Theme from S.W.A.T.

"Theme from S.W.A.T." is an instrumental song written by Barry De Vorzon and performed by American funk group Rhythm Heritage, released on their debut album Disco-Fied. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States on the chart date of February 28, 1976.

As the title implies, it was the opening theme music for the 1970s American television series S.W.A.T., though it is a noticeably different recording from the actual TV theme version. The theme song was also referenced by characters in the 2003 motion picture of the same name, who mouth the notes during a party to celebrate their successful completion of the training course.

It remains one of a handful of TV themes to top the Billboard Hot 100, a list that includes "Welcome Back" by John Sebastian, "Miami Vice Theme" by Jan Hammer and "How Do You Talk To An Angel" by The Heights.

Covers and use in sampling

• In Canada, the THP Orchestra's disco version of the song reached number one on the RPM pop chart the same year as the US version.
• In 1987, rapper and actor LL Cool J sampled the song for his single "I'm Bad" from his album Bigger and Deffer. Coincidentally, LL Cool J also starred in the 2003 film version of S.W.A.T.

See also

• List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 1976 (U.S.)
• List of RPM number-one singles of 1976