The Music That Never Died
The 60’s through the mid 70’s music reflected the times more than any generation due to major changes occurring in society, for either better or worse. The various genres (Pop, Soul, Doo-Wop, Rock ‘n Roll, anti-war, instrumentals, R & B, Beach/surfing, Funk, British rock, Country, Blues rock, Bubblegum pop, Folk, Motown, Southern rock, Psychedelic, Bluegrass, Latin rock, Rockabilly, Progressive rock, etc…) spoke loudly to different groups and cultures, but to pretty much all teens in one way or another. I have been noticing over the years that many movies, TV and talent shows are using this era of music as their theme songs, but TV ads are now choosing these oldies more than ever now. When I mention this, people say it’s because it was my music as a teen so just notice it more, but probably a very small percentage. So I decided to jot down some of the songs that were used in ads over the last few years, just for the pure fun of it. Well, just to show the older baby boomers that our music has made a huge impact on corporations and the younger generation, here is a partial list of some of the songs that companies have used to generate sales in all age categories:
~Simply Fit Board – “Wipe Out” (The Safaris) All of us beach bums were hooked on this one.
~GEICO – “Goin’ Up the Country” (Canned Heat) Described as a sort of Hippie Rural Blues band, they based this ’68 hit on a ‘20’s song called, “Bull Doze Blues.” Canned Heat played at the Monterey Pop Festival, followed by Woodstock, where it became the unofficial anthem.
~Oravet – “One” (Three Dog Night) Their first Gold Record; Watch a young Jimmy Fallon sing it with the Muppets. Adorable.
~Special K – “Come On Let’s Go Little Darlin’ (Richie Valens) A 50’s Chicano rock song that truly did rock, by an amazing artist lost too soon in a place crash.
~Colgate - "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" (Jackie Wilson) Released the year we graduated from Manatee High School in '67.....50 years ago....and I'm missing our reunion.....Booh. Hope they have a great time, as I know they will with this class. Of all the genres of music listed above, this one is described as Chicago soul. 10 years later Rita Coolidge released her version (her 1st major hit) which was every bit as good as the original. Colgate toothpaste has been around since 1873 and purchased by half of today's global households. My HS and college nickname was Smilie and people always asked what toothpaste I used. It wasn't Colgate but maybe it should have been since my pearly white teeth are no longer...........
~”Eye Love – “All You Need is Love” (Beatles) One of the best songs of all times; “There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known (or) see that isn’t shown….” C’mon….!!
~Toyota Corolla – “You Don’t Own Me” (Lesley Gore) She was only 17 at the time. I had every song on her album memorized and sounded just like her…………J
~Chili’s – “All Right Baby” (Janis Martin) This rockabilly songstress was referred to as the Female Elvis. She married a paratrooper at age 15 which was kept secret due to her career. “Slow Ride” (Foghat) Another great British rock band who, in spite of losing some of the original members, are still touring today. Great picks for Chili’s!
~Merci Chocolate – “I Thank You” (Sam & Dave) They don’t get any better than this one….even Bonnie Raitt couldn’t improve on the original.
~LG Phone – “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” (Etta James) Etta could belt this song out so well that I would have wanted to jump up and dance, then go out and buy a dang LG phone back then. My favorite of hers is “At Last,” a song that any age could relate to and adore.
~Walmart – “A Little Help From My Friends” (Joe Cocker) This gritty artist sang this Beatles tune at Woodstock. Was also the theme song for The Wonder Years…………………………… “Hold On, I’m Comin’” (Sam & Dave) Written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter in ’66, using the powerful instrumentals by Prater and Booker T & the MG’s and the MarKey Horns. Isaac Hayes played the organ! The only other artists doing this song any justice was Tom Jones (’67) and Aretha Franklin in 1981, but still not nearly as soulful. The movie, The Blues Brothers, used the song, having the sense to have Sam & Dave sing it. “Come Together” (Beatles) Interesting pick! But Walmart is not done yet with many more…… “Walk This Way” (Aerosmith) Aerosmith still performs this classic song, as a band and with others, at their concerts today. Walmart just keeps them coming with.. “Night Fever” (Bee Gees) as their next choice. I’m beginning to love this company…. Then “Holding Out for a Hero,” (Bonnie Tyler) which was originally used for the film, Footloose. She sounds a bit like Janis Joplin to me……”gotta be larger than life….” I’m sure Walmart will keep them coming after I post this…..
~Volkswagon – “The Birds and the Bees” (Jewel Akens) Supposedly written by the 12 y.o. son (learning the facts of life) of the owner of Era Records, who wrote the song “Wayward Wind.” “It’s Magic” (Pilot) I’m pretty sure VW is using this song, as it sounds like a cross between the Beatles and this Scottish rock band, but I could be wrong!
~Anoro – “Go Your Own Way” (Fleetwood Mac) According to Wikipedia (where I’m getting much of my info), they wrote this song while on a Fla. vacation, and not getting along very well. Good music can come from the deepest most frustrating emotions….
~Hilton – “Satisfaction” (Rolling Stones) Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The duo of the century. It’s only rock ‘n roll, but I like it……
~Reeses Chocolate – “Let’s Get it On” (Marvin Gaye) Loved “What’s Going On” with Motown, where my favorites were The Temps and The Four Tops. “I Can’t Help Myself”- would be perfect for a chocolate ad.
~Walgreens – “California Girls” (Beach Boys) instrumental only. Older women picking up their meds, then heading to the beach to go skinny dipping on a vacant beach. Very cute………… “Oh, Pretty Woman” (Roy Orbison) Fantastic song using 4 guitars, Floyd Cramer, one of my favorite pianists, Boots Randolph & Charlie McCoy on sax and other amazing musicians. The only other artists who kept the song somewhat intact was John Mellencamp and Jon Bon Jovi, but still far 2nds! The parodies by Van Halen, 2 Live Crew and Bad News were boring and unartistic by any comedic standards. Roy Orbison not only came from a “home on the range” in Texas, he had an incredible musical range that always blew me away….up to 4 octaves! I would have loved to see the Wilbury’s group consisting of Roy, (who died during production) Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty. Watch “End of the Line” and my favorite, “Handle With Care,” on YouTube. Will make you smile. I promise.
~Values.com – “It’s a Beautiful Morning” (The Rascals) Jersey boys “Groovin’” and making a statement with another hit, “People Got to be Free” about racial tolerance.
~DISH – “Nobody But Me” (The Human Beinz version vs The Isley Brothers) The song was used in several films, such as Tarantino’s, Kill Bill: Vol: 1 and Scorsese’s, The Departed. I love the ’63 original with the Isley Brothers. The Human Beinz redid it in ’68, their first and last hit.
~Carnival Cruises – “All Day and All of the Night” (The Kinks) Reminds me of their other song, “You Really Got Me”, except with a better guitar riff.
~Subaru – “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” (Jackie DeShannon) “What The World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love” applies to every single era, everywhere.
~Country Inn & Suites – “The Weight: Take a Load Off Annie/Fannie” (The Band) “….feeling about half past dead”….we can all relate to that. Great pick for a hotel chain!
~Google – “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” (Lou Reed) Idea for a song taken from the 60’s movie of the same name. It was not one of my favorites back then……not sure why.
~Passat - “On the Road Again” (Willie Nelson) My theme song when lecturing in various cities every week for years……Goin’ and seein’ places that I’ve never been……What a country!
~Minute Maid Orange Juice – “I’m Into Something Good” (Herman’s Hermits) Carole King and Gary Goffin (influenced by Brian Wilson’s music) were the songwriters to this pop hit, My favorite is “Can’t You Hear my Heartbeat,” another happy and upbeat tune.
~iPhone 7 – “I Will Follow You” (Ricky Nelson) The dreamy heartthrob of every teen, but the singer that made it soar was performed by a girl a year older than me at 15. LITTLE PEGGY MARCH belted it out changing the word “you” to “him” in the lyrics. So romantic!!
~McDonald’s – “Try a Little Tenderness” (Otis Redding) A Little Richard (the Rock ‘n Roll king, for sure) protégé’ who sang this tune, originally sung by Bing Crosby, with a soulful start, crescendoing into a driving, forceful piece of art. Watch him sing at a 60’s dance with “Shake.”
~DSW Shoes – “Let’s Dance” (Chris Montez) I remember loving this song at age 13, when we began dancing our hearts out every weekend, either at the Teen Club, Auditorium or on the roof of the beach pavilion. It was our main source of fun and recreation. So innocent back then…..
~Kohler – “She’s Not There” (Zombies) The harmony of this British group is just beautiful. The organist wrote the lyrics after being dumped by his fiancé weeks before their wedding. It became a hit again with Santana in the ‘70’s…..guitar emphasized, of course.
~American Express & Volkswagon – “America” (Simon & Garfunkel). Song about young lovers hitchhiking in search of ‘America’ during the angst of the 60’s. Reminds me of my favorite,“Homeward Bound,” where both allude to restless naivety and endless traveling which can’t resolve the feelings of wanting to be somewhere other than where you are.
~Jardiance – “That’s Life” (Frank Sinatra) LIFE is….Riding high in April, shot down in May, then back on top in June, having been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king (alliteration, at its best)….no matter, as it’s all the same……you just pick yourself up and get back to living. Once it’s over, just roll yourself up in a big ball, and die! My, My.
~Marshall’s – “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head” (B.J. Thomas) Written by David & Bacharach for ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ which won 2 Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Score. I love the rain, so can’t relate to the idea that he wants it to stop!
~Activia – “Gimme Some Lovin’” (Spencer Davis Group) With a powerful Hammond B-3 organ and cymbals intro, it was a great dance tune….all written and finalized in a half hour.
~Dior – “Piece of My Heart” (Janis Joplin) Originally sung by Erma Franklin (older sister of Aretha) but made famous by one of the great singers of all time, Janis Joplin, whose critics described as screaming pain out of existence. The song talks to all generations of youth and has been remade many times over, but never as raw and mesmerizing as Joplin. As a youth she was bullied and ostracized for being “ugly,” her sort of nerdy ways for loving to read (“I wanted to know everything”) and disinterest in fitting in, a kind of hippie before her time. I doubt she would have ever worn Dior perfume.
~American Family Insurance – “Ooh, Child” (The Five Stairsteps) This insurance co.’s creative reenactments of extraordinary and hilarious claims always end with the quip, “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.” The song’s hook, things are going to get easier…brighter….lighter, are much needed images after the unbelievable disasters they present.
~Yoplait – “All Day and All of the Night” (The Kinks) Carnival Cruises also used this song. Good pick for a yogurt commercial wanting to encourage people to eat their product “all day and all of the night,” in order to” feel all right.” My favorite Kinks: “A Well, Respected Man.”
~SlimFast – “It’s Your Thing” (The Isley Brothers) This funky song was written in reaction to Berry Gordy’s promotion of other Motown acts vs this “brother band,” who left and formed their own label. They recorded this song in two takes. My favorite is “This Old Heart of Mine.”
~Kellogg’s & Entresto – “Tomorrow” (Charles Strouse & Martin Charnin) This was originally written in 1970 as “The Way We Live Now” for the film, Replay. “Annie,” of course, brought the song to life, in a big way. Breakfast cereal and heart failure medicine companies somehow see the value of this uplifting “stick up my chin and grin” theme, knowing that the sun will be brighter tomorrow when you eat that cereal and pop that pill in order to live a great life!
~Plenti – “So Happy Together” (The Turtles) Released in ’67, replacing the Beatles, “Penny Lane” number one standing on the Billboard charts. It’s been played in over 40 different movies and TV shows over the last 5 decades.
~Tide – “Rock Around the Clock Tonight” (Bill Haley & His Comets) Hit number 1 in the charts by various artists from the 50’s through the 70’s, promoting rock ‘n roll around the world. I can picture my older teenage sisters’ jitter bugging to this fun song in the 50’s.
~Keurig – “Ain’t Got No Home” (Clarence “Frogman” Henry) For just pure fun songs, this one tops the list! I remember singing it with friends when I was around 7 or 8, being silly and trying to make people laugh. “Frogman” was influenced by one of my favorites, Fats Domino. He later opened for some Beatles concerts but played primarily in his hometown of New Orleans.
~Farxiga – “Everyday People” (Sly and the Family Stone) Their best song ever….Sometimes I’m right, but can be wrong……Makes no difference what group we’re in, yet the blue one can’t accept the green one …..I am no better and neither are you…different strokes for different folks…..we’re all everyday people. These lyrics epitomize the era in the late 60’s of just trying to get along with each other. The band walked the talk by having both male and female, black and white musicians. I read that Toyota used the song for an ad in the 90’s.
~United Healthcare – “Wonderful World” (Sam Cooke) I was 8 years old when he first sang “You Send Me,” which is one of my favorite songs to this day. Later, Lou Adler and Herb Albert wrote the Wonderful World original, but Cooke wanted to emphasize the fact that all the school book learning in the world doesn’t compare to his knowing love which, of course, would make it a wonderful world……….
~Sleep Number/Comfort – “Wimoweh: The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (The Tokens) and “Bend Me, Shape Me” (The American Breed) First recorded by The Outsiders but a hit with American Breed. Corporations must love this song because Mercedes-Benz and Gap Stretch Jeans used this song in the early 2000’s. I can take it or leave it! They should stick with “Wimoweh,” a hauntingly beautiful song dating back to the 20’s. Read about its fascinating historical Zulu roots. And speaking of Zulu, they should look at Dan Forrest’s “Ngokujabula” song from his magnificent “Jubilate Deo” (Oh, be joyful….), which is absolutely amazing.
~Extra Gum – “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Elvis Presley) Featured in the ’61 movie, Blue Hawaii, where Elvis (26 in real life) is a surfer in Waikiki. Angela Lansbury played his mom, who was only 36!! The song has been in several movies and sung by many other artists as well, including Bob Dylan. Like a river flows, surely to the sea…….some things are meant to be.
~Amazon Prime – “Little Man” (Sonny & Cher) This commercial really got to me. A poor little pony arrives to his new home with grown horses not wanting any part of this little guy and steering clear of him no matter how hard he tries. The next scene shows the pony isolated on one side of the field with the group on the other. So the owner buys a large doggie door for her house and the horse comes through it living happily ever after. Brilliant ad!!
~Gillette Venus – “Venus” (Shocking Blue) Has been used in many movies since its debut in 1970. I love the intro to this song performed by this very unique, low-key Dutch group.
~Royal Caribbean – “We Will Rock You” (Queen) Feels like you’re in the middle of a football game with all the rhythmic stomping and clapping going on. Pepsi utilized this song sung by Britney Spears in ’04 and the TV show “Glee” used it as they did many songs from the 60’s and 70’s. Cover versions abound as well as live performers such as Guns N’ Roses, U2, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, Prince, Christina Aguilera, and others doing their versions of this big hit. With Royal’s (and other ships) history of propulsion issues, accidents and lack of communication, “We Will Rock You” may not be the best message to send future cruisers.
~Ford – “Stand By Me” (Ben E. King) King (originally meant for the Drifters to record) and 2 others wrote this song in ’61 with over 400 other singers performing it, including John Lennon, Mickey Gilley and Michael Bolton. Levi Jeans used it for ads in ’87.
~Target – “ABC” (The Jackson 5) Michael, an adorable, amazing talent, began playing the congas with friends at age 6, joining his brothers the following year. After winning several talent shows, their dad, Joe, became their manager. By ’69 they were signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown Records, starting as the opening act for the Supremes, and eventually surpassing them in record sales in ’71. Eventually their 3 sisters joined them in a TV series, The Jacksons, in ’76.
~Lincoln Financial – “Love Me Tender” (Elvis Presley) Elvis actually had a hand in writing the lyrics, adapted from a Civil War ballad, with co-writer Ken Darby. I distinctly remember being 7 years old when getting our first black & white TV and watching Elvis perform this on Ed Sullivan, which wooed my older sisters. This came later for me when watching the debut of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, which is unforgettable, as I was surely smitten and proceeded to buy every album they ever produced. Several other singers sang “Love Me Tender” with the most memorable ones being B.B.King, Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash with Julie Andrews, Ricky Nelson, Engelbert Humperdinck, and, yes, Nicolas Cage, singing to Laura Dern in the chaotic, unrestrained 1990 movie, Wild at Heart.
~Pet Smart – “Sympathy For the Devil” (Rolling Stones) This could be the theme song for all Humane Societies, whose local and national volunteers know first-hand the atrocities that man commits against innocent or unwanted animals. The “devils” can be wealthy, silent, apathetic bystanders, revolutionaries, servicemen, royalty, common people, saints, murderers, you and me. The ad uses “pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name….” Since many people don’t know the lyrics of most songs, they somehow got away with using it on the ‘The Secret Life of Pets.’ Now Pet Smart uses “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen…..great choice, again.
~J. C. Penney’s – “Nobody But Me” (The Human Beinz) Used by several companies, this song is just plain fun. Nobody can shing-a-ling, skate, boogaloo or philly like I do!
~Hershey’s – “Good Lovin’” (The Young Rascals) I was never a huge Rascals fan, but this was a happy one, originally recorded by Lemme B. Good. They tried to imitate the sound of Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” and failed miserably. What were they thinking? Of course, NO ONE could duplicate Pickett’s style. It’s been remade by many artists and used often in TV & movies.
~Verizon – “Always Something There to Remind Me” (Lou Johnson) Written by Bacharach & David and released in ‘64, it was closely followed by several covers within a few years. The version I am most familiar with (and my favorite with another British talent, Pete Byrne) was performed by Naked Eyes 19 years later.
~Swiffer – “One Way or Another” (Blondie) OK, I’m stretching this one as it was written in ’78, but Debbie Harry was born in ’45 and started her career in the 60’s with a folk rock group.
~Vista Print – “Personality” (Lloyd Price) If there was ever a song that I love to sing, it’s this one. We sang it at my mom’s “celebration of life” because it just fit her. Good Lawdy Miss Clawdy!
~Capital One – “Let’s Stay Together” (Al Green) This is the last of the oldies I’ve personally seen (I’m sure there are dozens more….) and it’s a doozy. Samuel L. Jackson performs this song somewhat tentatively, but pulls it off just the same because he is thoroughly enjoying himself! He was once quoted as saying, “I get paid all day, every day, which is almost too much for a sensitive artist.” Wonder what his endorsement fee on this one was……About 10% of advertisers use celebrities and recent studies show they are underperforming. It’s difficult enough to remember who’s behind an adorable and clever ad and the more action and hilarity involved the less I remember the brand. Advertisers should use their name in a song created by writers who make it catchy and redundant, like E-C-K-E-R-D, Eckerd! (Founded in 1898 by 27 y.o. J. Milton Eckerd) It was short, everyone knew the tune and they grew to over 2800 stores. And speaking of celebrities selling out to do commercials, I admire Russell Crowe who said he could have made 4 to 5 times more income had he endorsed a product. What a class act.
I wonder if Chrysler and Victoria’s Secret’s bottom line increased with Bob Dylan as their spokesman? I just can’t see teens and twenty-somethings buying more lingerie due to his appearance in the ad, but who knows? In conclusion, (yes, there finally is one) as far as the above advertisers go with using primarily 60’s music, they did at least choose songs that give us early baby boomers 30 seconds of wonderful memories; and I’m pretty sure most, if not all, of them were in the 500 Greatest Songs of All Times, according to Rolling Stone Magazine. And another thought, (please stop!), on my 10th birthday, Ritchie Valens, “The Big Bopper,” and Buddy Holly died (on their way to a venue) in a place crash. When I was 21, Don McLean wrote the “American Pie,’ lyrics that most of us know by heart. Well, even though those phenomenal musicians died, as have many since then, the music of old never did.