San Antonio singer known for iconic TV theme song turns 70 today

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A San Antonio native who millions of TV viewers sang along with every week is celebrating his birthday today.

Truett Pratt, who along with Jerry McClain performed the theme song for “Happy Days”.

The duo formed a band called “Mother Earth” and made their living by recording commercial jingles.

They changed the name of the group to “Pratt and McClain” and recorded an album in 1975 but success didn’t come until the following year. That’s when an old friend suggested they record a new theme song for the popular TV show.

“Happy Days” peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a million seller but the pair couldn’t place a follow up and eventually went their separate ways.

But their version of the theme song was used until 1982 and is still heard somewhere on the planet every day, as the show continues in re-runs.

Pratt is a Jefferson High graduate and still lives in San Antonio. He also breaks out his bass guitar and performs on occasion. (The high school Richie, Potizie and Ralph attended was also called Jefferson. Coincidence?)

He turns 70 today.