Twenty Thousand Hertz The Music of Jeopardy! From a Lullaby to $100,000,000
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Jul 2, 2025 Lisa Broffman, Consulting Co-Executive Producer for Jeopardy!, takes us behind the scenes of the most recognizable TV theme music in America. Discover how a lullaby composed for Merv Griffin's son transformed into the iconic Jeopardy theme. She dives into the show's sonic evolution, exploring honking buzzers and orchestral remixes that have shaped its distinctive sound. Broffman also discusses the show's tumultuous early years and the music's emotional connection with viewers, illustrating its cultural impact over decades.
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Merv Griffin's Lullaby Roots
- Merv Griffin originally composed the Jeopardy theme as a lullaby for his son Tony named "A Time for Tony."
- He later adapted and sped up this melody to create the iconic "Think Music" for the game show's final round.
Tick-Tock Think Music Impact
- The original Jeopardy finale used Merv's "Think Music" with a distinct metronome tick-tock to count down contestant time.
- This sound was crucial for building anticipation while contestants wrote their final answers.
The Original Goose Honk Buzzer
- Early Jeopardy had a buzzer sound that resembled a goose honking, which was later replaced by a ding.
- This quirky honk could interrupt the host mid-read during contestant buzz-ins.
