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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: Theme songs

American funk and soul singer Isaac Hayes performs on stage while wearing a chain top, 1970s (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) .
American funk and soul singer Isaac Hayes performs on stage while wearing a chain top, 1970s (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) .Hulton Archive/Getty Images

by Anna Weggel

November 20, 2018

Today in 1971, Isaac Hayes started a two-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Theme from Shaft." The following year, the song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song with Hayes becoming the first African American to win that honor (or any Academy Award in a non-acting category), as well as the first recipient of the award to both write and perform the winning song.

So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what theme songs do you want to hear?

Yes, we're looking for TV and movie theme songs, but what about the theme to a sporting event? Or a movement? See how creative you can get with this one. And respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive. Or, when you register for a Minnesota Public Radio account, you can send requests via Alexa, too Just say "Alexa, ask The Current to play Song by Artist" e.g. "Alexa, ask The Current to play Left of the Dial by The Replacements."

Songs played

Shirley Bassey - Goldfinger
Sturgill Simpson - Sugar Daddy (Vinyl)
Quincy Jones - Sanford And Son
Chris Koza - Oake & Riley Theme
Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther Theme
Washed Out - Feel It All Around (Portlandia)
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts - Love Is All Around (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
WKRP in Cincinnati
Big Star - In The Street (That '70s Show)
Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me) (Breakfast Club)