If you’re a fan of this comedy-adventure television series that was aired on CBS from 1979 to 1985, then pretty sure you’ll quickly recognize Dukes of Hazzard theme song or Waylon Jennings’ “Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys).”
The series featured cousins Bo and Luke, who rode their Dodge Charger called The General Lee, racing all over Hazzard County. They had plenty of exciting experiences and shenanigans all through the show. They find themselves in sticky situations every so often – especially with the twisted county commissioner Boss Hogg and Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane. But, of course, who would ever forget the gorgeous Daisy Duke? It was indeed among the most-watched television series of its time.
And just as legendary as the action-comedy television series itself is its opening theme song written and recorded by Waylon Jennings – who was also credited as “The Balladeer” and served the show’s narrator.
Jennings actually recorded two versions! The first version was adopted as the show’s theme song, while a slightly different version was made available for commercial use.
The one used in the show featured Larry McNeely’s banjo work, while the commercially available version did not. In addition to that, the third verse in the television version contained the lyric, “Fightin’ the system like two modern-day Robin Hoods,” and followed by the iconic “Yee-haw!” exclaimed by Bo and Luke.
Meanwhile, the commercially available version received radio airplay. It was released in 1980 as the second single from Jennings’ album Music Man, and it turned out to be one of Waylon Jennings songs that reached No. 1 on the American Country chart. It also peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Today, the Dukes of Hazzard theme song is still as exciting and unforgettable as the show itself. You can listen to it in the video below.
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Waylon Jennings