A Music Ode To Nickelodeon

Growing up as a kid in the 90’s and 2000’s was amazing! Entertainment television was in its prime. One network in particular stood out during this period - Nickelodeon. This unique network encompassed a variety of shows that were unique, funny, and empowering. One entity of Nickelodeon that I looked forward to watching as a kid was the Saturday night segment called “SNICK”. Shows like “All That”, “Kenan & Kel”, “Rugrats”, and “Cousin Skeeter” enticed 90’s kids to stay glued to their televisions.

While I enjoyed the content in Nickelodeon television shows, one cannot forget the amazing music that was featured and promoted. “Aww, Here It Goes” - a famous line by Coolio that echoes throughout television history. Nickelodeon's foresight to incorporate popular music within its television shows was unprecedented and cultivated a rich music palette within 90’s kids. When people ask me about my earliest recollections of music I point them to the television show “All That”. The theme song for “All That” featured the group TLC, verses from Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes captured a television show’s dynamic impact on its young audience. “All That” exposed me to a plethora of amazing artists who transformed the art form of music in their own unique way, this included Usher, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Mya, Wyclef Jean, LL Cool J, Aaliyah, Ma$e, Brandy, Monica, Dru-Hill, Nas, TLC, Outkast, Destiny’s Child, The Lox, Backstreet Boys, Blackstreet, K-Ci & JoJo, 112, Immature, and others.

Usher “All That” Performance:

Ma$e “All That” Performance:

Dru-Hill “All That” Performance:

Busta Rhymes “All That” Performance:

Blackstreet & Mya “All That” Performance:

Aaliyah “All That” Performance:

As a musician, “Hey Arnold” truly had an impact on my ear for music. My love for jazz was birthed from a television show that told the complex story of a kid who had a football head and his unique community. Jim Lang (composer) was brilliant to incorporate his scores and sounds throughout the show, one cannot forget famous episodes such as “Partners” featuring the infamous characters Dino Spumoni and Don Reynolds. Furthermore, my personal favorite episode was “Gerald’s Tonsils” which involved Gerald getting his tonsils taken out and later struggling to sing the famous song lyric “On Moonlight Bay”. As a kid who had his tonsils removed I could truly relate to this episode! Sidenote: We can’t forget that “Harvey the Mailman” was voiced by Lou Rawls singing funny songs such as “I Hate The Snow” (a nod to the show’s genius). Lastly, “The Beeper Queen” (my mom’s favorite episode) gave a rare spotlight to Helga’s mom “Miriam Pataki” to live her best life singing about beepers!

“Stompin” by Jim Lang:

Arnold and Gerald Perform in P.S. 118's Talent Show:

Hey Arnold! "Moonlight Bay" Song:

I Hate The Snow:

Words can’t express the countless music moments that were featured on Nickelodeon television shows. Early memories of Doug singing “Bangin' on a Trash Can (Think Big)” or the Beatles inspired group “The Beets” singing “Killer Tofu” and my personal favorite “I Need Mo’ Allowance”. Writing about these songs truly brings a smile to my face! I still laugh when I hear the passive aggressive song "Happy Happy Joy Joy" by Stinky Wizzleteats on The Ren & Stimpy Show. Furthermore, I can't forget to mention the Macy Gray theme song feature for the show “As Told By Ginger” (a television show that depicted the ups and downs of an adolescent teenager). Nickelodeon even adopted secular songs for its television shows such as “Cousin Skeeter” (theme song intro originally from 702’s “Steelo”). As I grew older I appreciated music moments found in newer shows, this included the SpongeBob SquarePants episode “Band Geeks” where Squidward had to form a band for the ultimate performance/half-time show of “Sweet Victory”!

"I Need Mo' Allowance" by The Beets:

"Happy Happy Joy Joy" by Stinky Wizzleteats:

"As Told By Ginger" Theme Song:

Cousin Skeeter Intro:

Band Geeks ft. "Sweet Victory":

There are no words that can express my gratitude for Nickelodeon during the 90’s and 2000’s. The network instilled values of courage, innovation, and wit through its entertainment and music. “Like Siegfried and Roy, Or Abbott and Costello...Magic and Kareem or Penn and Teller...Somebody's In Trouble? Aww, Here It Goes! On Nick-Na-Nick-Nick-Na-Nick-Nick-Nick!”

Kenan & Kel Theme Song: