Alan Tew: The Maestro of Library Music and Drama Themes

Alan Tew was a prolific British composer, arranger, and conductor whose work became a cornerstone of television and film production music. His most famous creation, "The Big One," gained global immortality as the theme for the long-running American reality series COPS, embedding his dramatic sound into pop culture.

Early career

Born in 1927, Alan Tew built his career in the specialized world of library music, also known as production music. He worked extensively for major libraries like De Wolfe Music, composing and recording instrumental tracks designed to be licensed for use in television, films, and advertisements. This behind-the-scenes work required immense versatility and a knack for creating evocative moods quickly.

Breakthrough

Tew's breakthrough in the public consciousness came indirectly through his 1970 composition "The Big One," part of his Drama Suite album for the Themes International Music library. While not a chart hit upon release, the track's relentless, gritty funk rhythm and urgent brass section perfectly captured a tense, action-oriented mood. Its iconic status was cemented in 1989 when it was selected as the opening theme for the groundbreaking series COPS, introducing Tew's music to millions of viewers weekly for decades.

Key tracks

The Big One — This is the definitive Alan Tew track, famous worldwide as the theme music for the television series COPS.

Drama Suite (Part 1) — The full composition from which "The Big One" is extracted showcases Tew's talent for building dramatic narrative through music.

The Detectives — Another excellent example of his signature style, featuring suspenseful pacing and powerful brass stings ideal for crime dramas.

Alan Tew continued his prolific output throughout the 1970s, releasing albums like The Detectives and Voodoo that further explored his blend of funk, jazz, and dramatic orchestration. His music has been extensively sampled by hip-hop artists and remains a goldmine for producers seeking that classic, gritty sound. The composer passed away in 2005, but his influential work lives on through constant television use and in the crates of sample-hungry producers.

Fans of Alan Tew's instrumental drama and funk style should also explore the work of other British library music greats. Keith Mansfield shares a flair for vibrant, brassy themes and funky rhythms. Alan Hawkshaw was another master of the genre, creating countless memorable hooks for television. John Cameron produced sophisticated jazz-inflected library works with a similar dramatic sensibility.

Alan Tew's distinctive compositions are a staple on classic rock FM stations that feature deep-cut instrumental tracks, as well as on specialized online radio streams dedicated to library music and vintage soundtracks. His driving rhythms and memorable brass lines provide the perfect energetic backdrop for radio programming.

You can hear the powerful drama of Alan Tew's music on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover why his compositions remain essential listening for fans of instrumental funk and iconic television themes.