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Rock 'n' Roll with Reading Rainbow


 

Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton.Do you remember Reading Rainbow, the show with all those cute kids talking about their favorite books? Remember the theme song, all about soaring butterflies and the endless possibilities of a good book?

Now imagine Jim Morrison (from 60’s rock band, The Doors) singing the Reading Rainbow theme song. Only it’s not really Jim Morrison, it’s Jimmy Fallon impersonating Jim Morrison. And the backup music isn’t being played by The Doors, it’s The Roots.

It might look something like this.

Wait, What?

The clip is from Jimmy Fallon’s TV show, Late Night, and it’s part of a series of impersonations of famous singers performing TV show theme songs. Yes, that's right: impersonations of famous singers performing TV show theme songs. I’ll admit it’s a strange concept…strangely brilliant!

Of Course, You Don't Have to Take *My* Word for It

Search around online and you’ll be sure to find a few more of these Jimmy Fallon impersonations. Two of my favorites are Jimmy Fallon as Neil Young singing the theme song from the 90’s TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Jimmy Fallon as Bob Dylan singing the theme song from the 80’s TV show Charles in Charge.

Take a Look, It’s in a Book

As much as I love these video clips, sometimes you can’t beat the real thing (well, maybe you can skip Charles in Charge). Learn more about rock legends in these books:

Or try out some rock fiction:

 

Author Bio:

Michelle L. is a Youth Services Librarian at San Carlos Library. She recommends listening to Neil Young's Live Rust, and staying away from Charles in Charge.