Throughout the show's 38 year history there have only been a total of 10 official theme songs. (11 if you count the extra song below)
The first was King Curtis' "Hot Potatoes" in 1971 when the show first hit syndication. (The song was redone by The Rimshots as "Soul Train, Parts 1&2", however, this was not the version used) Also, an extra song, "Familiar Footsteps" By Gene Chandler was used in the bumper sequences where the boxcar version of the animated train puffed out the logo.
M.F.S.B. followed up in 1973 with "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)". It was this theme, along with the harmonies of vocal trio The Three Degrees, and a more beefed up, black steel locomotive with fire blazing from its smokestack, that truly put Soul Train on the map.
In 1975, Soul Train Records quintet The Soul Train Gang brought the third and fourth themes on board, "Soul Train '75" and in 1976, "Soul Train '76 (Get on Board)".
In the 1978-79 season, The Hollywood Disco Jazz Band produced "Soul Train '79 (Don's Place)" which was sung by The Waters.
In mid 1979 to 1980, the sixth theme, "Up on Soul Train" was introduced. Initially it was performed by The Waters, then the version sung by The Whispers was played on the shows from 1980 to 1982.
In 1982, O'Bryan brought "Soul Train's A-Comin'" to the table. It aired on the show from late 1982 to 1987, when George Duke's "TSOP '87"--the first of two updates to the MFSB staple--hit the airwaves.
In 1993, rapper Vin Rock of Naughty by Nature and Everette Harp performed "Soul Train '93 (Know Ya Like To Dance)". And Finally, in the 2000- 2001 season, R&B Producers Dr. Freeze and Samson collaborated on the second update to TSOP, "TSOP 2000".
