Richmond jazz legend Stu Gardner composed 'A Different World' theme song

Stu Gardner, a jazz musician and Richmond resident, composed the theme song for the 1987 television series 'A Different World,' which depicted life at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), WTVR CBS 6 reported.

Gardner, who learned piano by ear starting at age nine in Richmond, collaborated on the lyrics with Kathy, refining a long poem into the memorable theme song that became widely recognized across America.

'A Different World' was set at the fictional Hillman College, inspired by real HBCUs in Virginia, and ran for six seasons, becoming a cultural touchstone for millions of viewers.

Nearly 40 years later, the show's legacy continues with a new sequel series streaming on Netflix since September 2026, which follows a new generation of Hillman students and their educational experiences.

Gardner also served as musical director for several popular television shows, attributing his dedication to a belief in using God-given talents.