You know the sound. That smooth, slightly sultry saxophone riff that kicks in right as a slow-motion shot of a high-fashion model fades onto your screen. It’s iconic. It’s "High Tide." For anyone who has spent a weekday afternoon parked in front of CBS since 1987, The Bold and the Beautiful theme song isn't just a piece of music; it’s a Pavlovian trigger for drama. Honestly, you hear those first few notes and you immediately expect someone to get slapped, married, or revealed as a long-lost twin.
But there’s a lot more to this track than just "soap opera vibes." It has survived nearly four decades of television history, several different arrangements, and the transition from 1980s synth-heavy production to the slicker, digital era of the 2020s.
The Genius Behind the Saxophone: Jack Allocco and David Kurtz
Most people don't know the names Jack Allocco and David Kurtz. They should. These two are basically the maestros of the Forrester family’s universe. While they didn't write the original melody—that credit goes to the legendary Jack Urbont—they have been the ones tweaking, polishing, and evolving the sound of the show for decades.
Urbont is a heavyweight. We’re talking about the guy who wrote themes for The Marvel Super Heroes in the 60s. When he composed "High Tide," he captured something specific. It wasn't the frantic, urgent energy of a crime drama or the bubbly synth-pop of a sitcom. It was aspirational. It sounded like money.
What is "High Tide" anyway?
The song is officially titled "High Tide." It’s a sophisticated piece of lounge-leaning jazz-pop. Back in 1987, when the show first aired, the arrangement was heavy on the MIDI-sounding strings and that crisp, clean 80s saxophone. It was meant to reflect the world of "Forrester Creations"—high-end Beverly Hills fashion, champagne brunches, and ruthless business deals.
The melody is deceptively simple. It’s a descending line that feels like it’s resolving, only to kick back up again. Sorta like the plotlines, right? Just when you think Brooke and Ridge are finally stable, the music swells and everything falls apart.
The Evolution: From 1987 to Today
The Bold and the Beautiful theme song hasn't stayed exactly the same. That’s a common misconception. If you go back and watch the pilot episode from March 23, 1987, the audio quality is vastly different. It’s thinner.
By the early 2000s, the show underwent a bit of a sonic facelift. They brought in more "real" instrumentation. The drums got a bit more punch. The saxophone—the soul of the track—became more expressive. In 2011, there was a massive shift when the show introduced a more upbeat, techno-infused version during a period of experimentation with the opening visuals. Fans were... vocal. Let's just say soap fans don't always love it when you mess with the classics.
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Eventually, the show pivoted back to a more traditional, lush orchestral arrangement. It felt like coming home.
The 2017 Overhaul
For the 30th anniversary in 2017, the show gave the theme a serious polish. They didn't change the melody—you can't change the melody—but they modernized the layers. It sounds bigger now. Wider. If you listen to it on a decent set of speakers, you can hear the depth in the string section that simply wasn't there in the late 80s.
It’s interesting how music ages. A lot of 80s themes sound "cheesy" now. Think about MacGyver or The A-Team. They’re great, but they are very much products of their time. "High Tide" somehow escaped that. Because it leans into jazz and classical structures rather than trendy pop beats, it feels timeless. It’s "prestige" music for a show about "prestige" people.
Why This Song Ranks So High in Television History
Why do we care so much about a 30-second clip of music?
Psychology.
Music is the strongest anchor for memory. For millions of viewers, the Bold and the Beautiful theme song signifies a break in the day. It’s the "me time" signal. When that sax kicks in, the real world stops. Your laundry, your emails, your annoying boss—they all disappear for 30 minutes of fashion house sabotage.
Also, the show is a global powerhouse. The Bold and the Beautiful isn't just big in the US; it’s massive in Italy, Australia, and South Africa. In some countries, it’s known as Beautiful. The theme song is a universal language. You can be in a cafe in Rome and hear those notes, and you know exactly what’s happening on the TV in the corner.
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The "Sexy" Factor
Let’s be real. The song is kind of sexy. It’s got that "midnight in a penthouse" energy. Unlike its sister show, The Young and the Restless, which has a theme ("Nadia’s Theme") that is beautiful but deeply melancholic and dramatic, B&B goes for glamour.
It’s the difference between a funeral and a gala.
The Technical Breakdown (For the Music Nerds)
If you strip away the glamour, what are you actually hearing?
- The Key: It’s written in a way that feels bright but allows for those "blue" notes in the saxophone solos.
- The Tempo: It’s a mid-tempo stroll. It’s not a sprint. It matches the "fashion runway" walk that the actors often have to emulate in the opening credits.
- The Instrumentation: Lead alto or soprano sax, synthesized strings (historically), acoustic piano accents, and a steady, understated bassline.
Jack Allocco once mentioned in an interview how they approach the score for the show. They treat it like a film. They don't just loop the theme; they weave elements of the theme into the "incidental" music—the stuff playing under the dialogue. That’s why the show feels so cohesive. You’re hearing echoes of the theme song all through the episode, usually during the "stinger" right before a commercial break.
Common Myths About the Theme
I’ve seen some weird rumors online. No, Kenny G did not write or play the theme song. It sounds like him because he dominated that "smooth jazz" sound in the late 80s, but it’s not him.
Another one? People think the song has lyrics.
Actually... it does.
Wait, what?
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Yes. Most people have never heard them because the TV version is strictly instrumental. But there are lyrics written by Jack Urbont himself. They’re exactly what you’d expect: romantic, slightly dramatic, and very "soap opera." They talk about "the sun and the sand" and "a love that’s bold and beautiful." It’s probably for the best that they stuck with the instrumental version for the broadcast. Some things are better left to the imagination.
How to Experience "High Tide" Like a Pro
If you actually like the music, don't just settle for the 20-second clip on TV.
- Find the full version: Look for "High Tide" by Jack Urbont on streaming platforms. The full arrangement is about three minutes long and goes through some really interesting bridges and key changes that you never hear on CBS.
- Listen to the 1987 vs. 2024 versions: It’s a fun exercise in music production history. You can hear how technology changed the way "fake" orchestras sound.
- Pay attention to the "B-Theme": Often, during the closing credits, they play a slightly different version of the theme. It’s usually longer and features a more complex saxophone solo. It’s the "cool down" after the cliffhanger.
The Cultural Impact
We live in an era of "Skip Intro." Netflix and HBO have taught us that opening credits are a waste of time. We want the content now.
But soaps are different. The Bold and the Beautiful theme song is a ritual. You don't skip it. You listen to it to get into the headspace. It’s the same reason Succession had such a popular theme. It sets the mood. It tells you exactly what kind of story you’re about to enter.
It’s about legacy. In a world where TV shows get canceled after eight episodes, there is something deeply comforting about a piece of music that has been there for you since Reagan was in office. It’s a constant. Ridge might leave Brooke for Taylor for the 15th time, but that saxophone? That saxophone is forever.
Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Forrester Creations and the music that defines it, here’s what you should do:
- Check out the official soundtrack releases: There are several "Music of The Bold and the Beautiful" albums that feature not just the theme, but the iconic "romance" and "tension" cues used during the show’s biggest moments.
- Follow Jack Allocco: He’s still active and occasionally shares behind-the-scenes snippets of how they record the score. Seeing the "man behind the curtain" adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the daily grind of producing 250 episodes of music a year.
- Analyze the Visuals: Next time the show starts, watch how the music is synced to the character reveals. The timing is precise. The "shimmer" in the music usually hits right as the logo appears. It’s a masterclass in branding.
Ultimately, the theme song is the heartbeat of the show. It’s sophisticated, slightly over-the-top, and incredibly polished—just like the Forresters themselves. Whether you love the drama or just watch for the fashion, you can't deny that "High Tide" is one of the most effective pieces of branding in the history of the small screen.