As a writer, director, producer and actor, Harold Ramis’ films had significant musical moments that live on decades after their initial release, oftentimes creating associations with certain songs that remind one of Ramis’ work just as much as a given film’s featured song’s standalone power.
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Following his death Monday (Feb. 24) at age 69 of complications from vasculitis, review just a few of the best music-related moments from Ramis’ deep catalog of movies, from the infamous toga party during 1978’s “Animal House” that featured a cover of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout” to the singalong chorus of Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road,” featured in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.”
Animal House – “Shout” – Otis Day and the Knights
So many to choose from — Steven Bishop’s theme song and his singing of “The Riddle Song” to “Shama Lama Ding Dong” — but nothing beats the toga party scene.
Ghostbusters – “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
A No. 1 hit that received an Oscar nomination.
Meatballs – “Makin’ It” by David Naughton
A song few people know, but it did hit No. 5 on the Hot 100 in 1979
Stripes – “Do Wah Diddy” – Manfred Mann
While the score is by respected composer Elmer Bernstein, Bill Murray sings this Jeff Barry-Ellie Greenwich tune throughout the film.
Club Paradise – “Seven Day Weekend” – Jimmy Cliff and Elvis Costello
The best thing about Ramis’s biggest flop is this tune that opens the film.
Analyze This – “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Tony Bennett
The climax of the Billy Crystal-Robert De Niro comedy is Bennett singing in the yard.
National Lampoon’s Vacation – “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham
Following his first post-Fleetwood Mac solo album, Buckingham did his first film music work for “Vacation,” writing “Holiday Road” for the film’s opening as well as “Dancin’ Across the U.S.A.”
Groundhog Day – “I’m Your Weatherman” by Harold Ramis
Ramis wrote the lyrics for the song Delbert McClinton sings over the opening and end credits.