Breaking News
Perry Botkin Jr., Composer of The Young and the Restless’ ‘Nadia’s Theme’, Has Died At 87
When you think of the all-time best theme songs for your favorite television shows and one that stands the test of time, to many, there is none greater than “Nadia’s Theme” which became the theme song for The Young and the Restless.
The beautiful arrangement has become signature to the world of daytime drama and the opening credits of the CBS Daytime drama from its beginning in 1973.
On Saturday, news spread that “Nadia’s Theme” composer, Perry Botkin Jr, had passed away. Botkin’s friend, TV writer John Scheinfeld, announced his death on Facebook, noting that Botkin died this past Monday at the age of 87,
Photo: Bell-Phillip/SONY
Scheinfeld shared: “Perry was a magnificently talented composer, arranger, producer and story-teller, perhaps best known for composing the Grammy-winning Nadia’s Theme for the CBS soap The Young and the Restless.”
Perry was Oscar nominated and a Grammy-winner in his lifetime. Among the most notable titles featuring Botkin’s work include: Happy Days, Mork and Mindy, Laverne and Shirley, Adam’s Rib and The Smothers Brothers Show. However, Botkin is most known for Nadia’s Theme which he composed along with Barry De Vorzon.
After the theme became the beloved opening of Y&R, it gained more fame when it was used in a montage for Romanian gymnast Nadia Comāneci’s routines in the 1976 Olympic games on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Decades later, Mary J. Blige used the sample of the song and made it relevant again for her hit, “No More Drama”
Another song by Botkin Jr. and DeVorzon, “Bless the Beasts & Children” was Oscar nominated, sung by The Carpenters, and also sung at various times on Y&R.
To honor Perry Botkin Jr., check out this compilation of the opening title sequence from Y&R over the years featuring “Nadia’s Theme” below
Share your thoughts on the passing of Perry Botkin Jr., in the comment section, and if you think Y&R has the greatest soap theme song of all-time, or do you think that honor goes to another theme?
The amazing thing was this song was originally written for a short clip in the movie Bless the Beasts and Children as a dream sequence called Cotton’s Dream that Perry wrote with his writing partner for the film Barry DeVorzion. Both themes stand the test of time and for me hold lasting memories and take me to a peaceful place. I’d love some to post the longer original version as well footage from the 1976 Summer Olympics to see how beautifully it captures the young gymnast in her perfection winning 7 gold medals, making history as no competitor before her had ever won one.
Botkin will be deeply missed for his many contributions to our music world. My heart and soul goes out to all his family and loved ones and his legacy will never be forgotten. ❤️
Rest in peace
The y n r theme is legandary and synonymous with the show. Ditto to the Days theme
Was he also the composer of all the gorgeous background music of the show up until 10 years ago?
Y n r s background music was once the envy of daytime. Just like the current writing its become mediocre and d level. What a shame
When i see the flashbacks its so glaring how low the shows fallen. The writing, the lighting and production values and clearly the writing…
The Days of Our Lives theme, believe it or not, was written by Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart, the same guys who wrote many of The Monkees hit singles
So true!!!!
Hi Damien, as you and I both LONG for the beautiful classic background music to return but I think we both know by now that’s not going to happen…Anyway you asked if Perry Botkin Jr was the composer of the gorgeous background music for Y&R up till 10 years ago…I believe Peter was only responsible for Nadia’s Theme…Back in the 70’s and early 80’s you can listen to the beautiful background music of Y&R on You Tube, Look up Young and Restless Blue Images and then it will show you other background scores from Y&R back in the days, such beautiful music but I don’t know who composed the background music in the 70’s. Then we had the pleasure of the continuation of the beautiful background music that was created by Jack Allocco, Jez Davidson and David Kurtz…Jacks and David work can still be heard on the B&B along with the great composer of John Nordstrom…Mike Dobson who is still with Y&R is a very kind man and he also has been involved with the good days of Y&R background music but for some reason they don’t want to bring the music back to Y&R…Damien,as you know I agree with you re: the writing, it’s horrible and that is why I quite watching for it’s no longer the same…
Thank you Kevin for sharing that info and about the youtube tip! I believe Jill Phelps fired the music staff and changed or lack there of music direction for the show. Imo it hasnt been the same since.
Hope you come back to the show once Josh Griffith is fired which i hope is soon!
Hi Damien, YOU are more than welcome…Yes, I believe it’s Jill Phelps doing with getting rid of the music staff and I agree with you 100% that it hasn’t been the same since…I will give Y&R another chance once Josh is gone and one would think CBS/Sony would listen and notice there is something wrong…
I third that! Bring back the 70s and 80s background music– the music was a CHARACTER on the show.
Needless to say, I thank the guy for writing an eternally lovely soundtrack!
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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