Take a look, it’s in a book, a Reading Rainbow!
The iconic television show ‘The Reading Rainbow’ premiered nearly four decades ago today on June 6, 1983, hosted by the incomparable Levar Burton. The half-hour children’s series ran for over 21 seasons with 155 episodes and received more than 200 awards, including a Peabody Award and 26 Emmy Awards.
The original theme song was written by Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weirwas and performed by singer and actress Tina Fabrique. In a historic television moment it featured the Buchla synthesizer for the first time in a TV theme song.
Then, on January 3, 2000, legendary singer, Chaka Khan, rerecorded the theme song with the original lyrics.
So, this Black Music History Month, we recognize the greatness of two women who sang the soundtrack to our childhood journey into being bibliophiles.
Happy Sunday to all y’all who grew up on the show! https://t.co/Jwt10BGIQX
advertisement— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) June 6, 2021
After introducing the Reading Rainbow theme song to my 4-yr old niece, she asked to play it on repeat (which I happily obliged).
advertisementBut why did I just learn who sang the theme song?!?! #ChakaKhan ❤️ (Kudos to #TinaFabrique for singing the original)https://t.co/c0ASWBBL3B https://t.co/eRpTKFMuRK
— Backed by Onjena Yo (@PopulistDemand) June 6, 2021
You sir are a national treasure. https://t.co/5KIgP8lBd6
— Cultural Curator (@BaeTheBlogger) June 6, 2021
Everytime I looked forward to watching this show growing up. That INTRO IS A COLD BOP! https://t.co/NVpVwrJ2df
— Kyrie’s negro spirit (@baby_face_alpha) June 6, 2021
What a great show! Oh the memories https://t.co/glE2EQxS8U
— Jade Fulce (@fulceja) June 6, 2021
Where can we find old eps of Reading Rainbow? Cause my godson knows nothing and really I just want someone to read to me in a soothing voice https://t.co/JGnMPLw6ll
— America Is A Scam (@idontdonature) June 6, 2021
A proud portion of my childhood!! https://t.co/t5ZqO1UXqo
— MicVOSmith (@WCM_MicMilli) June 6, 2021
I shouldn’t be tearing up, but here I am. This is the show that made me the book loving nerd I am. ❤️ https://t.co/gT5f8KPV8w
— New Year, Newish Me. (@ehs06702) June 6, 2021
When I tell you I love books just because of @levarburton & reading rainbow https://t.co/lRmBJk5yvO
— NicoleNikki (@dopeblkfilmkr) June 6, 2021
Geriatric millennials stand up https://t.co/FSYiYFYGuF
— Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) June 6, 2021
Take a Look, It’s in a Book… ✨ https://t.co/EaUBXQoSy5
— No Free Readings (@KozyALaMode) June 6, 2021
Take a look it’s in a book A READING RAINBOWWWW , I CAN Go ANYWhere ……in my mind flying high like a bird ♀️ https://t.co/RAiCABNZPp
— Patrice Ethel Whaley (@HellooooNurse11) June 6, 2021
We can’t wait to watch Burton hosting on Jeopardy!, but until then we will continue jamming out to this eternal book bop!
Happy Birthday, The Reading Rainbow!
Photo Credit: IMBD and Mental Floss