One of the most recognisable Australian television theme songs, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo was composed by English-born musician and band leader Eric Jupp (1922-2003). A familiar presence throughout the 1960s and early 1970s in Australia, thanks to popular and long-running ABC-TV variety series The Magic of Music (1961–74), Jupp was also a leading composer for film and TV. The richness of the score he composed for Skippy is an example of the strength of his work and recognition from the producers of the importance of music in drama. In addition to screening in Australia, it was also translated to multiple languages and broadcast in dozens of countries. Reruns of the series on the Nine Network ensured the series had a lasting impact on generations of Australian children.