Theme songs had long been a way for an unknown (or relative unknown) to make their way onto radio and the pop charts. The exposure from an appearance in a movie or a television show allowed for a catchy song to piggyback on the success, often providing singers and bands with their one moment of fame. Such a case was singer Joey Scarbury when he recorded "Believe It Or Not," the theme from '80s television show The Greatest American Hero starring William Katt (perhaps better known as Sissy Spacek's prom date in the movie Carrie).

Scarbury had a leg up with the material as "Believe It Or Not" was co-written by composer Mike Post who had hits under his own name with his themes for Hill Street Blues and

Magnum P.I.. With its uplifting melody, the song was a feel-good slice of soft rock; its breezy feel and Scarbury's pleasant vocals making it a natural fit for radio.

With interest generated from the television show, "Believe It Or Not" began to get requests at radio stations and was released as a single in May of 1981. By mid-June, the song had become Scarbury's first US Top 40 hit. It rocketed up the charts and remained entrenched in the Top Ten throughout the summer, eventually spending two weeks at #2.

A full-length album was hastily put together to capitalize on "Believe It Or Not," entitled Greatest American Hero but Scarbury couldn't maintain the momentum. A second single, "When She Dances," fizzled out at #49 and Scarbury would not be heard from again. However, with "Believe It Or Not," he had earned his place in the annals of one-hit wonders and secure his status in pop culture lore.

To hear this song, and many more hits from the '80s, log on to Pop Go The '80s

What You Can Expect If You Give Pop Go The '80s A Listen

Quick Reference To Pop Go The '80s Blog