"Welcome Back" is a popular record that was the theme song of the 1970s American television sitcomWelcome Back, Kotter.[1] Written and recorded by former Lovin' Spoonful frontman John Sebastian, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in May 1976, after only five weeks on the chart, and also topped the adult contemporary chart[2] (the show itself had become an instant ratings success upon its premiere the previous fall). It also reached No. 93 on the country chart.
History
TV producer Alan Sachs wanted a Lovin' Spoonful-like theme song for a new ABC sitcom entitled Kotter.
Northern California experimental band Mr. Bungle covered the song on January 13, 1992, in back-to-back English and Spanish versions, at The Berkeley Square in Berkeley, California.
Canadian country music artist Chris Cummings released his version as a single in 2009. It was later included on his 2010 album Give Me Tonight.
Rapper Lupe Fiasco sampled it for his song "Welcome Back Chilly", rapper Mase for his release "Welcome Back", hip hop group Onyx on their record "Slam Harder", and by rapper AZ for his tune"Once Again".[citation needed]
Swedish dream pop group jj recorded their rendition in 2009. This version is used in the trailer for the second season of MTV's Scream.[14]
The song is often used by Atlanta Braves organist Matthew Kaminski for former Braves players when they are at bat for their current team.
On May 1, 2020, Count Bass D released his take on his Bandcamp site, commenting, "This take is a nod to the light at the end of this Coronavirus tunnel. It's a peaceful piano rendition aimed to help with the stress of these times."[15]
In season 5 of "Scrubs", J.D. leads the group in a rendition of "Welcome Back Coxer" after Dr. Cox takes a hiatus from work.[16]
