Few TV themes are as recognizable as the banjo-driven ballad that opens The Beverly Hillbillies. But behind that iconic melody lies a surprising fact: the theme song we know today wasn’t always guaranteed. Early in production, CBS executives and producers debated whether the show should open with a traditional narration, an orchestral score, or a country tune.
Show creator Paul Henning, however, insisted on music that fit the Clampetts’ rural roots. He wanted something folksy, catchy, and above all, memorable. Eventually, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs—bluegrass legends—were brought in. Their banjo picking and down-home vocals gave birth to “The Ballad of Jed Clampett.”
The decision wasn’t universally praised at the time. Some executives feared the bluegrass sound was too niche for national audiences. Others worried viewers might see it as gimmicky. But Henning pushed forward, convinced that the song would tie everything together.
He was right. The theme became a hit in its own right, climbing the Billboard country charts and receiving radio play far beyond TV airings. Fans often sang along at home, and the song itself helped define the identity of the show. To this day, it remains one of the most famous TV theme songs ever written.
Had the producers gone with a generic orchestral track, The Beverly Hillbillies might have felt like just another sitcom. Instead, the banjo and storytelling lyrics rooted the show in authenticity. It wasn’t just a theme song—it was part of the narrative, and a reason why the Clampetts’ journey to Beverly Hills felt so alive.
