Rupert

Album: Anthology (1971)
Charted: 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Probably every TV series ever recorded has some accompanying or background music; many have their own specially commissioned jingles or full length signature tunes, but just because theme songs are two a penny doesn't mean they are all without merit.

    Between 1970 and 1974, ITC produced a series called The Adventures Of Rupert Bear, which was based on the cartoon character that first appeared in the Daily Express newspaper in 1920, and the theme song commissioned by ATV supremo Sir Lew Grade captures the essence of the puppet series, and of Rupert himself.

    Released on the Pye label by Jackie Lee and backed by "Going To The Circus", the single "Rupert" not only became a top twenty hit but was listed at number seven of the best TV themes of all time by The Penguin Television Companion.

    The only, very minor criticism of the song, which was co-written by Ron Roker and Frank Weston, is that it refers to "Rupert the Bear" instead of "Rupert Bear", but a tiny bit of poetic license was needed to make it scan. Copyrighted by Welbeck Music of London, sole selling agents Leeds Music, the sheet music retailed for 4 shillings.
  • In an interview with Songfacts, Ron Roker said: "My first chart success was with a song called 'Rupert the Bear,' which gave me the biggest kick. It was in the Christmas period of the year when they released the TV show and record of our theme song. I happened to be passing Selfridges Christmas Grotto window where they had on display the first toys ever made for the Rupert characters. The display caught my eye and at that moment, two little children looking at the display with their mother said 'Look mum Rupert' and they both started to sing the song. As corny as it sounds it was a very special moment for me, and to this day their version was the best I ever heard, and maybe that meant the song was a success."

    Ron Roker also co-wrote "Storm In A Tea Cup." (with Lynsey de Paul). >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 2

  • Bobby from Atlanta, GaLynsey wrote the French lyrics for the song.
  • Zabadak from London, EnglandJackie Lee also recorded the track White Horses, from the TV series Follyfoot, as "Jackie".
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.