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Starsky & Hutch Star David Soul Topped the Charts in 1977 With 'Don't Give Up on Us'
The song was later covered by actor Owen Wilson in the 2004 Starsky & Hutch film.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:52pm by Ben Kaplan
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The shimmering legacy of the iconic Starsky & Hutch TV series continues to captivate audiences decades later.San Francisco TodayOn this day in 1977, actor David Soul, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson on the TV series Starsky & Hutch, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his song 'Don't Give Up on Us.' The track was a major hit in the UK earlier that year before finding success in the US. Years later, actor Owen Wilson covered the song for the 2004 Starsky & Hutch film.
Why it matters
David Soul's musical success during the height of his acting career on Starsky & Hutch demonstrates the versatility of the show's stars and the enduring popularity of the buddy cop drama. The later cover version by Owen Wilson also highlights the cultural impact and lasting legacy of the original TV series.
The details
Soul released his self-titled debut album in 1976 while still starring on Starsky & Hutch. 'Don't Give Up on Us' was not originally included on the album, but Soul quickly recorded the song after his record label suggested it. The track topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks before finding success in the US, where it spent one week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1977. Years later, the song was covered by actor Owen Wilson for the 2004 Starsky & Hutch film adaptation.
- On April 16, 1977, 'Don't Give Up on Us' by David Soul reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Earlier in 1977, the song had topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks.
- In 2004, Owen Wilson and Neal Casal covered 'Don't Give Up on Us' for the Starsky & Hutch film soundtrack.
The players
David Soul
An American actor best known for his role as Detective Sergeant Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson on the TV series Starsky & Hutch. In 1977, he reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his song 'Don't Give Up on Us'.
Owen Wilson
An American actor who starred as Hutch in the 2004 film adaptation of Starsky & Hutch. He later covered David Soul's hit song 'Don't Give Up on Us' for the movie's soundtrack.
What they’re saying
“'I made an album in San Francisco for Private Stock, but there was nothing suitable for a single. The company told me that Tony Macaulay had some good tunes, and he came over and played me 'Don't Give Up on Us' and 'Going in with My Eyes Open.' Within 10 days, I had learned the songs and recorded them, and Tony had mixed them and taken them back to England.'”
— David Soul, Actor
The takeaway
David Soul's musical success during his Starsky & Hutch fame demonstrates the versatility of the show's stars, while the later cover version by Owen Wilson highlights the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the original buddy cop drama.
