Q&A: 'Hockey Night in Canada' composer Claman reflects on her legendary song

TORONTO - "The Hockey Theme" no longer has the exposure it once did as the theme song for "Hockey Night in Canada," but composer Dolores Claman doesn't regret selling the song's rights to CTV.

Nearly 50 years after the jingle writer was first commissioned to pen the ditty, the soaring anthem now lives on with a much lower profile on TSN's regional NHL broadcasts.

Licensing rights for the beloved track changed hands in 2008 when Claman and the music agency representing her were unable to negotiate a deal with CBC's sports division.

The song's reduced exposure doesn't seem to faze Claman, who was honoured at the SOCAN Awards on Monday night with the cultural impact award.

The 88-year-old spoke to The Canadian Press from her home in London about the hockey song's breakout success.

CP: You worked at Toronto marketing firm McLaren Advertising when you were hired by the CBC in 1968. What was the industry like in that era?

Claman: It was an optimistic time. Who was in power? Pierre Trudeau. It was progressive. Lots of things were happening.

CP: I'm sure you were one of very few women in the industry.

Claman: I was but I didn't realize it. I had a very broad-minded mother and father so whatever I was doing they thought was fine. So I just did what I do. The mostly men (who) worked with me were very nice. Rarely did I have any problems with them not wanting to work with a woman — well yeah, a couple of times, but that's fair enough. I was lucky that I didn't worry about it at the time.

CP: Did you ever think "The Hockey Song" would take off like it did?

Claman: No. I have to be honest, I thought it was a good job for what it was and I'm glad they asked me to do it. Obviously we pleased people and we got a lot of work (out of it at the agency). I think we really did start the big centre that Toronto has turned out to be in the way of music, jingles and advertising.

CP: Was there a moment you realized the theme song had caught fire with hockey fans?

Claman: Much later, at least 10 years. Some of my son's friends at school thought I was amazing. They came to the door to see me. And it became more and more popular, (so) I wanted my name on it because I was watching hockey and at the end they say "lighting by" and "best boy." I phoned CBC and wrote to somebody (there). They wouldn't give it to me. They saw no reason why.

CP: Eventually you negotiated that credit, but after decades of playing on CBC's broadcasts you sold the song to CTV. That move ruffled the feathers of a lot of hockey fans. Why did you make the decision?

Claman: When new directors come on the scene (at CBC Sports) they don't like leaving things as they are. We thought, if they don't really want it, we're just prepared to let it go completely. (Note: In 2008, CBC executives said the rights holder Copyright Music and Visuals was asking for more money than the public broadcaster could afford — between $2.5 million and $3 million.)

CP: What do you hope for the future of the song?

Claman: Nothing. For people of a certain age — 40 years and up — it's now more of a second national anthem. It's got hockey in its mind, but ... nothing lasts forever. I think it was wonderful that it lasted and is still around. A lot of people did really love it. They play it at funerals and weddings. It sounds egotistical but it's a surprise to me that it kept going.

CP: You say plenty of fans have written you over the years. Which responses are your favourite?

Claman: We didn't have any words (in the song) so French-speaking people liked it too. People wanted to write words for it. But I had so many nice things sent to me from the French parts of Canada that I appreciate very much. And kids through the years — I've got little notes from schools up in northern Alberta and (other places). Kids that draw me pictures and say thank you.

CP: Do you keep their pictures?

Claman: Of course I do. I was very touched by that. Wouldn't you be? They brought tears to my eyes — don't tell anybody. I think that's one of the (best parts) because they really mean it, which is so very sweet. It is really nice for me.

— This interview has been edited and condensed.

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