TLDR;
This video explores the creation and impact of the iconic music from the American adaptation of the Pokémon anime. It covers the origins of the "Gotta Catch 'Em All" slogan, the backgrounds of the musicians and vocalists involved, the success of the Pokémon soundtracks, and the lasting legacy of the theme songs. It also touches on the financial aspects and the experiences of those who contributed to the music's creation.
- The "Gotta Catch 'Em All" slogan was crucial to Pokémon's success.
- Talented jingle writers and session musicians created the iconic music.
- The Pokémon soundtracks were commercially successful but didn't always benefit the artists fairly.
- The music has had a lasting impact on fans, evoking nostalgia and a sense of connection.
The Birth of "Gotta Catch 'Em All" [0:07]
The phrase "Gotta Catch 'Em All," which became synonymous with the Pokémon franchise, originated from Norman Grossfeldt at 4Kids Entertainment. It was loosely based on the Japanese tagline "Pokémon Getto daze!" The company considered other slogans, but "Gotta Catch 'Em All" was chosen for its motivational sound.
The Jingle Business and the Musicians Behind Pokémon [2:16]
John Siegler, a songwriter and musician with a background in creating jingles for commercials, was a key figure in the American Pokémon theme songs. New York City's thriving jingle industry provided a pool of talented musicians and vocalists. Siegler worked with John Loeffler at Rave Music, which produced music for 16 seasons of Pokémon. The jingle business attracted musicians who could write catchy hooks, leading them to create music for television shows.
The Voices of Pokémon [3:47]
Siegler collaborated with vocalists like James "D Train" Williams, Bobby Floyd, and Jason Page, who became known for their contributions to Pokémon music. Vicky Sue Robinson, known for the disco hit "Turn the Beat Around," also contributed to the Pokémon Dance Mix. These musicians, who came from diverse musical backgrounds, formed a community that created the memorable sound of Pokémon.
The Enduring Appeal of Pokémon Music [5:46]
The success of Pokémon theme songs can be attributed to the talent of the composers and musicians who knew how to create catchy tunes. The songs were designed to be memorable and appeal to a wide audience. Even the "Pokérap," which listed the original 150 Pokémon, became a cultural phenomenon, adapted in various languages.
International Adaptations and Jason Page [7:54]
The American adaptation of Pokémon was standardized internationally, with the music being localized for different audiences. Jason Page, the singer of the Pokémon theme song, discussed how he approached the song as a jingle, embodying the character of Ash and the themes of friendship and courage.
Creating the Sound of the Pokémon Anime World [11:58]
The scoring of the U.S. version of the Pokémon anime included original Japanese music and tracks created by John Lasauer and Manny Carollo. Ralph Schuckett composed music for the Pokémon movies. These musicians contributed to the overall sound of the Pokémon anime world.
The Success of "Pokémon 2.B.A. Master" [12:36]
In 1999, the Pokémon franchise generated over $200 million in revenue in the United States alone. 4Kids Entertainment released the album "Pokémon 2.B.A. Master," which featured original songs and became a chart-topping success. The album included full versions of the theme song, "Together Forever," and "What Kind of Pokémon Are You?"
The Making of "Pokémon 2.B.A. Master" [13:31]
The album was created in less than a month by Rave Music, with contributions from multiple composers and lyricists. Norman Grossfeld was also involved in the songwriting process. The album's success was driven by the popularity of the TV show and the talent of the musicians involved.
The Impact and Legacy of "Pokémon 2.B.A. Master" [16:20]
"Pokémon 2.B.A. Master" spent 46 weeks on the Billboard charts and sold millions of copies worldwide. The songs were written to be reflective of popular music at the time, avoiding generic children's music. John Loeffler emphasized the importance of playing up to the audience and creating current pop music.
Financial Realities and Legal Battles [17:19]
Despite the success of the Pokémon soundtracks, the session singers and musicians were not always fairly compensated. Many of them did not receive royalties or residuals. Jason Page eventually negotiated a settlement for the use of his voice in commercials, but it was a small amount compared to the overall value of the Pokémon franchise.
The Pokémon Movie Soundtracks [18:41]
The soundtracks for the Pokémon movies featured contemporary stars like Britney Spears and NSYNC. The first movie soundtrack, "Mewtwo Strikes Back," was a hit, while the second, "The Power of One," did not perform as well.
Totally Pokémon and the Decline of Pokémon Mania [20:34]
The album "Totally Pokémon" featured the group Johto, created by John Loeffler. However, by 2000, interest in Pokémon began to decline, with viewership and trading card sales plummeting.
The Enduring Legacy of Pokémon [22:28]
Despite the decline in the early 2000s, Pokémon never truly went away. The show continues to air, the games remain popular, and Pokémon Go revived interest in the franchise. The first season's opening theme remains the most memorable for many fans.
Jason Page's Perspective and Reunion with Fans [23:25]
Jason Page has come to terms with his role in the Pokémon phenomenon and appreciates the connection he has with fans. He has embraced his legacy as the "Pokémon guy" and performs at comic conventions and video game concerts. Page finds it rewarding to see the impact the music has had on people's lives.