RIP Composer Earle Hagen

"Earle H. Hagen, the Emmy Award-winning television composer who wrote the memorable theme music for “The Andy Griffith Show," “The Dick Van Dyke Show," “I Spy" and other classic TV programs, has died. He was 88.

Hagen, who composed the jazz standard "Harlem Nocturne" and was a former big-band trombonist for Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Ray Noble, died Monday night at his home in Rancho Mirage, said his wife, Laura. He had been ill for several months."

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-me-hagen28-2008may28,0,1794901.story

Many don't know that Hagen also was the guy doing the whistling. And most folks are unaware that the Griffith show theme also had lyrics:

THE FISHIN' HOLE

Well now, take down your fishing pole
and meet me at the fishing hole
We may not get a bite all day,
but don’t you rush away

What a great place to rest your bones
and mighty fine for skipping stones
You’ll feel fresh as a lemonade
a-setting in the shade

Whether it’s hot,
whether it’s cool
Oh, what a spot
for whistling like a fool

What a fine day to take a stroll
and wind up at the fishing hole
I can’t think of a better way
to pass the time of day

We’ll have no need to call the roll
when we get to the fishing hole
They’ll be you, me, and old dog, trey
to do the time away

If we don’t hook a perch or bass
we’ll cool our toes in dewy grass
Or else pull up a weed to chaw
and maybe sit and jaw

Hanging around,
taking our ease
Watching that hound
a-scratching at his fleas

I’m gonna take down my fishing pole
and meet you at the fishing hole
I can’t think of a better way
to pass the time of day