Classic TV Theme: Fame

Based on the movie of the same name, this series followed the lives of students and faculty at the fictional NY High School for the Performing Arts. After two seasons on NBC the show continued in syndication for another four seasons, partially bankrolled by an Italian television network. The cast of young hopefuls portraying the students was fluid, with some there for a year or two and then leaving as other students were brought into the story. Ironically for a show named 'Fame' few of the student actors actually achieved great fame. Lori Singer (years 1-2) became a star in tv and movies, and you may have heard of Janet Jackson (year 4). But look at the cast of year 6: except for the handful there from the start, you aren't likely to recognize many of the names or faces. The show itself received multiple awards and nominations, and Debbie Allen was particularly praised for choreography. As expected, the theme from the movie (by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford) is used in the series, sung by cast member Erica Gimpel. For the last two seasons an updated arrangement is sung by new cast member Loretta Chandler. We have three opens (1, 4, and 6) and two closers (1 and 6). Light up the sky like a flame..with 'Fame!'