23 Commercial Jingles That Everyone Who Grew Up in the ’60s and ’70s Has Permanently Etched in Their Brain

23 Commercial Jingles That Everyone Who Grew Up in the ’60s and ’70s Has Permanently Etched in Their Brain

There’s a certain kind of magic in the jingles from the 1960s and 1970s. Long before the days of streaming and skipping ads, television and radio commercials were essential parts of daily entertainment. The catchy tunes, often written by top songwriters, had a way of burrowing into your brain—and staying there for life. Whether they were selling fast food, soft drinks, or toys, these jingles struck a chord that made them unforgettable. For those who grew up in that era, just hearing a few notes can spark vivid memories of childhood, family dinners, or Saturday morning cartoons. These 23 classic jingles remain timeless reminders of a unique and nostalgic era in advertising.

1. Oscar Mayer – “I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener”

The Oscar Mayer Wiener jingle became an anthem of childhood joy. It was impossible to escape the catchy tune echoing in playgrounds across America. Kids everywhere dreamed of being that hot dog, capturing the whimsy of youth.

With its playful melody, this jingle turned an ordinary hot dog into an icon. Singing it brought smiles and laughter, making Oscar Mayer a beloved brand. The jingle’s success lay in its simplicity, resonating with children and adults alike.

Oscar Mayer’s jingle wasn’t just an ad; it was a cultural phenomenon, forever linked to carefree days and playful imaginations.

2. Oscar Mayer – “My Bologna Has a First Name”

When kids sang out “O-S-C-A-R,” it wasn’t just about lunch; it was a declaration of loyalty. This iconic jingle was more than an advertisement; it was a spelling lesson set to music.

The catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics made it a favorite among children, who delighted in spelling out the name. Its simplicity made it stick, creating a lasting bond between Oscar Mayer and its audience.

In kitchens and cafeterias everywhere, this jingle transformed bologna from a simple sandwich filling to a celebrated star of mealtime.

3. Coca-Cola – “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” (1971)

Coca-Cola’s jingle became a global anthem, transcending mere advertising. It wasn’t just about a soda; it was a message of peace and unity.

The image of people coming together to share a Coke resonated with audiences worldwide, making it an enduring symbol of harmony. The melody was uplifting, creating a sense of hope and connection.

More than a commercial, it was a cultural moment that captured the spirit of the era. Coca-Cola’s jingle remains a powerful reminder of the brand’s ability to unite people through a simple, shared experience.

4. McDonald’s – “You Deserve a Break Today”

Fast food never felt so rewarding as when McDonald’s proclaimed, “You deserve a break today.” This jingle turned a quick meal into an act of self-care, connecting with those seeking respite from busy lives.

The catchy tune made grabbing a burger feel like a treat, a moment to relax and enjoy. It appealed to families and individuals alike, creating a comforting ritual.

McDonald’s understood the power of a break, crafting a jingle that transformed fast food into a cherished part of the day, embodying convenience and pleasure.

5. Alka-Seltzer – “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz”

The sound of “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz” became synonymous with relief. This jingle captured the essence of Alka-Seltzer’s promise to ease discomfort with a soothing fizz.

Its rhythmic chant made it instantly recognizable and unforgettable, turning a simple product into a household name. The jingle’s charm lay in its ability to convey effectiveness with a playful melody.

Alka-Seltzer’s tune wasn’t just about the product; it was a comforting ritual for those seeking quick relief from life’s little ailments, making it a staple in medicine cabinets everywhere.

6. Rice-A-Roni – “The San Francisco Treat”

Rice-A-Roni’s jingle transported listeners to the bustling streets of San Francisco. The melody, combined with the iconic cable car bell, painted a picture of tradition and comfort.

It wasn’t just a side dish; it was “The San Francisco Treat,” a meal that promised flavors of the city. This jingle made dinner time feel special, a warm embrace from the Bay Area.

With its catchy tune, Rice-A-Roni became a staple in households, turning ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary, rich with the essence of San Francisco.

7. Band-Aid – “I Am Stuck on Band-Aid”

Band-Aid’s jingle stuck in our heads as firmly as the product itself. Featuring a young John Travolta, it became a cheerful anthem of protection and care.

The catchy tune emphasized the reliability of Band-Aid, making it an essential part of childhood scrapes and cuts. It wasn’t just a bandage; it was a trusted companion in life’s little accidents.

This jingle resonated with both children and parents, turning a simple adhesive bandage into a symbol of comfort and reassurance, woven into the fabric of family life.

8. Kit Kat – “Give Me a Break”

Though introduced later, Kit Kat’s jingle quickly became an earworm in the ’70s. The chant “Give me a break” wasn’t just about chocolate; it was an invitation to pause and savor life’s sweet moments.

Breaking a Kit Kat bar became a ritual, a shared experience that connected people through simple pleasure. The jingle’s playful tone resonated with those seeking a momentary escape.

Kit Kat’s tune transformed a chocolate bar into more than a treat; it was a reminder to enjoy life’s pauses, an anthem for anyone needing a little break from the ordinary.

9. Dr. Pepper – “I’m a Pepper”

Dr. Pepper’s jingle made being a “Pepper” something special. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a lifestyle, an invitation to be part of a unique community.

The jingle’s infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics made it nearly inescapable, resonating with those who identified with the brand’s quirky charm. It was more than advertising; it was a celebratory chant.

Dr. Pepper’s tune became an anthem for individuality, embracing those who dared to be different and uniting them under a shared, fizzy banner of fun and flavor.

10. Folgers – “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up”

Folgers’ jingle became synonymous with morning rituals. It wasn’t just about coffee; it was the promise of a fresh start, a comforting embrace to begin the day.

The melody’s warmth and familiarity made it a staple in households, turning the act of brewing coffee into a cherished moment. Its lyrics resonated with those who valued tradition and comfort.

Folgers’ tune transformed a simple morning beverage into a symbol of hope and renewal, capturing the essence of waking up to a new day filled with possibilities.

11. Doublemint Gum – “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun”

Doublemint Gum’s jingle promised twice the enjoyment, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance. Featuring identical twins, it created a playful, harmonious melody that resonated with audiences.

The jingle’s catchy rhythm made chewing gum feel like an adventure, a moment of joy shared between friends and family. It wasn’t just a product; it was an experience.

Doublemint’s tune became an anthem for fun and connection, transforming an everyday gum into a symbol of doubled delight, a reminder to savor life’s little pleasures.

12. Slinky – “It’s Slinky, It’s Slinky”

Slinky’s jingle captured the sheer joy of watching it cascade down the stairs. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a marvel of physics, sparking curiosity and delight.

The catchy tune made Slinky synonymous with childhood fun, a simple yet fascinating toy that brought endless entertainment. Its melody echoed the rhythm of play, inviting laughter and smiles.

Slinky wasn’t just a spring; it was a symbol of creativity and exploration, a beloved companion in the imaginative play of children everywhere. The jingle remains a nostalgic reminder of carefree days.

13. Nestlé’s Quik – “N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestlé’s Makes the Very Best… Chooooc-late”

Nestlé’s Quik jingle had a melodic pause that made it unforgettable. It wasn’t just about chocolate milk; it was a celebration of indulgence and family moments.

The catchy tune invited everyone to join in, spelling out the brand’s name and savoring the promise of delicious chocolate. It resonated with those who cherished sweet treats and togetherness.

Nestlé’s Quik turned ordinary milk into a rich, chocolaty delight, with its jingle embedding itself into the hearts and minds of families, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere.

14. Crest Toothpaste – “Look, Ma! No Cavities!”

Crest’s jingle became a declaration of dental triumph. It wasn’t just toothpaste; it was a badge of honor in the fight against cavities.

The melody was cheerful, resonating with children excited to show off their cavity-free smiles. It transformed the mundane act of brushing into a moment of pride and accomplishment.

Crest’s tune made dental care a fun and essential part of daily life, encouraging healthy habits with a catchy slogan that echoed in homes across the country, creating a generation of proud, cavity-free kids.

15. Mounds/Almond Joy – “Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut”

The jingle for Mounds and Almond Joy turned candy bar choices into a playful dilemma. It wasn’t just about chocolate; it was a whimsical rhyme that invited decision-making.

The catchy tune captured the essence of choice, teasing the nutty and coconutty delights of each bar. It resonated with candy lovers who relished the notion of indulgence.

This jingle transformed a simple treat into a memorable moment of contemplation, making Mounds and Almond Joy staples in the satisfying world of sweets, leaving a sweet choice etched in memory.

16. Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum – “The Taste That Speaks for Itself”

Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum jingle promised more than freshness; it was a taste that spoke to the senses. It wasn’t just gum; it was a burst of flavor that lingered long after the tune ended.

The catchy melody made it an irresistible invitation to savor the simple pleasure of minty freshness, resonating with those seeking a moment of refreshment.

Wrigley’s tune turned chewing gum into a conversation starter, making it a staple in pockets and purses, an everyday delight that spoke volumes to gum lovers everywhere.

17. Toys “R” Us – “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”

The Toys “R” Us jingle captured the eternal wish of childhood. It wasn’t just a store; it was a magical kingdom where growing up was optional.

The melody’s playful tone resonated with children and parents alike, inviting them to revel in the world of toys and imagination. It turned shopping into an adventure, a journey through aisles of dreams.

Toys “R” Us’s jingle became an anthem for those who cherished the wonder of childhood, a reminder that the joy of play was just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.

18. Heinz Ketchup – “Anticipation” (Carly Simon)

Heinz Ketchup’s jingle transformed waiting into a delicious anticipation. It wasn’t just a condiment; it was an experience, heightened by Carly Simon’s iconic tune.

The melody captured the slow, tantalizing pour of ketchup, making patience a virtue to savor. It resonated with those who understood the reward of a perfectly dressed meal.

Heinz’s tune turned ketchup into more than a topping; it was a culinary moment, a reminder that good things come to those who wait, making it a beloved staple in homes everywhere.

19. Coca-Cola – “It’s the Real Thing”

Coca-Cola’s jingle was a powerful statement of authenticity. It wasn’t just a drink; it was the real thing, a symbol of genuine refreshment.

The melody’s simplicity resonated with those who valued the classic, original taste of Coca-Cola, making it a timeless choice for generations. It was more than just soda; it was a cultural icon.

Coca-Cola’s tune captured the essence of truth and purity, transforming a simple beverage into a beloved part of life’s moments, shared among friends and family alike.

20. Chock Full o’Nuts – “Heavenly Coffee”

Chock Full o’Nuts’ jingle was almost operatic, elevating coffee to a heavenly experience. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a blissful moment of satisfaction.

The melody’s rich, nostalgic tone resonated with those who cherished the simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee, making it a favorite in cafes and homes alike.

Chock Full o’Nuts turned an ordinary beverage into something divine, with a tune that lingered in the minds of coffee lovers, creating a legacy of warmth and comfort.

21. Life Cereal – “He Likes It! Hey Mikey!”

Life Cereal’s jingle wasn’t a full tune, but its rhythmic delivery made it unforgettable. It wasn’t just cereal; it was a moment of discovery and approval.

The phrase “He likes it! Hey Mikey!” captured the joy of pleasing even the pickiest eater, resonating with families who celebrated small victories at the breakfast table.

Life Cereal’s catchphrase became an anthem for adventurous eating, a reminder that even skeptics could be won over, making it a beloved choice for parents looking to please their children.

22. Clap On, Clap Off – “The Clapper”

The Clapper’s jingle made controlling lights as simple as a clap. It wasn’t just a gadget; it was a futuristic leap into convenience and ease.

The melody’s rhythmic chant “Clap on, Clap off” became part of living room life, resonating with those who embraced innovation and simplicity. It was more than a commercial; it was a lifestyle.

The Clapper’s tune transformed mundane tasks into moments of magic, offering a glimpse into a world where technology made life easier, capturing imaginations and becoming a household staple.

23. Mr. Clean – “Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean”

Mr. Clean’s jingle was as squeaky clean as the surfaces it promised to shine. It wasn’t just a cleaner; it was a symbol of sparkling purity and efficiency.

The melody’s repetitive chant “Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean” resonated with those who valued a spotless home, turning cleaning into a satisfying ritual. It was more than a product; it was a promise.

Mr. Clean’s tune transformed household chores into achievements, capturing the essence of cleanliness and making it a beloved brand in homes striving for perfection.