Perry Botkin, Jr., was an American composer whose work includes some of the most popular songs of the '60's and '70's known worldwide, most notably his original composition, the Theme from the Young and the Restless, which later became a #1 single, Nadia's Theme, winning him a Grammy award in 1977.
Another original composition performed by The Carpenters, Bless the Beasts and the Children, from the film of the same name, garnered him an Oscar nomination in 1971. His work in film and television includes theme music and underscore for such classic shows as Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, The Smothers Brothers Show, and the ABC Movie of the Week. A cut with a certain break beat from a record Botkin produced in 1972 has become the most sampled piece of music in history, and is credited with the birth of Hip-Hop. Perry is the son of Perry Botkin, Sr., who played guitar for Bing Crosby and Spike Jones, and composed underscore for "The Beverly Hillbillies" TV show. The two were featured in an episode of Ozzy and Harriet where Perry Botkin, Jr., played the trombonist in Ricky Nelson's band! |