What are the theme songs for NPR's programs?

Many of the programs produced and distributed by NPR have their own signature "theme" music. These themes comes from a variety of sources, and we are happy to provide you with some information about the tunes associated with your favorite NPR shows*:

The All Things Considered theme was originally composed and performed for the show by Don Voegeli in 1971. The music went through a number of changes over the years, but the core melody of Voegeli's original theme has remained throughout these changes. For more information, and to listen to past and present versions of the All Things Considered theme, click here.

The Car Talk theme is titled "Dawggy Mountain Breakdown", and it was written and performed by David Grisman. To learn more about the Car Talk theme, click here.

The From the Top theme is an arrangement of Cole Porter's "From the Top." This particular arrangement is not available for purchase or download.

The Morning Edition theme was composed for the show by BJ Liederman. Although the version listeners hear every morning is instrumental, this theme also has lyrics. You can find the lyrics and listen to the theme here.

The theme for Mountain Stage was composed for the program by Larry Groce.

The On Point theme is "Everything is Alright," from the album Pause by Fourtet.

The On the Media theme was composed specifically for the program by Ben Allison. You can learn more about Ben Allison and his work here.

The theme for Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland is titled "Kaleidoscope." The song was composed specifically for the program and  performed by Marian McPartland.

The Talk of the Nation theme was composed for the show by Greg Smith. For more information, and to listen to past and present versions of the theme, click here.

The Tell Me More theme music was composed by Underdog Entertainment, with additional arrangements by Ian Honeyman.

The Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me... theme music was composed for the show by BJ Liederman, as was the theme for Weekend Edition.

*Please note that in cases where a theme was composed specifically for a program, the music is not available for purchase or download. 

If you are looking for the theme of a program that you do not see listed here, it is possible that the program in question is neither produced nor distributed by NPR. To learn more about programs that are often heard on public radio, but are independently produced and distributed, please click here. 

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