The Bonanza Song (The forgotten ACTUAL Bonanza lyrics, and other utterly unknown and lost TV tunes)

NBC ^ | June 07, 2009 | CarrieOK4059

[tlb]

I can't believe the Cartwrights sang sooo badly in this!!

[mel]

bump

[Willie Green]

Ballad of Paladin - Have Gun Will Travel

[Mr Rogers]

For those who cannot stand the pain...

Bonanza Lyrics and Theme
Bonanza - the version used

We chased lady luck, ‘til we finally struck Bonanza.
With a gun and a rope and a hat full of hope, planted a family tree. We got hold of a pot of gold, Bonanza.
With a horse and a saddle, and a range full of cattle, how rich can a fellow be?

On this land we put our brand, Cartwright is the name, fortune smiled, the day we filed the Ponderosa claim.
Here in the West, we’re livin’ the best, Bonanza, if anyone fights any one of us, he’s go a fight with me, Bonanza.

Hoss and Joe and Adam know every rock and pine, no one works, fights, or eats, like those boys of mine. Here we stand in the middle of a grand Bonanza.
With a gun and a rope and a hatful of hope, we planted our family tree, we got hold of a potful of gold, Bonanza.

With a houseful of friends where the rainbow ends, how rich can a fellow be?
On this land we put our brand, Cartwright is the name, fortune smiled, the day we filed the Ponderosa claim. Here in the west we’re livin’ the best Bonanza.

With the friendliest, fightingist, loving band, that ever set foot in the promised land, and we’re happier than them all.
That’s why we call it Bonanza...Bonanza...Bonanza...

Lyrics written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.

Yes, there are two versions of the famous Bonanza theme song. The first gem was filmed for the pilot episode “A Rose For Lotta”. Thankfully, NBC executives nixed it before the episode aired, otherwise the Cartwrights would have been a one-evening wonder!

The Ill-Fated Bonanza Lyrics For The Pilot

(Little Joe solo) I’ve got a flair for women everywhere-—Bonanza!
(Hoss solo) Bonanza! (Barks and howls)
(All three) I’m not afraid of any pretty maid—Bonanza! Bonanza!
But when I give a kiss to any little miss, She’ll learn a lot from me

(Ben solo) I’m not afraid of any pretty maid—Bonanza!
(All three) Bonanza!
When I give a kiss to any little miss
She’ll learn a lot from me
Hair of brown, hair of gold
I’ll take what I see

We’re not a one to saddle up and run—Bonanza! Bonanza!
Anyone of us who starts a little fuss
Knows he can count on me
One for four, four for all
This we guarantee

We got a right to pick a little fight—Bonanza! Bonanza!
If anyone fights any one of us
He’s gotta fight with me!

http://ponderosascenery.homestead.com/lyrics.html

Still, it takes the pain of watching and listening to fully appreciate how awful the pilot version was!

[BlueLancer]

"The Johnny Quest theme was awesome! Not a song though, just instrumental."

I finally broke down and bought the DVD set for the old Johnny Quest series. Man, did that bring back memories ... and, boy, do I feel old.

[paulycy]

I finally broke down and bought the DVD set for the old Johnny Quest series. Man, did that bring back memories ... and, boy, do I feel old.

I'm right there with ya, FRiend! Maybe I'll get the DVDs too.

[paulycy]

[Harold Shea]

Scorned as a man who ran...the next line I think

[abb]

The Al Caiola arrangement of The Magnificent Seven was quite adequate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5a4LB6hBNA

[tlb]

>>>The Al Caiola arrangement of The Magnificent Seven was quite adequate.

True enough but like the Andy Griffith theme, not really lost or forgotten. The Magnificent Seven will run several times a year. Steve Canyon hasn’t been seen Ike was president.

[abb]

Never saw the show. As a kid, we could only pick up the CBS affiliate and then later the ABC station. Only the rich folks on our street had antennas with a rotator and tall mast.

The internet will see much of this stuff brought back to life.

How about that narrator!!! Very familiar voice, but can’t place him.

But I can’t get enough of the original Maverick theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYrsDT02OcE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti39T-Wi3Dc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_DQC3iaWbg&feature=related

[stainlessbanner]

Always liked how Hoss came out swinging when he and Lil’ Joe found trouble in town. I remember a show when a professional pugilist from S.F. came to town and picked a fight with Hoss.

[mrs. a]

“I finally broke down and bought the DVD set for the old Johnny Quest series. Man, did that bring back memories ... and, boy, do I feel old.”

I was gonna marry Race Bannon when I grew up...

[tlb]

>>>How about that narrator!!! Very familiar voice, but can’t place him.

I listened to the Steve Canyon clip again and yes, very familiar voice. I believed I recognized it as the narrator for the Gene Barry “War of the Worlds”. Checking IMDB they confirm Paul Frees as the narrator in both. I recall him appearing as a reporter speaking into a tape recorder in War of the Worlds, and he is a rather short guy. The voice is at least two feet taller then he is.

Project U.F.O. (1959) TV episode (voice) .... Narrator

Loads of credits, many voice only

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293659/

[Skooz]

To prove you’re a man you must wipe with your hand.

[abb]

That’s him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQM7NOzVMu0&feature=related
The Paul Frees Demo Reel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iljrlLoiANg&feature=PlayList&p=47C3A979748D9E9B&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=33
Paul Frees - Complete Ghost Host Recording Session (1/3)