Axel F. - Harold Faltermeyer (1985)

In the early '80s, Eddie Murphy became a household name, thanks to "Saturday Night Live," which was the perfect showcase for his comedic talents.

More perfection was to follow as he moved from the TV Screen to the Silver Screen. His movie debut came in 1982 "48 Hours," with Nick Nolte, followed in 1983 by "Trading Places" with Dan Aykroyd.

But then, in late 1984, he starred in "Beverly Hills Cop" and his popularity exploded worldwide! As Detroit detective Axel Foley , he not only flexed his comedic chops, he became sort of an action hero as well, both to the chagrin of the Beverly Hills Police Department.

That brings us to today's Great Song of 1985 The movie's theme song, "Axel F.

German composer/keyboardist Harold Faltermeyer wrote the song, and played 5 different synthesizers to get a unique sound that, in conjunction with the film itself, appealed to a worldwide audience!

When released as a single from the soundtrack (it also appeared on Harold's album, "Harold F."), it shot its way into the Top 10 in 11 countries, including the US and Canada.

In the US alone, it reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary and Dance Charts, #3 on the Hot 100, and #13 on the Black Chart.

Fun fact: When Harold presented the song to the film's producers, they didn't think much of it...until Director Martin Brest told everyone he loved it...so it was used after all. Smart move.

There have been several cover versions of the song released over the years. Unfortunately, the most successful was by a group called Crazy Frog, who in 2005, took their absolutely ridiculous version to #1 just about everywhere in the world EXCEPT the US & Canada where it didn't chart at all. Thank Goodness!

(Check the link below.)

1985's "Axel F." by Harold Faltermeyer: A Great Theme from a Great Movie, starring a Great Comedic Actor! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmySknC9fuQ

Crazy Frog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k85mRPqvMbE

Tomorrow: Moody Dreams.