Pop stars didn’t just top the charts—they quietly created some of the most iconic jingles in advertising history.
They weren’t just cranking out hits for the radio. Behind the scenes, some of music’s biggest names were lending their talents to the world of advertising, writing or performing jingles that wormed their way into our heads and stayed there for decades. Some became full-length songs. Others became more memorable than the brands themselves. Either way, these musical legends helped shape the golden age of commercials without most of us even realizing it.
1. Barry Manilow – “You Deserve a Break Today” (McDonald’s, 1971)
Long before Barry Manilow became a household name with hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” he was quietly shaping the soundscape of American advertising. In the early 1970s, Manilow was working as a commercial jingle writer in New York City, hustling to pay the bills while chasing a record deal. One of his most enduring contributions was the upbeat and reassuring jingle “You Deserve a Break Today” for McDonald’s. Paired with the brand’s push to present itself as a cheerful, clean, and friendly dining experience, the jingle struck a nerve with Americans. It aired during a time when fast food was becoming part of the national routine, and the message felt fresh, even indulgent.
What makes this jingle especially remarkable is how seamlessly it blended with Manilow’s natural flair for melody and emotional resonance. Though he didn’t sing on the original recording, his songwriting gave the commercial a sense of warmth and familiarity that helped McDonald’s humanize its brand. It was catchy without being corny, sentimental without feeling forced. The campaign ran for years, and even decades later, many still remember the tune without realizing the man behind it also packed arenas. For Manilow, it was one of many commercials he wrote, but arguably the most iconic—proof that even a 30-second TV spot can become pop culture history in the hands of the right songwriter.
2. Joey Levine – “Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut” (Almond Joy/Mounds, 1976)
Joey Levine made his mark in the 1960s with sugary bubblegum pop hits like “Yummy Yummy Yummy” as part of the Ohio Express, but his talents didn’t end on the radio. In the 1970s, Levine turned his flair for infectious hooks into a wildly successful career in advertising. One of his most memorable creations was the jingle for Almond Joy and Mounds: “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.” This playful, sing-songy phrase perfectly captured the contrast between the two candy bars and quickly became embedded in America’s collective memory. It was smart, simple, and instantly repeatable—exactly what advertisers dream of.
What set Levine apart was his ability to make commercials sound like top 40 hits. The jingle wasn’t just a marketing slogan; it was a mini pop song with a built-in punchline and melodic structure. Its success helped redefine what a commercial could sound like, influencing a generation of ad creatives. Levine’s background in catchy, radio-friendly music gave him an edge, and this particular jingle showcased how a few clever words and the right rhythm could turn candy into a cultural moment. To this day, people still quote the line without even knowing who wrote it, a testament to its enduring charm and Levine’s under-the-radar legacy in shaping how we remember brands.
3. Tom Dawes – “Plop Plop Fizz Fizz” (Alka-Seltzer, 1960s to 1970s)
Tom Dawes may be best known to music historians as the lead singer and guitarist of The Cyrkle, the 1960s band behind the Paul Simon-penned hit “Red Rubber Ball.” But his post-band career in advertising left a mark just as lasting. Dawes was the mastermind behind the bouncy jingle “Plop Plop Fizz Fizz, Oh What a Relief It Is” for Alka-Seltzer. The song turned a simple stomach relief product into something cheerful and almost whimsical. It was catchy, cartoonish, and undeniably effective. The plopping sound effects, paired with Dawes’ melody, helped make the product memorable in a way science or instruction never could.
The campaign became one of the most iconic in advertising history, running for years and spawning multiple animated versions. Dawes’ skill was in his ability to make a product feel human and fun, even when the subject matter was indigestion. His background in pop music gave him the ability to write jingles that stuck in people’s heads after a single listen. Unlike many commercial composers, he didn’t just write to sell. He wrote to entertain. And that distinction helped elevate Alka-Seltzer to pop culture status during a golden age of television ads. It remains one of the best examples of how a jingle can become a household phrase.
4. Paul Anka – “Times of Your Life” (Kodak, 1975)
By the mid-1970s, Paul Anka was already a seasoned star with a string of hits under his belt, but his career took an unexpected and emotional turn when he partnered with Kodak for one of the most sentimental advertising campaigns of the decade. “Times of Your Life” began as a jingle for a Kodak television commercial, urging families to capture fleeting moments before they passed. The lyrics, which reminded viewers to “gather moments while you may,” resonated so deeply with audiences that Anka later expanded the jingle into a full-length song. It became a top ten hit in 1976 and remains one of his most beloved ballads.
The jingle’s success wasn’t just about Anka’s smooth delivery or the lush arrangement. It tapped into something universal, nostalgia, family, memory—and elevated Kodak’s brand identity from film company to emotional companion. Anka’s ability to inject real heart into a commercial tune helped blur the lines between advertising and artistry. The song was used in graduation videos, retirement parties, and even memorials, giving it a life far beyond the original intent. Few jingles have crossed over so seamlessly into the mainstream music charts, and even fewer have left behind such an emotional imprint. For many, it was more than a song, it was the soundtrack to growing up.
5. The New Seekers – “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” (Coca-Cola, 1971)
Few jingles have had the global impact of “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” performed by the British-Australian pop group The New Seekers. Originally written as a commercial for Coca-Cola, the song aired in 1971 as part of the now-legendary “Hilltop” ad, which featured a multicultural group of young people singing in harmony atop an Italian hillside. The message was simple and utopian: unity through music and Coca-Cola. The commercial was so powerful and well-received that it sparked overwhelming demand for the full song, leading to the release of “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” which became a hit in its own right.
The brilliance of the jingle lay in its hopeful tone and universal appeal. Coca-Cola wasn’t just selling soda—it was selling peace, love, and togetherness, all wrapped in a catchy tune. The New Seekers brought warmth and sincerity to the recording, making it feel like more than just an ad. The campaign went on to become one of the most iconic in advertising history, referenced and parodied for decades. What started as a marketing idea became a cultural phenomenon, and The New Seekers found themselves forever tied to a message of global goodwill. It remains a landmark moment in the fusion of pop music and branding.
6. Lou Rawls – “Reach Out and Touch Someone” (AT&T, 1979)
By the late 1970s, Lou Rawls had already earned a reputation as one of the smoothest voices in soul, known for hits like “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.” When AT&T wanted to add emotional weight to their long-distance telephone campaign, they turned to Rawls to bring it to life. His rendition of “Reach Out and Touch Someone” added warmth, depth, and sincerity to the brand message, turning what could have been a dry reminder to make a call into something heartfelt and deeply human. His rich baritone made every lyric feel personal, inviting viewers to pick up the phone not just for communication, but for connection.
The phrase itself became part of the cultural lexicon, thanks in large part to Rawls’ delivery. AT&T commercials featuring his voice aired during major television slots, reinforcing the company’s image as more than a utility—it was a bridge between hearts and homes. Rawls wasn’t just a voice on the ad; he was the emotional center. The campaign endured for years, and for many, his voice became inseparable from the idea of staying in touch with loved ones. It was one of the clearest examples of how a seasoned artist could lend credibility and soul to a brand, helping AT&T stand out in a crowded marketplace.
7. The Carpenters – “We’ve Only Just Begun” (used in commercials, early 1970s)
Before it became a signature wedding ballad and one of The Carpenters’ most cherished hits, “We’ve Only Just Begun” started out as a jingle for a bank. In 1970, the song was written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols for a TV commercial promoting Crocker National Bank in California. The ad featured a young couple embarking on married life, and Karen Carpenter’s pure, honeyed vocals gave the brief tune unexpected emotional resonance. Richard Carpenter happened to see the commercial and was so taken with it that he contacted the writers to see if there was a full version of the song. They wrote one, and the rest is soft-rock history.
Once released as a single, “We’ve Only Just Begun” climbed the charts and became an anthem for new beginnings, especially weddings. But its commercial origins never faded completely. For years, its association with the bank ad lingered, serving as a rare example of a jingle successfully crossing into mainstream music without losing its emotional weight. The Carpenters’ ability to infuse even the simplest lyrics with warmth and clarity helped blur the lines between advertising and artistry. What began as a pitch for financial services became a timeless track, proving that even a 60-second spot can launch something far more enduring.
8. Al Green – Various Commercials (1970s)
Al Green, the legendary soul singer behind classics like “Let’s Stay Together” and “Tired of Being Alone,” brought his unmistakable voice to the world of advertising during the 1970s. At a time when jingles were becoming more sophisticated and emotionally driven, Green’s silky falsetto and smooth phrasing made even a commercial feel like a slow jam. He lent his talents to several brands, most notably Coca-Cola, infusing the ads with soul, sincerity, and a distinctly modern cool. His involvement gave companies a direct line to the growing R&B audience and helped elevate their products from commodities to cultural moments.
Green’s contributions weren’t always widely publicized, but they left a lasting impression. His ability to deliver warmth and rhythm in just a few lines gave even the simplest slogans weight and style. While many of his jingles didn’t become chart hits or household phrases like others on this list, his voice brought prestige and richness to each campaign. It was an early example of how a chart-topping artist could influence advertising without compromising their artistry. For fans who recognized that unmistakable tone, it was a thrill to hear a favorite singer unexpectedly appear between sitcoms and sports broadcasts, turning ordinary commercials into moments worth remembering.
9. Ray Charles – “You Got the Right One, Baby – Uh Huh!” (Diet Pepsi, 1990)
In the early 1990s, Ray Charles brought his unmistakable voice and charisma to one of the most unforgettable ad campaigns of the decade. His jingle for Diet Pepsi—“You Got the Right One, Baby – Uh Huh!”—was part jingle, part catchphrase, and all Ray. The ad campaign featured Charles at the piano, surrounded by background singers dubbed “The Uh-Huh Girls,” delivering the slogan with irresistible flair. What made it stand out wasn’t just the music, but the joy and swagger Charles infused into every note. It wasn’t just about selling soda—it was about soul, rhythm, and fun.
The campaign was a smash, running for multiple years and becoming a pop culture staple. Charles’ performance helped Diet Pepsi carve out its own identity during the cola wars, distinguishing itself from Coca-Cola’s youth-oriented image with something smoother and cooler. The ads were so well received that “Uh Huh” became a national catchphrase, even inspiring parody and merchandise. It was a rare example of a legendary musician elevating a brand without feeling like a sellout. For many fans, seeing Ray Charles in those commercials was as satisfying as any concert performance—and the jingle itself became a short-form classic.
10. Michael Jackson – “Pepsi Generation” (Pepsi, 1984)
In 1984, Michael Jackson wasn’t just the biggest pop star in the world—he was a cultural phenomenon. So when Pepsi partnered with him for their “New Generation” campaign, it wasn’t just a commercial deal—it was a media event. Jackson reworked the lyrics to “Billie Jean” into a high-energy anthem for Pepsi, transforming the hit into “You’re a Whole New Generation… You’re the Pepsi Generation.” The ad featured choreographed dance scenes, bright lights, and Jackson himself performing in full star power. It blurred the lines between concert and commercial in a way no one had seen before.
The Pepsi partnership made history. Not only did it solidify Jackson’s global reach, but it also set a new standard for celebrity endorsements. Pepsi leaned fully into the idea of aligning their brand with youth, music, and rebellion, and Jackson was the perfect face for it. The campaign spanned multiple years and versions, including group performances with the Jacksons and follow-up commercials. Despite a notorious on-set accident involving pyrotechnics, the ads were a massive success and remain some of the most iconic music-commercial crossovers ever created. They weren’t jingles in the traditional sense—but they had the energy, repetition, and hook that made them unforgettable.
When Pop Stars Turned Commercials Into Cultural Moments
These jingles weren’t just clever marketing; they were mini-masterpieces crafted by some of music’s most iconic voices. Whether it was Barry Manilow writing before he was famous, Michael Jackson reworking a chart-topper, or Aretha Franklin bringing gospel soul to a chicken commercial, these artists transformed ads into lasting pieces of pop culture. Some jingles became catchphrases. Others became full-length songs. But all of them had one thing in common: they stuck with us.
Decades later, we’re still humming along, sometimes without even realizing a musical legend was behind the tune. These collaborations show just how powerful the right voice, melody, or hook can be when it meets the right message. In the hands of true artists, even a soda slogan or a phone company tagline can become a soundtrack to our lives.
