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

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

P.F. Sloan

P.F. SloanSongwriter Interviews

P.F. was a teenager writing hits and playing on tracks for Jan & Dean when he wrote a #1 hit that got him blackballed.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.