Jerry Scoggins (Vocals), Flatt & Scruggs (Instrumentation)
Original Air Date
September 26, 1962 (USA) / February 1, 1963 (UK)
Episodes / Seasons
274 Episodes (9 Seasons)
Network
CBS
Language
English
Theme Song Lyrics
Come and listen to my story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed
And then one day he was shootin’ at some food
And up through the ground come a bubblin’ crude
(Oil, that is… black gold… Texas tea)
Well the first thing you know ol’ Jed’s a millionaire
The kinfolk said “Jed move away from there”
Said “Californy is the place you ought to be”
So they loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly
(Hills, that is… swimmin’ pools… movie stars)
Well now it’s time to say good-bye to Jed and all his kin
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin’ in
You’re all invited back next week to this locality
To have a heapin’ helpin’ of their hospitality
(Hillbilly, that is… set a spell… take your shoes off)
Y’all come back now, y’hear!
Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story
“The Ballad of Jed Clampett” stands as one of the most effective storytelling theme songs in television history. Composed by show creator Paul Henning, the song acts as a narrative prologue, explaining the show’s entire premise in just 60 seconds. The vocals were provided by bluegrass singer Jerry Scoggins, accompanied by the legendary bluegrass duo Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs on guitar and banjo.
Premiering on CBS in 1962, The Beverly Hillbillies followed the adventures of the Clampett family after Jed accidentally strikes “black gold” (oil) while hunting on his swamp land. The song became a massive hit in its own right, reaching #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a #1 hit on the Country charts in 1963—a rare achievement for a TV theme.
Running for nine seasons and 274 episodes, the series remained a ratings powerhouse for most of its run. The theme song’s distinct “hillbilly” sound and witty interjections (often spoken by Henning) set the stage for the comedic culture clash between the humble mountaineers and the wealthy elite of Beverly Hills. Its final episode aired on March 23, 1971, but the “y’all come back now” tagline remains etched in the hearts of generations of fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the musicians playing the instruments?
The iconic banjo and guitar work was performed by the Grammy-winning bluegrass duo Flatt & Scruggs. They even appeared as themselves in several episodes of the series.
Did the theme song chart on the radio?
Yes! The version by Flatt & Scruggs reached #1 on the Billboard Country chart in 1963, making it one of the most successful TV themes of all time.
What are “Texas Tea” and “Black Gold”?
These are slang terms for crude oil, emphasizing its immense value and the sudden wealth it brought to the Clampett family.
