For anyone who grew up in the 1970s and early 80s, the opening notes of the Laverne & Shirley theme song are instantly recognizable. “Making Our Dreams Come True,” with its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the hit sitcom. But the story behind the Laverne & Shirley theme song is as interesting as the show itself, rooted in a street fight, crafted by seasoned songwriters, and brought to life by a then-unknown singer.
From Brooklyn Street Fight to Milwaukee Brewery: The Genesis of Laverne & Shirley
The creation of Laverne & Shirley itself was sparked by a real-life event witnessed by the show’s creator, Garry Marshall. As recounted in his memoir, My Happy Days in Hollywood, Marshall’s inspiration struck in 1958 Brooklyn. He was out with a date when a confrontation erupted between her and another woman in a coffee shop. As Marshall recalls, his date famously asked, “Garry, would you hold my coat?” before engaging in a fistfight. This unexpected brawl between two women left a lasting impression on Marshall. “I had never seen two girls fistfight before, and it fascinated me,” he wrote. This “tough-as-nails quality” observed that night became the bedrock of the characters Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney.
This initial spark evolved into the concept of Laverne & Shirley, a spin-off of Marshall’s already successful Happy Days. Set in Milwaukee, the hometown of executive producer Thomas L. Miller, the show transported viewers to the late 1950s and early 1960s. The central characters, Laverne and Shirley, were depicted as bottle cappers at the Shotz Brewery, navigating life and pursuing their dreams in their basement apartment. Adding to the show’s charm were their upstairs neighbors, Lenny and Squiggy, comedic characters created by actors Michael McKean and David Lander.
For the lead roles, Marshall tapped into talent within his own circle and beyond. His sister, Penny Marshall, already known for her role in The Odd Couple, was cast as Laverne. Cindy Williams, who had previously worked with Happy Days star Ron Howard in American Graffiti, took on the role of Shirley. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, initially noticed by Marshall when he cast them as double dates for Fonzie and Richie Cunningham in a 1975 Happy Days episode. This chemistry proved crucial to the success of Laverne & Shirley, with Williams describing their connection in a 2013 interview: “We sort of had telepathy… If we walk into a room together and if there’s something unique in the room, we’ll see it at the same time and have the same comment about it. We were always just like that.”
Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney in a promotional still for the Laverne & Shirley TV show. The image captures the energetic and comedic essence of the two lead characters.
“Making Our Dreams Come True”: An Anthem of Empowerment
The Laverne & Shirley theme song, officially titled “Making Our Dreams Come True,” became more than just an introduction to a sitcom; it was an 87-second burst of optimism and female empowerment. The lyrics, though simple, resonated with viewers, particularly women, who saw Laverne and Shirley as relatable figures striving for success on their own terms.
The song’s message was clear: We’re gonna make it / Give us any chance we’ll take it / Read us any rule we’ll break it / We’re gonna make our dreams come true. This was an anthem of determination, perfectly aligning with the show’s premise of two young women navigating the challenges and opportunities of life and work. The lines Doing it our way / Nothings gonna turn us back now / Straight ahead and on the track now further emphasized their independent spirit and unwavering pursuit of their goals. “Making Our Dreams Come True” became synonymous with the show, instantly evoking images of Laverne and Shirley’s comedic adventures and their unbreakable bond.
A still from the opening sequence of Laverne & Shirley, showcasing Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams playfully skipping and singing the iconic “Shlemiel, Schlemazel” intro. This visual embodies the lighthearted and whimsical nature of the sitcom.
The Songwriting Duo Behind the Magic: Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel
The magic behind “Making Our Dreams Come True” came from the established songwriting partnership of composer Charles Fox and lyricist Norman Gimbel. This duo was already familiar with Garry Marshall, having penned the Happy Days theme song. Both Fox and Gimbel brought impressive credentials to the project. Gimbel’s prior success included co-writing the Grammy-winning classic “The Girl From Ipanema.” Fox had a background in composing theme music for The Tonight Show orchestra.
Their collaboration, which began in 1970, had already produced theme songs for other popular shows like Love, American Style and The Love Boat, as well as film songs, including “Ready to Take a Chance Again.” Interestingly, they were also behind the poignant R&B hit “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” demonstrating their versatility across genres. For the Laverne & Shirley theme song, Fox focused on creating the upbeat and memorable music, while Gimbel crafted the empowering and relatable lyrics.
Cyndi Grecco: The Voice That Made Dreams Come True
While Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams added their charm to the opening with the “Schlemiel, Schlamazel” intro, the main vocals for “Making Our Dreams Come True” were provided by Cyndi Grecco. Grecco’s path to singing the Laverne & Shirley theme song was serendipitous. Prior to landing this iconic gig, she was performing in a pop group at Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. It was there that Charles Fox, visiting the park with his family, heard Grecco sing and recognized her potential.
Fox was impressed by Grecco’s vocal abilities, describing her as having “a strong but lyrical voice and sang with wonderful intonation.” He noted her rare combination of power and pitch accuracy. He approached her with the Laverne & Shirley theme song, and after an audition, Grecco was chosen to record it. Backed by The Ron Hicklin Singers, her rendition of “Making Our Dreams Come True” became instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in pop culture. The song’s popularity extended beyond the show, with Grecco releasing it as a single in 1976, which climbed to No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Legacy of the Laverne & Shirley Theme Song
“Making Our Dreams Come True” is more than just a catchy television theme song; it’s a cultural touchstone. It perfectly captured the optimistic and aspirational tone of Laverne & Shirley and the era it represented. The song’s infectious energy and empowering message continue to resonate with audiences today, evoking nostalgia for the beloved sitcom and a simpler time in television history. The Laverne & Shirley theme song remains a testament to the power of music to enhance storytelling and create lasting memories. It stands as one of the most iconic and recognizable theme songs in television history, forever linked to the misadventures of two friends just trying to make their dreams come true.
