Kojak Theme Tune
Action Theme Song Archive

Kojak Theme Tune

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Song TitleKojak Theme
ComposerBilly Goldenberg / John Williams
ShowKojak
GenreCrime / Funk / Orchestral
Release Decade1970s tv themes

Kojak Theme Tune Details

[Instrumental Funk-Jazz Composition] The Kojak theme underwent several variations throughout its run. The most famous versions feature a driving horn section and funky basslines that define the grit and determination of 1970s New York City policing. The music perfectly introduces Lieutenant Theo Kojak, a character whose tough exterior is matched by his sharp investigative mind and signature lollipop.

Official Theme Video

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The Kojak theme tune is an essential part of the show’s identity. Created by Abby Mann, who developed the series based on Selwyn Raab’s book Justice in the Back Room, the show’s score captures the high-stakes world of Manhattan’s 13th Precinct.

Airing for five seasons with 118 episodes between 1973 and 1978, the show became an American classic. Telly Savalas’s portrayal of the bald-headed, lollipop-sucking detective brought a unique charisma to the screen. The theme music—often associated with composers like Billy Goldenberg and later John Williams for the film—is a masterpiece of police procedural tension, using brass and percussion to signal Kojak’s arrival on the scene.

With its mix of action, gritty drama, and unapologetic storytelling, Kojak remains a cultural cornerstone for fans of classic television detective work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who played Lieutenant Theo Kojak?
Kojak was famously played by Telly Savalas across all five seasons.
How many episodes of Kojak were produced?
There are a total of 118 episodes in the original series.
What was the first air date of Kojak?
The series first premiered on American television on October 24, 1973.
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Verified Content: Content for Kojak has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. We ensure that credits for composers and series data from the 1970s era are accurately cited.