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Perry Botkin Jr., Composer of The Young and the Restless’ ‘Nadia’s Theme’, Has Died At 87

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: Facebook

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? 

 

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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!

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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