The main melody is a composite performed on multiple harmonicas by Tommy Morgan.

Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin were developing an Americanized version of the British sitcom Steptoe and Son, and Yorkin approached Jones to compose the theme for the new show.

[1] Although initially incredulous that comedian Redd Foxx (whom Jones had known for a number of years and had a reputation for "blue" comedy) was to star in a television show, Jones was able to draw on his familiarity with Foxx, composing the instrumental theme in about 20 minutes and recording it in about the same amount of time.

Although the piece itself did not reach Billboard status for that year, it has maintained mainstream popularity, ranking 9th in a Rolling Stone Reader Poll of Television Theme Songs.

[5] Harry James recorded a version in 1979 on his album Still Harry After All These Years (Sheffield Lab LAB 11).