<P> The theme song was co-written by Stu Gardner , Bill Cosby , and Dawnn Lewis -- who was also a cast member . In the online interviews related to the 2006 `` Hillman College Reunion , '' Lewis revealed that her being approached to write the song and to audition were two separate events that occurred within a short time of each other , such that she thought it was a practical joke by her friends . The song was performed by Phoebe Snow in season one , then by Aretha Franklin in seasons two through five , and Boyz II Men in season six . </P>
<P> The theme song was co-written by Stu Gardner , Bill Cosby , and Dawnn Lewis -- who was also a cast member . In the online interviews related to the 2006 `` Hillman College Reunion , '' Lewis revealed that her being approached to write the song and to audition were two separate events that occurred within a short time of each other , such that she thought it was a practical joke by her friends . The song was performed by Phoebe Snow in season one , then by Aretha Franklin in seasons two through five , and Boyz II Men in season six . </P>
who sang the theme song for it 's a different world
who sang the theme song for it 's a different world
Phoebe Snow in season one , then by Aretha Franklin in seasons two through five , and Boyz II Men in season six
Phoebe Snow in season one , then by Aretha Franklin in seasons two through five , and Boyz II Men in season six