Who Sang The Theme Song To Only Fools And Horses

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to spin about the theme tune to Only Fools and Horses. Now, you might think it's as simple as asking, "Who sang that catchy little number?" But oh no, my friends, it's a story that's as winding as the cobbled streets of Peckham.

Enter the Knight

So, you're expecting me to say Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, right? Well, you're half right. Kenny Ball did record the theme tune, but here's where it gets a bit tricky. You see, the man who actually wrote the song was a fella named John fronted a band called The Kenny Ball Orchestra. Confused yet? Don't worry, it's like trying to understand Del Boy's 'this time next year, we'll be millionaires' plans.

From the Shadows

Now, let's talk about the man behind the curtain, or rather, the man behind the music. His name was John Barry. Yes, that John Barry, the one who composed the James Bond themes. But here's the kicker, he didn't want any credit for the Only Fools tune. Can you believe it? It's like Rodney not wanting to share a finder's fee.

Barry wrote the theme in the 1960s for a TV series called 'The Likely Lads'. But when that show ended, the theme tune was left without a home. Until, that is, the BBC picked it up for their new sitcom, Only Fools and Horses. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The Kenny Ball Connection

Now, back to Kenny Ball. He recorded the theme tune in 1971, and it became an instant hit. But here's where things get a bit fishy. Kenny Ball's version was actually a cover. Yes, you heard it right. He didn't write it, he just gave it his best shot. It's like Trigger trying to play the guitar - he might not be the best, but he sure is enthusiastic.

And get this, Kenny Ball's version wasn't even the first recording of the theme. That honour goes to a band called The John Barry Seven. But their version never saw the light of day until decades later. It's like finding an old Trotter's Independent Trading Co. business card in your granddad's attic.

The Theme That Keeps on Giving

The Only Fools and Horses theme has had a life of its own. It's been covered by everyone from The Wombles to The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It's been used in adverts, in films, and even at weddings. It's like the Trotters' Reliant Regal - it might not be the most sophisticated, but it's certainly got character.

And if you think that's surprising, here's a real shocker. The theme tune was actually meant to be a temporary placeholder. The BBC thought they'd find a proper theme later on. But the producers and the audience loved it so much, it stuck around. It's like Uncle Albert turning up for dinner - nobody expected him to stay, but he just kept on coming back.

So, Who Sang It?

Well, if you've been paying attention, you'll know that the answer is... nobody, and everybody. Kenny Ball recorded the most famous version, but he didn't write it. John Barry wrote it, but he didn't want the credit. And it's been covered so many times, it's hard to keep track. It's like trying to keep track of Del Boy's many, many jobs.

But maybe that's the beauty of it. The Only Fools and Horses theme tune is like a game of pass the parcel. It's been passed from one musician to another, each leaving their mark. And like the best games of pass the parcel, it's the taking part that counts, not who ends up with the prize.

So there you have it, folks. The story of the Only Fools and Horses theme tune. It's a tale of covers and credits, of temporary themes that became permanent fixtures. It's a story as winding and full of surprises as the show itself. And just like the Trotters, it's a story that's always good for a laugh and a bit of a singalong.