includes one of my favorites, “The Beautiful Caliopasaxiviaclarabassatrombaphone:”
HEY THERE, IT’S YOGI BEAR – Original Soundtrack Recording
Colpix Records CP-472/SCP-472 (1964)
Hanna-Barbera’s first feature-length animated film had a catchy score that is infinitely enjoyable. As the speaking voices in the film, Daws Butler (Yogi), Don Messick (Boo-Boo), and Julie Bennett (Cindy) do not appear on the album. Three of Hollywood’s most renowned studio vocalists sing instead. Boo-Boo is sung by bass player and singer Ernie Newton, Cindy is sung by Jackie Ward (The Partridge Family, Inside Daisy Clover); and Bill Lee is Yogi (South Pacific, The Sound of Music). It was decided that since this was H-B’s first “book” musical score, the intricacies of the songs required the perfect pitch and harmonies of trained singers.
The stereo album suffers from a few technical issues affecting the right and left channels and there are two circus instrumentals where one would have been fine. Still, this is the sole commercial recording of a Marty Paich H-B score and is highly re-playable.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
Paramount Records PAS-1008 (1973)
Charlotte’s Web was one of the most personal musical scores created by the Sherman Brothers. Debbie Reynolds was thrilled to play Charlotte, as she loved the book. The supporting voice cast was perfection, from Henry Gibson and Agnes Moorehead to Dave Madden and Pamelyn Ferdin. It may also be Paul Lynde’s most enduring performance (besides Uncle Arthur on Bewitched), as the vitriolic, self-centered, and scene-stealing Templeton the Rat.
This is one of the few records in the vast H-B discography that has been widely reissued. It took decades, but Varese Sarabande produced a CD and a vinyl version. Now it is available on most streaming services, including Spotify. This is the only Hanna-Barbera feature that gets an entire chapter all to itself in my book.
Here is the whole album on SPOTIFY.
HANNA-BARBERA’S PIC-A-NIC BASKET
Rhino Records R2-72290 (1996)
This could also be called “The Earl Kress Set” for the Hanna-Barbera historian who helped make it happen. Through tenacious research and resourcefulness, Earl was responsible for several landmark H-B recordings during the CD boom of the nineties. This box combines the Rhino/H-B albums The Flintstones: Modern Stone-Age Melodies, Hanna-Barbera Cartoon Sound FX, and Hanna-Barbera Classics, Volume One and Volume Two (the second volume being exclusive to the box set).
The link below takes you to the website of Fred Siebert, Hanna-Barbera’s last president. He is very proud of helping make this set possible with Earl – so much so that you can find the complete liner notes and more here on his website: https://fredseibert.com/
SCOOBY-DOO’S SNACK TRACKS
Rhino Records R2-75505 (1998)
There are quite a few Scooby albums, from Peter Pan Records’ TV cast story albums to the two soundtracks of SCOOB!. This disc captures, in musical form, what made Scooby-Doo so appealing in the first place. All of these are soundtracks from various series and specials, starting with Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? including some of Austin Roberts’ second season “romp” tunes. From The New Scooby-Doo Movies comes Davy Jones’ version of “I Wanna Make You Happy” and the relentless “Pretty Mary Sunlite” by Jerry Reed.
All the songs from the first Scooby primetime special, Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood, are here, including Frank Welker’s Fonz-like “Rooby-Doo Guy” as well as Don Messick and Marilyn Schreffler with the Donny and Marie spoof, “Gotta Have Time.” If you cherish your vintage Scooby shows, these will be like old friends.
THE KING WHO COULDN’T DANCE – Told and Sung by Gene Kelly
Columbia Records J-25 (1945)
The MGM musical Anchors Aweigh launched the association of Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera with director George Sidney. The success of the combination of a live-action Gene Kelly with animated Jerry (with a cameo from Tom) led to the participation of Bill and Joe’s unit on sequences and promotions for such MGM features as Dangerous When Wet, Pat and Mike, Scaramouche, Holiday in Mexico, and Invitation to the Dance.
George Sidney and his father Louis K. Sidney were ongoing boosters of Hanna, Barbera, and their staff as they inched toward television, with Sidney becoming the third partner in Hanna-Barbera Productions.
This was the first recording based on a Hanna and Barbera creation:
Please ask for Hanna-Barbera: The Recorded History at your favorite store, online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or directly from UPM here.
Hope you like it!
“Our burgers can’t be beat, ‘cause we grind our own meat!
Grind! Grind! Grind! Grind! Grind!”
I love Ann Margrock, but oh, that Charlie and Irving….
Unless I’ve forgotten something, I believe those two Jet Screamer numbers on the Jetsons album were the only songs ever heard on the show. It’s a shame there weren’t more musical episodes. Hanna-Barbera really missed an opportunity by not getting Roy Orbison to guest star. They could have called him “Roy Orbitson”.
Congratulations on your book finally getting into print. Is there any way to order a signed copy?
Very flattered that you are interested in a signed copy! Once I have some available, I plan to sell them on eBay.
Thanks, Greg!
Can’t wait for this book. As of today, there are still a few days left before it ships.
I’d like to point out that the complete Songs of the Flintstones album is presented as an extra on the Season Two DVD set. Additionally, at least four tracks that I know of (Meet the Flintstones, Rise and Shine, Dino the Dinosaur parts 1 & 2) were released separately as 78 RPM records. These were favorite listens of mine way back when.
I never got the Pic-a-Nic Basket set, yet amazingly I believe I have collected all of the tracks that were offered therein. Over the years I found a few HB soundtrack releases that seem to have flown under the radar, but comparing my list to the ones on the track list for the set, I don’t come up short on anything, including that elusive Volume 2. But then I’m a diehard collector as you well know. The only thing I’m missing is that wonderful booklet which is reproduced on the link you attached. So now it’s as good as.
Also I remember collecting those Banana Splits 45s as well as the larger album. Strange lyrics for pre-teen kids such as “I was the very first kid on my block with a broken heart.” Huh? It was a few years before I figured out what that was all about. My favorite song was definitely the one you selected. The problem with all of that Banana Splits stuff that was ordered by mail was the many, many weeks of waiting–much longer than the promised six to eight weeks for delivery. Six to eight months would have been more accurate.
Except for the Josie tracks, I’m familiar with everything here. I’ve posted comments elsewhere on much of this material.
I would like to see the printed lyrics for “Rise and Shine” as there are a couple of lines that seem to defy interpretation even after years of listening. If those are posted anywhere, let me know.
So glad you’re back to posting lately! It’s been a long time!
This is the best I can decipher:
Rise and shine, rise and shine
When you’re happy, you’re feeling fine
When you’re up, you can’t be down
You’ll never make a million if you’re wearing a frown.
Rise and shine, pal o’mine
Dreams are blooming on the wishing vine
Just detach your dream and natch,
It doesn’t hurt to count your dreams before they’ve been hatched.
My, my, what a wonderful day
Sun’s high, birds are singing away
Blue, blue sky’s making everything bright and gay1
All you gotta do is rise and shine, give a grin
Frowns this season are wearing thin
Throw your troubles away
Come on and rise and shine, it’s a wonderful day!
A few additional details on the release of the Flintstones songs. There was an EP 45 (3 on 1) Golden release, which featured only 4 songs, one with incidental dialogue introduction from the LP. The selections were “Dino the Dino” (combining parts 1 and 2 but in a different mix than the single version, without an ending note to side 1 or side 1’s intro dialogue), “Split Level Cave”, “Bowling Alley Blues” ,and “I Flipped” (including most of Betty and Wilma’s intro dialogue). Then there was another Flintstones release that came too late to be included on the album. Golden wanted to capitalize on the introduction of Pebbles, so released a 2-part Alan Reed single of “Pebbles’ Lullaby”, an original number which I do not believe was ever included in the show. One interesting feature of the sleeve for this release was that Pebbles was depicted topless – a sight which either never or seldom appeared in the show or other merchandising.
Moral: yesterday’s kitschy schlock is tomorrow’s priceless artifacts.
I never saw the (relatively) recent “Josie and the Pussycats” feature, and I suppose it’s too wan a hope that the filmmakers even knew about this album, let alone took casting and production tips from it.
Thanks Greg for all the great background on these. I grew up with the Colpix Kellogg’s album and solely and trying to pick these back up on vinyl.
Only happy I’m here? There is a cool song that you play at the beginning of your podcast. who sings it and what is it called?
Thanks Greg! It’s always a huge delight learning the story behind the recordings of Hanna Barbera and their background.
I absolutely love The Banana Splits Sing N’ Play, especially Doin’ The Banana Split. I was pleasantly surprised when I first found out that Barry White was the composer behind that song!
Congratulations on the new book! I will be adding it to my pre order.