What is the Top Gear theme tune ‘Jessica’ and who were The Allman Brothers?
TOP Gear is back for more petrol-fuelled fun in its 27th series - and it wouldn't be complete without the show's legendary theme tune.
But, what is the catchy track actually called and who is the mastermind behind it? Here's what we know the familiar song...
What is the Top Gear theme tune?
The Top Gear theme tune is the song Jessica by The Allman Brothers Band.
Jessica, a seven minute instrumental from their album Brothers and Sisters, was released in 1973.
It was written by guitarist Dickey Betts as a tribute to Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, and it was designed to be played using only two fingers on the left hand
Top Gear initially used part of the original recording, but has since recorded its own version.
Jessica is also used for most international versions of Top Gear, including the US version which used it as its theme only during the first season.
The tune was also featured in the movies Field of Dreams, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, Fear and Lassie.
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Who were The Allman Brothers Band?
The Allman Brothers Band were an American rock band.
They were formed in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks , and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson.
The group incorporated elements of Southern rock, blues, jazz, and country music, and their live shows featured jam band-style improvisation and instrumentals.
The band was active between 1969–1976, 1978–1982 and 1989–2014.
When was Top Gear back?
Traditionally, the BBC releases one series a year, with the latest Top Gear - season 27 - having come to our screens on June 16 at 8pm on BBC Two.
It continues weekly at the same time and same place every Sunday.
Each episode lasts an hour.
Series 26, however, launched February 17, while, Top Gear season 25 kick-started on March 5.
The current season is the first since Matt announced he was stepping down as presenter on the hit show.
On October 22, 2018, it was revealed that Paddy McGuinness and Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff would be the next hosts of Top Gear.
The pair were brought in to replace the exiting Matt LeBlanc, who decided to leave the show to spend more time with his family and friends.
They are joined as presenters by current host Chris Harris.