Rhythm Heritage
The pseudonym of producers Steve Barri and Michael Omartian (ex- Loggins And Messina band), Rhythm Heritage was a studio group specially created to record the Theme From S.W.A.T. This top-rated American television series, dealing with the adventures of the Special Weapons And Tactics Team, had an arresting theme written by Barry De Vorzon that was unavailable on record. Sensing its commercial potential, Barri recorded his own version, aided by studio musicians including Jeff Porcaro (later of Toto) and Ray Parker Jnr. Theme From S.W.A.T. went on to become the first theme from a television series ever to top the US charts. Barri, already a songwriter with his illustrious former partner, P.F. Sloan, was no stranger to the film theme game, having previously scored a hit with Johnny Rivers’ Secret Agent Man (from the UK series DANGER MAN). Using the group title Rhythm Heritage again, Barri and Omartian found success with another television tie-in Barretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow). Remarkably, a third television-related theme brought Barri back to number 1 late in 1976, this time as producer rather than artist. The song was Welcome Back, performed by John Sebastian, and adapted from the series WELCOME BACK KOTTER.