The Two Singers Of 'The Love Boat': From Jack Jones's Legacy To Hannah Waddingham's Viral Commercial

The iconic melody of "The Love Boat" theme song has two definitive voices, one belonging to a late, legendary crooner and the other to a modern, Emmy-winning musical theater star. As of late 2024, the world is reflecting on the profound legacy of Jack Jones, the original singer whose smooth, unmistakable baritone defined the theme for the classic TV series and who recently passed away. Simultaneously, a new generation is being introduced to the tune through a fresh, vibrant rendition by actress and singer Hannah Waddingham, who is now the face and voice of the latest global advertising campaign for Princess Cruises. This duality—a tribute to the past and a look to the future—is the definitive, up-to-date story of the theme song's singers. The core intention behind the "love boat commercial singer" query is curiosity: who is the voice that made the tune so memorable, and who is singing it *now*? The answer is a fascinating blend of Hollywood history and contemporary marketing, connecting the original TV show's era to the modern cruise experience.

The Definitive Biography of the Original Voice: Jack Jones

The voice that is synonymous with "The Love Boat" theme song belongs to the late Jack Jones, a traditional pop and jazz singer whose career spanned over six decades. His passing in October 2024 marked the end of an era for one of the greatest interpreters of the Great American Songbook.

• Full Name: Jack Jones
• Born: January 14, 1938, in Hollywood, California, U.S.
• Died: October 23, 2024, in Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. (Age 86)
• Parents: Allan Jones (singer/actor) and Irene Hervey (actress)
• Genre: Traditional Pop, Jazz, Easy Listening
• Key Songs (Beyond 'The Love Boat'): "Wives and Lovers," "The Impossible Dream," "Lollipops and Roses," "Lady," "Call Me Irresponsible"
• Awards: Two-time Grammy Award winner (Best Pop Male Vocal Performance)
• Signature Role: Singing the theme song for the iconic television series The Love Boat (1977–1986).

Jones's career was prolific, launching in the late 1950s and continuing well into the 21st century. He was a master of the romantic ballad, possessing a powerful yet smooth baritone that earned him comparisons to Frank Sinatra and Mel Tormé. His Grammy-winning hits, "Lollipops and Roses" (1962) and "Wives and Lovers" (1963), cemented his status as a top recording artist. However, for millions of television viewers, his most enduring contribution remains the theme song for *The Love Boat*. The song, composed by Charles Fox and Paul Williams, was a staple of Saturday night television for nearly a decade, and Jones’s vocal delivery—optimistic, sophisticated, and inviting—perfectly captured the show's escapist fantasy.

The New Commercial Singer: Hannah Waddingham’s Viral Cover

In a brilliant move of brand synergy and nostalgia marketing, Princess Cruises—the actual cruise line that provided the ships for the original TV series—tapped Emmy-winning actress and musical theater star Hannah Waddingham to be their new brand ambassador and the voice of their global advertising campaign. The campaign, titled "Love Boat by Hannah," features Waddingham performing a fresh cover of the classic theme song. This is the current, definitive answer to who is singing *The Love Boat* theme in the commercials today. Waddingham, best known for her role as Rebecca Welton in the hit series *Ted Lasso*, brings an undeniable star power and a professional musical theater background to the rendition. Filmed in a cinematic style, the advertisements follow Waddingham as she enjoys the luxurious amenities and picturesque views aboard one of Princess Cruises' newest ships, the *Sun Princess*. Her performance is a powerful, contemporary take on the timeless tune, perfectly bridging the gap between the show's beloved history and the modern cruising experience. The campaign successfully leverages the song's nostalgia while showcasing Waddingham's incredible vocal range and magnetic screen presence.

The Enduring Legacy of the 'Love Boat' Theme Song

The longevity and continued relevance of "The Love Boat" theme song are a testament to its perfect composition and the definitive performances it has inspired. Composed by the prolific duo of Charles Fox (music) and Paul Williams (lyrics), the song is a masterclass in feel-good, escapist pop. The song's structure and lyrics are simple yet highly effective, promising adventure, romance, and a sense of carefree travel. The opening lines—"The Love Boat soon will be making another run"—instantly transport listeners back to a time of network television dominance and the golden age of cruising.

Jack Jones's Timeless Interpretation

Jones's version, which became the standard, is characterized by its lush orchestration and his confident, effortless vocal delivery. He treated the song not as a simple TV jingle, but as a sophisticated piece of popular music, giving it the gravitas that helped the series feel grand and aspirational. His passing in late 2024 has led to a renewed appreciation for his entire body of work, with many tributes focusing on how his voice became the soundtrack to a generation's dreams of a perfect vacation.

Hannah Waddingham's Modern Revival

Waddingham's cover for Princess Cruises is not merely a re-recording; it is a strategic revival. By having a contemporary star with a powerful voice re-interpret the track, the cruise line effectively updates the song's relevance. It serves as a tribute to the show's origins—Princess Cruises was the inspiration for the fictional Pacific Princess—while demonstrating that the "Love Boat" feeling is still alive on their modern ships. This dual-singer narrative provides a rich, layered answer to the common search query. Whether you are nostalgic for the classic TV show or intrigued by the latest commercial, the voices of Jack Jones and Hannah Waddingham both contribute to the theme song's enduring status as an American cultural touchstone. The song continues to be an earworm, forever linked to the promise of romance on the high seas.

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