Fifty years ago today (Jan. 19), a popular television theme song hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. It was a Flatt & Scruggs' hit that opened this legendary show for nine seasons. Reruns can still be found on TV today, while most of the show's stars -- and the song's singers -- have long since passed.

'The Ballad of Jed Clampett' reached No. 1 on the country charts. The Flatt and Scruggs' hit opened 'The Beverly Hillbillies' from 1962-71, helping it become amongst the highest rated programs of the time, and a show that influenced many series to follow.

Other country singles have become hits and played key roles in television and movies ('East Bound and Down' by Jerry Reed is one example) but few remain as closely tied to the show they represented as 'The Ballad of Jed Clampett.'

More From Taste of Country