Courtesy NBC Universal Television Studios, Released in Conjunction with Wrightview Productions

FSM continues its unprecedented release of television soundtracks with Knight Rider, the hit NBC series which ran from 1982 to 1986. Knight Rider starred David Hasselhoff as a lone crusader armed with "Kitt," the world's most sophisticated car—a winning team that captured the imagination of television audiences.

Knight Rider's memorable and groundbreaking main title theme was composed by Stu Phillips and series creator/producer Glen A. Larson (Battlestar Galactica). At the time keyboards were used mainly for effects or to supplement other instruments, so the Knight Rider theme was revolutionary in its sole use of keyboards and rhythm section, evoking Kitt's high technology and creating an instantly recognizable "groove" that has since been sampled by several hip hop artists.

In addition to the main and end titles—newly mixed from the two-inch, 24-track master tapes—this CD features lengthly suites from Stu Phillips's scores for the series' two-hour pilot, "Knight of the Phoenix," and four 1982 episodes: "Not a Drop to Drink," "Trust Doesn't Rust" (guest starring the evil prototype of Kitt, "Karr"), "Forget Me Not" and "Inside Out."

Phillips, who scored the first half of the first season of Knight Rider, provided numerous variations on the energetic main title theme, and dynamic action-adventure scoring in the style of the early 1980s: essentially symphonic orchestra with big band-styled brass and rock rhythm section. The episode scores have been newly mixed from the 1/2" three-track stereo masters.

This CD of Knight Rider is produced in conjunction with Phillips's Wrightview Productions, under exclusive license from NBC Universal Television Studios. It is one of the rare releases of television music from this era and, as the series itself was monaural, represents the first chance to hear any of this material—including the world-famous theme—in stereo.

Liner notes are by Lukas Kendall with special introduction by composer and album producer Stu Phillips, and artwork courtesy of NBC Universal Television Studios.