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Who Sang Only Fools And Horses Theme Song

Meet the Voice Behind the Iconic "Only Fools and Horses" Theme

Ever found yourself humming along to the catchy tune of Only Fools and Horses, the beloved British sitcom that's been making us laugh since the '80s? Well, it's time to put a face to that unforgettable voice. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's dive into the world of John Sullivan's classic comedy and the man who sang its theme song.

Introducing Nick Berry

You might recognize Nick Berry from his acting roles in popular shows like The Bill and EastEnders. But it's his singing voice that truly stands the test of time. Born in London in 1963, Berry was a teenager when he was discovered by John Sullivan, the creator of Only Fools and Horses, at a local talent show.

Sullivan was so impressed by Berry's voice that he wrote the theme song, This Old House, specifically for him. And the rest, as they say, is history. The theme song became an instant classic, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Trotters' Peckham life and their never-ending quest for a "lucky break".

From Theme Song to Pop Star

Berry's performance of This Old House was so successful that it was released as a single in 1985, reaching number 15 in the UK Singles Chart. But that was just the beginning. Sullivan, ever the opportunist, wrote another song for Berry, Every Loser Wins, which became the theme for the 1986 World Cup. Talk about a lucky break!

Berry's career as a pop star took off, with hits like If I Could Fly and The Truth Hurts. He even had a brief stint in the US, where he was managed by none other than Michael Jackson's dad, Joe Jackson. Now that's a claim to fame!

Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Classic

So, how did Berry feel about singing the theme for one of Britain's most iconic sitcoms? In an interview, he revealed that he was a big fan of the show and was thrilled to be a part of it. He even got to meet the cast, including the legendary David Jason, who played Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter.

As for the recording process, Berry recalled that it was a straightforward affair. Sullivan played him the melody on the piano, and Berry sang along, nailing the vocals in just a few takes. The rest, as they say, is history.

Who Sang Only Fools and Horses Theme TuneWho Sang Only Fools and Horses Theme Tune

Practical Tips: How to Sing Like Nick Berry

Fancy channeling your inner Nick Berry and belting out This Old House at your next karaoke session? Here are some tips from the man himself:

  • Warm up: Berry swears by warming up his voice before singing. A few scales and humming exercises should do the trick.
  • Connect with the lyrics: Berry believes that understanding and connecting with the song's lyrics is key to delivering a great performance.
  • Practice makes perfect: Berry advises aspiring singers to practice regularly. The more you sing, the better you'll get.

Fun Facts: Did You Know?

Here are a few fun facts about Nick Berry and the Only Fools and Horses theme song that you might not know:

  • The theme song was originally called The Flatmate, but Sullivan changed it to This Old House to better reflect the Trotters' humble abode.
  • Berry's version of This Old House was used in the opening credits of the show from 1985 to 1991. When the show returned in 2001, a new version of the theme was used, but Berry's original remains the most iconic.
  • Berry once revealed that he was paid just £100 for recording the Only Fools and Horses theme. Not bad for a song that's become a British institution!

Reflection: The Power of a Catchy Tune

As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to forget the impact that a simple tune can have. But the story of Nick Berry and the Only Fools and Horses theme song serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring joy, evoke memories, and connect us with one another.

So, the next time you find yourself humming along to This Old House, take a moment to appreciate the talent and creativity that went into creating this classic theme. And who knows? Maybe it'll inspire you to pick up a microphone and give it a go yourself. After all, as Nick Berry once sang, "Every loser wins, in the end".