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Saturday Night Live- The Enduring Opening Song

Roberta Schowalter I

For anyone who has spent a Saturday evening glued to their screen, the familiar sounds and sights of the Saturday Night Live opening are, you know, a true signal that something special is about to begin. As the show approaches its big 50th anniversary, there's a lot of talk, and justly so, about the many, many moments that have made it a cultural touchstone. This includes, very much, the way it kicks off each week, a sequence that has seen some changes but always manages to capture the energy of New York City and the excitement of live television.

The show's opening music, that very jazzy piece, has been a constant, a kind of sonic welcome mat for viewers for decades. It's a tune that, actually, has a rather interesting connection to a well-known song by John Lennon. This connection, and how the show’s start has changed over the years, from simple still pictures to lively video glimpses of Times Square, really tells a story about the program itself, how it has grown and adapted while keeping its core identity. It’s pretty cool, if you think about it, how much history is packed into those few minutes.

We'll take a closer look at the show's musical beginnings, the people who bring that sound to life, and the ways the opening has shifted through the show’s long run. From the first broadcast with Billy Preston to the modern era, the opening has always set the mood, inviting everyone to settle in for a night of laughter and, of course, live musical performances. It's, in a way, a little piece of television history that keeps on playing.

Table of Contents

How Did the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live Get Its Start?

The story of the show's beginning is, in some respects, quite fascinating. When Saturday Night Live first hit the airwaves, it was actually known by a slightly different name: NBC's Saturday Night. This was, you know, back in the day, specifically for its first season and part of its second. The very first episode, which aired on October 11, 1975, featured a live musical appearance by Billy Preston, setting a standard for the show's commitment to music from the get-go. The presence of a live band, playing that now-iconic opening piece, was a key part of the program's identity right from the very start. It was a fresh approach to late-night television, really.

The original theme music, created by Howard Shore, who would later become a very well-known film composer, was a central piece of this early identity. This music, which is still recognizable today, helped establish the show's feel. It was, sort of, a jazzy, energetic sound that signaled something new and exciting was happening. The way the show kicked off, with this distinct tune, instantly told viewers what kind of experience they were in for. It was, honestly, a pretty smart move to have such a memorable musical introduction.

The decision to have a live band perform the opening, and all the music throughout the show, really set it apart. It gave the program a spontaneous, lively feel that was different from other things on television at the time. This commitment to live music, and that signature opening piece, has been a thread running through all fifty seasons, even as other parts of the show have shifted and changed. It's, you know, a big part of why the show has lasted so long.

The Musical Heart of the Show: The Saturday Night Live Band

Behind that famous opening song, and all the other musical bits you hear on the program, is a group of very skilled musicians. This group, often called "The Live Band" in the show's closing credits, is the house band for the entire production. They are, in a way, the unsung heroes of the show, providing the soundtrack for every episode. Their presence means that every musical cue, every transition, and of course, the opening and closing themes, are played live, adding to the program's unique energy. It's, like, a pretty big job, actually.

The band is known for its interesting mix of musical styles. They often play music that has roots in R&B, and you'll hear some rock influences in their sound too. One of the most noticeable features of the band's setup is its very strong horn section. These brass players add a lot of punch and brightness to the music, giving it that distinct, full sound. This combination of instruments and genres makes their performances, including the opening song for Saturday Night Live, really stand out. They are, essentially, a musical powerhouse.

Their duties go beyond just the main theme. After the "cold opening," which is the first sketch of the night, the band plays the full opening song. Then, throughout the show, they provide short musical pieces that act as bridges between commercial breaks, keeping the flow going. And, of course, they play the closing theme music as the credits roll at the end of the night. This constant musical presence is, you know, a fundamental part of the program's rhythm and feel, making them truly central to the experience. They really do a lot, to be honest.

Has the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live Always Been the Same?

While the core musical idea of the opening song for Saturday Night Live has remained, the way it's presented has seen some changes over the years. The show, which started as "NBC's Saturday Night," changed its name to "Saturday Night Live" midway through its second season. This kind of shift shows how the program was finding its footing in those early days. The theme music itself, the one Howard Shore created, has mostly stayed consistent, providing a familiar sound even as other things around it changed. So, the tune itself is pretty much a constant, yet its presentation has shifted.

A really big change happened for the third season. The entire opening sequence got a complete makeover. Before this, the opening might have used still pictures and written titles to introduce the cast and guests. But for Season 3, they replaced these static visuals with something much more dynamic. They started using video, which was captured from a light screen in New York's Times Square. This was, in a way, a big step, making the opening feel more alive and connected to the city where the show is made. It really brought a new kind of energy, you know.

This visual update meant that while the familiar music played, viewers were now seeing lively, moving images of one of the world's most famous spots. This helped to keep the opening feeling fresh and current, even as the decades passed. The show has, naturally, continued to tweak and update its opening visuals over time, but that move to live video from Times Square was a pretty important moment in its history. It was, like, a pretty smart way to keep things interesting.

What Is the Connection Between the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live and John Lennon?

It's quite interesting to learn that the Saturday Night Live theme, that jazzy piece we all recognize, has some similarities to a John Lennon song. The song in question is "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night." This particular track was one of John Lennon's most popular solo songs, and it had a bit of a different feel compared to many of his other solo hits. It's known for taking a good amount of influence from jazz music, which was, you know, a bit of a departure for him. This jazzy touch is where the connection to the SNL theme comes in. It's, in a way, a little bit surprising to some.

The opening riff of "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" sounds a lot like the jazzy riff that starts the SNL opening theme. This similarity has been noted by many listeners over the years. It's not a direct copy, of course, but the feel and the way the notes are played are quite alike. This connection adds another layer of musical history to the show's opening. It shows how different musical ideas can, you know, echo each other in unexpected places. It's pretty cool, actually, to hear that kind of shared musical spirit.

Interestingly, "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" was a collaboration between John Lennon and Elton John. This adds another famous name to the story of the SNL opening's musical inspirations. The song's music video also has a style that is, in a way, reminiscent of the show's opening. This might be a coincidence, or it might speak to a shared aesthetic of the time. Regardless, the link to Lennon's jazzy tune is a fun piece of trivia for fans of both music and television. It really shows, you know, how intertwined things can be.

The Visual Journey of the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live

The visual presentation of the opening song for Saturday Night Live has changed quite a bit over its long run, mirroring the show's own evolution. In the very early days, as mentioned, the opening might have been simpler, perhaps using static images or titles. This was, you know, a common way to introduce a television program back then. But as the show gained popularity and television technology advanced, the visuals became more dynamic and reflective of the live, energetic nature of the program. It was, basically, a move to keep things fresh and engaging for viewers.

The shift to video from Times Square for Season 3 was a significant moment. This meant that instead of just seeing names on a screen, viewers were getting a glimpse of the city that houses the show. The moving images of the light screen, the hustle and bustle of New York, gave the opening a feeling of immediacy and excitement. It connected the show directly to its urban setting, which is, honestly, a big part of SNL's identity. This visual choice helped set the mood for a live broadcast coming straight from the heart of the city. It's, like, a really clever way to do it.

Over the decades, the opening visuals have continued to be updated. While the Times Square element often remains, the specific shots, the way they're edited, and the overall style have changed to reflect current trends and the show's evolving look. These visual updates, combined with the consistent theme music, help keep the opening feeling both familiar and current. It’s a delicate balance, but one the show has managed to maintain, making the opening a kind of living archive of television design. It's, you know, a testament to its staying power.

Celebrating Musical Moments Around the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live

As Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary, there's a lot of looking back at all the amazing things that have happened on the show. This includes, very much, the many musical moments that have become legendary. The program has always been a platform for both established and up-and-coming musical artists, and their performances often become some of the most talked-about parts of an episode. So, the opening song is just the start of a night often filled with sound. It's, like, a really big part of the program's appeal.

The show's history is filled with memorable musical guests. For example, Beyonce Knowles, as part of Destiny's Child, performed on Saturday Night Live during Season 26, specifically on May 5, 2001. These kinds of appearances, whether by solo artists or groups, become part of the show's rich history, adding to its cultural impact. The music segments, including the original songs created for sketches, are often counted down as some of the "best" moments in the show's long history. There's, you know, a lot to choose from, honestly.

Recent online activity, like video views, really shows how much people still care about these musical moments. For instance, a video titled "Best of Saturday Night Live Season 50" had over 472,000 views by May 22, 2025. Another, about "Best 'Saturday Night Live' music moments," had over 568,000 views by May 23, 2025. These numbers show that the musical side of SNL, from its opening song to its guest performances and original shorts, continues to capture people's attention. It's, you know, a pretty clear sign of its lasting popularity.

Accessing the History of the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live

For those who really want to explore the history of the Saturday Night Live opening, there are resources available. There's a collection of audio and video recordings of the show's intros. These are put together for fans, and also for anyone interested in the show's history or for educational reasons. It's, basically, a way to see how the opening has changed and stayed the same over the decades. This kind of archive helps preserve the show's legacy, allowing people to revisit moments from its past. It's, you know, a pretty neat thing to have.

These collections often include intros from across all 50 seasons, giving a comprehensive look at the program's visual and musical evolution. It's a great way to trace the show's journey from its early days as "NBC's Saturday Night" to the cultural institution it is today. The availability of these materials is, in some respects, thanks to those who have taken the time to upload and share them, making them accessible to a wider audience. It's, like, a community effort, really, to keep this history alive.

Beyond video collections, for those with a musical bent, sheet music for the Saturday Night Live opening theme is also available. You can find arrangements for piano and chords, typically in E major. This means musicians can actually play the iconic tune themselves, getting a deeper appreciation for its structure and melody. While some access might require "pro credits" or a small payment, the fact that the sheet music exists means the music itself can be studied and performed by anyone interested. It's, you know, a pretty cool way to connect with the show.

Technical Notes on the Opening Song for Saturday Night Live

When it comes to the actual technical side of the opening song for Saturday Night Live, there are a few interesting points. The availability of the sheet music, for example, tells us that the theme is typically written in the key of E major. This is, you know, a common key for many pieces of music, and it gives the tune a certain brightness and clarity. For musicians, knowing the key and having the piano and chord arrangements means they can recreate the sound themselves, which is pretty neat. It shows the structure of the piece, basically.

The show's consistent use of a live band means that the performance of the opening song, and all other musical cues, is always fresh. The band, with its strong horn section and blend of R&B and rock influences, brings a particular sound to the theme. This live performance aspect means that while the core melody remains, there can be subtle differences in how it's played from week to week, adding to the spontaneity of the show. It's, like, a really important part of the live television experience.

The existence of archives, like the "live music archive" or collections of "78 rpms and cylinder recordings," while perhaps not directly related to the SNL theme itself, speaks to a broader interest in preserving audio history. In a similar vein, the collection of SNL intros for "historical and educational purposes" highlights the value placed on documenting the show's evolution. This kind of record-keeping means that future generations can, you know, look back and study how television productions, including their opening songs, have changed over time. It's, honestly, a pretty valuable resource.

The Saturday Night Live opening song, from its jazz-infused melody to its evolving visuals and the live band that plays it every week, truly sets the stage for a television institution. It has connections to famous musicians, has adapted its look over time, and continues to be a recognizable signal that a night of live comedy and music is about to unfold. The show's 50th anniversary brings all these elements into focus, reminding us of the enduring appeal of this iconic television moment.

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