Who Sings the Theme Song to Justified?
Justified, the critically acclaimed television series, captivated audiences with its unique blend of crime drama and modern-day western elements. The show, which aired from 2010 to 2015, followed the story of U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens as he navigated the treacherous criminal underworld of Harlan County, Kentucky. One of the standout features of the series was its memorable theme song, which perfectly set the tone for each episode. So, who sings the theme song to Justified?
The theme song for Justified is titled “Long Hard Times to Come” and is performed by the American bluegrass and country-rock band Gangstagrass. The band, a collaboration between rapper/producer Rench and various bluegrass musicians, skillfully combines genres to create a unique and captivating sound. With their fusion of hip-hop and bluegrass, Gangstagrass perfectly captured the essence of Justified’s gritty, Southern setting.
The song itself features powerful vocals, infectious beats, and an energetic blend of banjo, fiddle, and guitar. It effortlessly combines the traditional sounds of bluegrass with the modern intensity of hip-hop, creating a truly memorable and distinctive theme song. “Long Hard Times to Come” perfectly encapsulates the themes of the show, reflecting the struggles, conflicts, and resilience of the characters in Justified.
Now, let’s dive into some common questions about the theme song to Justified:
1. How did Gangstagrass come up with the idea to blend hip-hop and bluegrass?
Gangstagrass was formed by Rench, who was inspired by the television show The Shield. He wanted to create music that combined the intensity of hip-hop with the authenticity and soul of bluegrass.
2. Who wrote the theme song for Justified?
“Long Hard Times to Come” was written by Rench, the founder of Gangstagrass.
3. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of the theme song?
The lyrics reflect the struggles and hardships faced by the characters in Justified. They convey a sense of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
4. Did Gangstagrass perform the theme song live during the show’s opening credits?
No, the opening credits featured a pre-recorded version of the song. However, Gangstagrass did perform the theme song live during some of the show’s promotional events.
5. Did Gangstagrass release a full-length version of the theme song?
Yes, Gangstagrass released a full-length version of “Long Hard Times to Come” on their album “Lightning on the Strings, Thunder on the Mic” in 2012.
6. What other songs did Gangstagrass contribute to Justified?
Gangstagrass provided additional songs for the show’s soundtrack, including “All for One” and “Give It Up.”
7. Did the theme song win any awards?
Yes, “Long Hard Times to Come” won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music in 2010.
8. Did the success of Justified’s theme song influence other shows to incorporate unique musical styles?
Yes, the success of Gangstagrass and the theme song to Justified encouraged other shows to experiment with unconventional musical styles in their opening credits.
9. Did Gangstagrass collaborate with other artists after their success with Justified?
Yes, Gangstagrass collaborated with artists like T.O.N.E-z, Kool Keith, and Nitty Scott on subsequent albums.
10. Did the theme song gain popularity outside of the show’s viewership?
Yes, the theme song gained a significant following and introduced many people to the unique blend of hip-hop and bluegrass.
11. Is Gangstagrass still active?
Yes, Gangstagrass is still actively creating music and performing live shows, continuing to push the boundaries of genre blending.
In conclusion, Gangstagrass is the talented band behind the theme song to Justified, “Long Hard Times to Come.” Their fusion of hip-hop and bluegrass perfectly captured the essence of the show and earned them critical acclaim. With their unique sound and captivating lyrics, Gangstagrass left an indelible mark on both the music and television industries.