Who Sings the Theme Song for Scooby-Doo?

The question “who sings what’s new scooby doo” points to the distinctive theme song most audiences recognize from the cartoon’s opening. In most English-language versions, the familiar chant “Scooby-Doo, where are you?” is sung by a studio ensemble or a contracted vocalist rather than the original cartoon cast. This evergreen explainer maps out the performers, composers, and recordings behind the theme across the franchise’s history, from the original 1969 motif to later iterations. The goal is to clarify common confusion and present verifiable details about who actually sings the song and how it evolved.

Core Answer in Brief

The original 1969 "What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” theme is performed by a studio group credited to Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, and Curt Geda for composition and production. More broadly, across various series and revivals, the chant “Scooby-Doo, where are you” has been recorded by session singers and vocalists under license to Hanna-Barbera and later Warner Bros. Television. The most commercially released studio version tied to the 1969–1978 era is often associated with Micheal Gollub (credited as part of a studio ensemble) in later compilations. No single charting artist is listed for the original cartoon opening, because it functions as a production music cue rather than a pop single.

The 1969 Original Series: Credits and Performers

When fans ask who sings “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?,” they are typically referring to the 1969–1978 opening sequence. The song was composed by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, who co-created the series for Hanna-Barbera. The on-screen vocals were produced in-studio for the cartoon opening, meaning the performing artists were session musicians contracted by Hanna-Barbera rather than chart-topping pop acts. The on-screen credit lists creators rather than singers, because the vocals are considered part of the show’s soundtrack production.

Session Vocalists and Studio Labels

For many classic cartoon themes, studios used in-house singers or freelance vocalists to record jingles and chants. In the case of Scooby-Doo, the repeated “Scooby-Doo, where are you” line was recorded by studio singers under a Hanna-Barbera music contract. These performances were not typically issued as commercial singles, so public credits are sparse. Later retrospective releases and TV soundtrack albums may list Micheal Gollub or Jackie Ward among vocal credits, depending on the specific compilation or reissue. Because the song was not marketed as a standalone pop track, detailed vocalist documentation is limited.

Notable Releases and Album Credits

Over the decades, the theme has appeared on various official albums and compilations. On these recordings, credits may read “Performed by Studio Musicians” or list specific session artists. When the theme appears on greatest-hits collections, you may see names such as Micheal Gollub or Jackie Ward credited for vocal parts. These releases are produced by Warner Bros. Television or its licensees and are intended for archival or nostalgic purposes, not as new commercial music.

Later Versions and Revivals

Subsequent Scooby-Doo series—including Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?,” “Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island,” and newer reboots—often commission new theme recordings. These may feature contemporary rock bands or pop artists aligned with the episode’s tone. For example, some direct-to-video movies credit a local band or studio vocalist rather than a nationally known act. Because each revival can reinterpret the chant, the “who sings” answer changes contextually, but the core identity of the theme remains tethered to the original Ruby-Spears composition.

Revival Examples and Credits

• Scooby-Doo on Nickelodeon (1990s–2000s): Uses retro-styled recordings that may list session artists on album notes.
• Scooby-Doo! and the Gourmet Ghost (2018): Features a re-recorded theme aligned with the movie’s soundtrack, often credited to the film’s music team.
• Scooby-Doo! Return to Zombie Island (2019): Includes a rock-inflected version credited to the production’s music team and any featured artists.

Composer vs. Performer: Why the Confusion?

Because television themes are often categorized as “music” rather than “song,” the public may conflate composer with singer. Joe Ruby and Ken Spears are the creators, but the audible vocals are produced by studio singers under their supervision. This distinction matters for royalty tracking and copyright attribution. In practice, viewers rarely hear a famous recording artist perform the chant; instead, they hear a purpose-built track designed to fit the cartoon’s pacing and branding.

How to Verify Credits

To confirm performer details for a specific release:

1. Check the episode credits on the official broadcast or streaming platform for the series.
2. Review liner notes on compilations such as Saturday Morning Cartoons themes or official soundtracks.
3. Consult music databases like ASCAP or BMI for song registration, which list composers and associated publishers.
4. Refer to authoritative reference works on Hanna-Barbera productions for historical context.

Key Takeaways

• The 1969 “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” chant is composed by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears and performed by studio musicians for Hanna-Barbera.
• No single mainstream vocalist is credited on the original cartoon; session singers recorded the theme under contract.
• Later iterations may feature different performers, but the composition and core identity remain tied to the Ruby-Spears creation.
• Theme recordings rarely function as commercial singles, so public-facing credits are often generic or archival.

For enduring clarity, the next time someone asks who sings “What’s New, Scooby-Doo,” you can point to the creators—Joe Ruby and Ken Spears—and acknowledge the unseen studio ensemble that brought the chant to life in 1969 and beyond.