Solid Gold (TV series)

Synopsis

Solid Gold presented a weekly rundown of the top ten hits on the pop charts, similar to America's Top 10. Music artists performed their hits in studio, almost always lip synching over a recording, though the show's theme song was sung live for most of the first five seasons.

The theme was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Miller. Unlike its counterparts, Solid Gold featured a dance troupe that performed heavily choreographed routines to the countdown songs. The Solid Gold Dancers were led for most of the run by Darcel Wynne, who had performed in musicals and films such as Xanadu.

Personnel

Dionne Warwick hosted the first season, having previously co-hosted a one-off special, Solid Gold '79, with Glen Campbell. Warwick left in 1981 and was replaced by Marilyn McCoo, with Andy Gibb as co-host; Gibb was fired after one year due to substance abuse issues. Rex Smith replaced Gibb for the 1982 season but left after one year to focus on his music and acting career, leaving McCoo to host the 1983-84 season alone. Rick Dees hosted from fall 1984 to summer 1985, then left due to career priorities and scheduling conflicts.

Marilyn McCoo returned in 1986, joined by former MTV host Nina Blackwood and Arsenio Hall, who had been a regular performer since 1984 and was promoted to co-host; all three remained until the show ended in July 1988. Robert W. Morgan was the original announcer for seven seasons, replaced in 1986 by Charlie O'Donnell, who stayed until the end of the 1986-87 season; Chuck Riley stood in for one episode, and Dick Tufeld announced the final season. The program briefly featured stand-up comedy performances, with regulars including Marty Cohen, Wayland Flowers, Arsenio Hall, Jeff Altman, and Byron Allen.

Did You Know?

• The show's theme song was written by Academy Award winning songwriter Dean Pitchford along with Michael Miller.
• The New York Times referred to the show as 'the pop music show that is its own parody'.