Records inspired by Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman: 1976-78

The television series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, which ran from 1976-77 and starred Louise Lasser in the titular role, inspired a surprising number of records. 

In the late '60s, Lasser had appeared in the Broadway production of Henry, Sweet Henry and is featured on a track with Don Ameche on the cast album that ABC Records released. In the late '80s and early '90s, Lasser also appeared in the cult horror films Frankenhooker and Blood Rage.

Mary Kay Place, the actress who played aspiring country singer Loretta Haggers on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, released a number of records in 1976-1977. "Baby Boy," a song about the show sung in the character of Loretta Haggers, became a Top 3 country hit in 1976 and even crossed over to the pop Hot 100. In 1977, Place performed a duet with Willie Nelson, "Something to Brag About," that also reached the country Top 10.

Although Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was a spoof of soap operas, it became a target of spoofs as well. It was such a popular item for tribute and parody in its time that it even received at least two porn parodies long before parodies became standard fare in the adult industry. One is Hard Soap, Hard Soap (1977), which was recently reissued on Blu-ray by Vinegar Syndrome, and the other is Mary Flegus, Mary Flegus (1978).

Here's a survey of records from around the time of the series that contain renditions of the Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman theme or original songs that are based on the show. The song titles link to audio on YouTube when available.

Birchwood Pops Orchestra – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (From the album TV Hits Vol. II, Pickwick SPC-3566, 1977)

Jules Blattner – "I Love You, Mary Hartman" (Blue Ribbon BRR 102, 1976)

California State University Long Beach Studio Day Band and Jazz Vocal Ensemble – "Theme from Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (From the album Cal State Long Beach Jazz Ensembles: 1976, CSULB-101, 1976)

Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (From the album Soapsuds, Soapsuds, Verge GP 3174, 1978)

Sammy Davis Jr. – "Mary Hartman" (From the album The Song and Dance Man, 20th Century 6370 245, 1976)

The Deadly Nightshade – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (Theme)" (Phantom JH-10709, 1976). Reached #79 on the Billboard pop chart.

Ferrante & Teicher – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (From the album Rocky and Other Knockouts, United Artists UA-LA782-G, 1977)

Kitty Wells – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (Capricorn CPS 0264, 1976)

Record World, Oct. 23, 1976

Los Indios Tabajaras – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (from the album Mellow Nostalgia, RCA Victor APL1-2082, 1977)

Jim Lowe – "I'm in Love with You Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (Union 1619, 1976)

The New Marketts – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (Have You Ever Been in Love)" (Calliope CALS 8003, 1977)

Sounds of Inner City Featuring Dick Lee – "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" (RCA Victor WES-1202, 1977)