Loading ...At first, Joseph Barbera’s career may not appear to have much to do with music: After all, the Hanna-Barbera Productions co-founder–who died yesterday at the age of 95–was best known for producing shows like The Flintstones, Tom And Jerry, and The Jetsons. But the H-B empire was also responsible for such punchy TV themes as “Scooby Doo, Where Are You?” and “Josie & The Pussycats”–songs that introduced multiple generations to the joys of a tighty produced, economically crafted pop hook. And when you throw in additional credits like The Banana Splits Adventure Hour and Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park, it’s clear that Barbera probably sat in on some of the most bizarre deveopment meetings of all time.
Joseph Barbera, Half of Duo Behind Beloved Cartoon Characters, Dies at 95 [NY Times]
Josie & The Pussycats [YouTube]
Two things to check out: the Saturday Morning Cartoon covers comp and the HB Pic-A-Nic Basket of Cartoon Classics. The former has covers of 90’s alt-rock bands covering Banana Splits (Liz Phair), Flintstones (Frente!) and more. The latter is a box set full of HB’s theme songs, background music, sound effects and more — it’s pretty great if you are into this stuff! And it comes in a picnic-shaped box. What’s NOT to love?!
And just think of where Robert Smigel’s career as a satirist would be without Barbera. Amiguously Gay Duo, meet your forefather.