What A Cartoon! “Hillbilly Blue” – Original Music by Bill Fulton

Bill Fulton served as the original Hillbilly Blue music composer. In fact, he composed the energetic main theme and background score for this classic 1996 episode.

Cartoon Network featured the short on its iconic showcase, the What A Cartoon! Show. Original animation scoring for Cartoon Network’s “Hillbilly Blue” by composer Bill Fulton.

Scoring for Mid-90s Character Animation

During the 1990s animation revival, Hanna-Barbera launched a brand-new incubator. Director Butch Hartman created “Hillbilly Blue” to highlight rapid visual humor.

As the primary Hillbilly Blue music composer, Bill Fulton wrote custom cues for every comedic moment. Furthermore, he blended rural roots styles with tight orchestral slapstick.

Consequently, the music matches the quick timing of the animated characters on screen.

Production Credits and Project Details

This episode stands out in Bill Fulton’s catalog of film and television music compositions. In addition, the production brought together top industry talent.

• Production: What A Cartoon! Show (Episode: “Hillbilly Blue”)
• Broadcast Network: Cartoon Network and Hanna-Barbera
• Director & Writer: Butch Hartman
• Music Composer: Bill Fulton (Bill Fulton on IMDb)
• Role: Theme composer, background score composer, and orchestrator
• Instrumentation: Orchestral brass, woodwinds, and energetic rhythm section

The Animation Scoring Process

Scoring traditional animation requires frame-accurate timing. For example, character gags often happen across a fraction of a second.

Therefore, Bill Fulton synchronized each musical hit directly to the action on screen. He balanced driving rhythm tracks with bright brass accents.

As a result, the energetic score supports legendary voice actors like Jeff Bennett, Charlie Adler, and Rob Paulsen without burying dialogue.

Explore More Animation Scoring Work

Bill Fulton brings decades of experience as a versatile Hillbilly Blue music composer, arranger, and producer. Besides animation, he writes original music for network series, films, and live ensembles.

Visit the About Bill Fulton page to learn more about his background. You can also contact Bill Fulton directly to discuss custom scoring for your next media project.

Year(s): 1996-1996
Bill Fulton role: Bill Fulton (IMDb) theme and background music composer
Production: What A Cartoon! Show
Episode: S1.E23 - Hillbilly Blue
Media Category: Cable or Network TV
Production Co: Cartoon Network Studios, Hanna-Barbera Productions
Director/Producer: Butch Hartman
Description/Media: