LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville man has created some of the most iconic music on television and he lives right here in Kentucky.
On social media, he’s known as the Seinfeld Music Guy, the famous composer and creator of the hit theme song to the show Seinfeld.
For Jonathan Wolff, it all started at the mere age of 17.
“I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I went to Atherton High School,” Wolff said.
It was at that age he needed a change, moving from Louisville to Los Angeles.
“When Jerry (Seinfeld) called me, he said he wanted music that would be unique and identifier for the show, a sonic brand for the show,” Wolff said.
That’s exactly what he delivered.
“So I was thinking of ways to make it not like the rest of the music in the late 80s,” Wolff said.
Don’t get him wrong, he composed music relevant to the 80s, which was melodic, jazzy, and used saxophones. But he pitched something different, something never done before.
“How about if I create an energy, an undercurrent that will move and energize and elevate the comedy routine using organic sounds that I can make that might blend well with the organic human nature of your voice telling jokes?” Wolff said, explaining his process.
When they met in person, their collaboration took off, making music that went with Jerry Seinfeld’s monologues.
“He sat there while I sampled a few slap basses, loaded them into the computer, and created a bass line so simple, so basic, so sophomoric that it did not require four beats of the bar, did not require meter,” Wolff said. “It could start and stop to allow for space for his jokes, his punchlines and his setups. And in that way, I could weave this bass in and out of his voice. At some point, I would do an exposition where I would present the Seinfeld theme during his monologue. And that is how the Seinfeld theme was born.”
His life is filled with wisdom.
“I was able to close these deals early in life, and it served me well when I moved to LA and eventually announced myself as a composer. I was not the best composer in LA, but I was perhaps the best closer,” Wolff said.
Closing deals that led to nine seasons and 180 episodes of iconic and memorable music for generations, which now give him time for things and people he cherishes.
“So that’s one of my passions, is our family. We get together whenever we can. My garden is always a special place to go and relax and enjoy and work and get dirty,” Wolff said, showing off the new additions to his garden.
His message is simple for the younger generation trying to pursue their passions.
“Right now, you’re all together like a herd. There’s a lot of love in that herd, but at some point, this herd, this love turns into friendly competition. And you will have to find a way to get out of the pile. Find those ways, see where everyone is going, and if you can, go a different route,” Wolff said.
The show is celebrating 35 years of laughs and music.
“I am grateful to Louisville, the village that raised me supported me, and encouraged me as a young artist to seek my passion to become a musician and eventually become a composer,” Wolff said.
He’s a composer whose legacy will live on. Wolff released a Seinfeld soundtrack album in 2021.