logo
twitter.com/Variety
twitter.com/Variety

Grammy-Winning Composer behind the 'Young and the Restless' Theme, Perry Botkin Jr Dies at 87

Laura Beatham
Jan 27, 2021
10:50 A.M.

Perry Botkin Jr., the composer behind "The Young and The Restless" theme song, which won a Grammy, has died at 87.

Advertisement

The accomplished composer Perry Botkin Jr. died at 87 on Monday, January 25th, as his longtime friend John Scheinfeld confirmed on his Facebook page.

Botkin had a very successful career as a composer and saw Grammy recognition for his song "Nadia's Theme," which was the iconic theme song for the soap opera " The Young and The Restless."

Composer Perry Botkin died on January 25. | Photo: Twitter/variety

Composer Perry Botkin died on January 25. | Photo: Twitter/variety

He created songs for shows such as "Levine and Shirley," "The Smothers Brothers Show," "Adam's Rib," and "Quark," as well as quite a few films during the 70s and 80s.

Scheinfeld had written a tribute to the late Botkin and shared that he had met him during an interview for the documentary "Who Is Harry Nilsson?" He said this about the composer:

Advertisement

"Perry was a magnificently talented composer, arranger, producer and story-teller, perhaps best known for composing the Grammy-winning Nadia’s Theme. "

He reached fame when his track "Nadia's Theme" was used by the 1976 summer Olympics for a montage of the Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci scoring perfect 10s and winning three gold medals.

He composed and worked with Glen Campbel on his song "Wichita Lineman." He wrote, "Rhythm Of The Rain" for The Cascades, which landed on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963 at no. 3.

Advertisement

Botkin composed commercial jingles for large companies such as American Airlines.

He has an impressive list of film credentials as he wrote racks for "They Only Kill Their Masters," "Skyjacked," "Tarzan The Ape Man," and "Bless the Beast and the Children," for which he won an oscar.

He worked and produced with many well-known artists, including Dori Pravin, Sammy Davis Jr., Jack Jones, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, The Supremes, the Everly Brothers, and many others. One fan wrote on Twitter:

Advertisement

"Both he and his father were among the greatest guitarists ever!"

The talented composer, arranger, and composer got his start in his high school's jazz band as a trombone player alongside John Williams, a legendary film composer.

He joined a singing group called The Cheers, and together, they had a hit called "Black Denim Trousers." His father was also a composer.

Advertisement

Botkin composed commercial jingles for large companies such as American Airlines, Chevron, the toy brand Mattel, and the beloved ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins.

His most recent music was for the 2017 action movie "Baby Driver" soundtrack. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, their son David and a grandson Daniel.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Israel Houghton's Ex Meleasa Houghton Is a Musician & Proud Mom of 3

November 07, 2023

Robert Downey Jr. Is Lucky to Have ‘Sane’ Wife for 18 Years – She Set Rules to Save Their Relationship

February 27, 2024

Steve Perry Never Had a Wife despite Having Been in Several Serious Relationships

November 29, 2023

Charlie Chaplin Had 11 Children with 3 Women & Some of His Kids Became Actors Too

January 14, 2024

These 5 Girls Are '90s Idols and One of Whom Is Married to a Famous Soccer Player – Quiz

December 20, 2023

Johnny Cash’s Children: A Closer Look at His 5 Kids from 2 Marriages

January 16, 2024

The Loneliness of Fame: Why Matthew Perry, 'Friends' Icon, Never Built a Family

November 09, 2023

'I Hate It,' Cher Admits about Aging but Believes ‘It’s Never Too Late’ to Be Happy with Younger Partner

December 02, 2023

Gussy Lau Is a Composer & Ángela Aguilar's Reported Ex-boyfriend

December 07, 2023

This Woman Is Married 18 Years to Actor She Initially Rejected & Who Brought Packets of Oatmeal to Their ‘1st Date’

November 07, 2023

‘Home Alone’ Cast Then & Now: What Became of the Actors from the Iconic 1990 Christmas Movie

December 07, 2023

My Boss Made Me Dance for a Rich Man, It Turned Out That I Already Knew Him – Story of the Day

December 18, 2023

Matthew Perry Said Dad Wouldn't See 'A Dime' of His Millions - Lawyer Talks about Who Will 'Likely' Get It

November 06, 2023

My Boss Made Me Dance for a Wealthy Man, It Turned Out That I Already Knew Him – Story of the Day

February 20, 2024