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OT: Steve Carlisle - WKRP in Cincinnati

Printed From: Top 40 Music on CD
Category: Top 40 Music On Compact Disc
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URL: https://top40musiconcd.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10278
Printed Date: 15 August 2025 at 6:44am
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Topic: OT: Steve Carlisle - WKRP in Cincinnati

Posted By: mjb50
Subject: OT: Steve Carlisle - WKRP in Cincinnati
Date Posted: 15 August 2025 at 2:02am

"WKRP in Cincinnati (Main Theme)" was the hit(?) version released on 45 in late 1981.

It is a longer, re-recorded version of the actual TV show's opening theme song from 1978.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9gJwA5KmU0" rel="nofollow - The45Prof's transfer runs 2:50, but the ends are edited, so I can't confirm if it's truncated, and I don't have it myself.

Carlisle's 1982 LP Steve Carlisle Sings WKRP in Cincinnati contained a remixed version which runs 2:53.

The most immediate change to notice between the 45 and the LP is right at the beginning, right before the lead guitar starts, the 45 has a drum fill which is completely missing from the LP. Thereafter, the 45's drums, and especially the hi-hats, are louder than on the LP. The LP version adds an acoustic rhythm guitar through most of the song.

The remix appeared on these compilations:
• Tube Tunes Volume Three: The '80s (1995)
• Sounds of the Eighties: TV Themes of the '80s (1996)

It's the same transfer, just louder on the 1995 CD.

There's a 2:47 version on a TM Century CD (Series 17, 1761). No idea what it is.

There's a 0:43 version on All-Time Top 100 TV Themes (2005), but Discogs has it noted as being a cover version.

The 45 version is not on CD, as far as I can tell.