Richmond Musician Stu Gardner Reflects on 1987 TV Theme
The Richmond jazz musician and former musical director looks back on creating the theme song for A Different World.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in African-American
Live Poll
Do you think modern sequels of classic television shows successfully preserve the original's message?
Richmond resident and jazz musician Stu Gardner is best known for composing the iconic theme song for A Different World, which debuted in 1987. The show, set at the fictional Hillman College, ran for six successful seasons.
Why it matters
The show remains a cultural touchstone, and its legacy has been renewed with the debut of a sequel series on Netflix in September 2026. Gardner, who served as the show's musical director, anticipates that this new installment will remain on air for 10 years.
Stu Gardner, who learned piano by ear at age nine, wrote the theme lyrics during a Friday night session. The original series spanned six seasons starting in 1987.
The players
Stu Gardner
He is a Richmond-based jazz musician who served as the musical director for the television series A Different World.
The details
Stu Gardner served as the musical director for A Different World and crafted its lasting sound. He selected the lyrics for the show's memorable opening track during a late-night writing session, drawing on skills he honed since childhood.
Timeline
Stu Gardner began learning piano by ear at age 9.
The television series A Different World first debuted in 1987.
A sequel series to the original show premiered on Netflix in September 2026.
Culture Shift
The return of this franchise follows the cultural pattern established by the 1987 premiere of A Different World. This revival underscores a broader trend of leveraging nostalgia to introduce classic television narratives to new digital-first audiences.
Fans in the Richmond area can see how the legacy of a local musician continues to shape modern streaming content. The arrival of the sequel series offers residents a new way to engage with a classic show that defined a generation.
The takeaway
The career of Stu Gardner demonstrates the lasting impact that a single musical contribution can have on television history. His journey from learning piano by ear as a child to directing music for a major network series offers an inspiring path for aspiring musicians.
Further reading
Learn more about influential figures in the African-American community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR.
Live Poll
Do you think modern sequels of classic television shows successfully preserve the original's message?
