The Beverly Hillbillies (Theme Song) by Paul Henning – Improvised by pianist Charles Manning

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The theme song, “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” was written for the television sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The television series ran from 1962 to 1971 and starred Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett. Composed by Paul Henning, the song was first recorded by bluegrass musicians Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and featured on the album “Hard Travelin.’” In 1962, the single version by Flatt and Scruggs hit the top at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart. The single combines both the beginning and ending lyrics of the theme song for the television series. (For reference, see the lyrics printed below.) The first two verses are the beginning theme of the show, and the third verse serves as the ending credits theme. In this same manner, pianist Charles Manning improvises the hit theme song “The Ballad of Jed Clampett.”

~ Lyrics ~

[Opening Theme]

Come and listen to my story 'bout a man named Jed,
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
And then one day he was shootin' at some food,
And up through the ground come a bubblin' crude.

Oil, that is, black gold, Texas tea...

Well the first thing you know ol' Jed's a millionaire,
The kinfolk said "Jed, move away from there,"
Said "Californy is the place you ought to be,"
So they loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly

Hills, that is, swimin' pools and movie stars...

The Beverly Hillbillies!

~ Interlude ~

[Closing Theme]

Well now it's time to say good-bye to Jed and all his kin,
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin' in.
You're all invited back next week to this locality
To have a heapin' helpin' of their hospitality.

Hillbilly, that is. Set a spell. Take yer shoes off.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?