Back When a Jingle Could Sell You Anything... Even a Cigarette!
Kellogg's van for A.H. Peters & Co. at Sydney University. Photo by Milton Kent, courtesy of the State Library of New South Wales.
Back when televisions were the size of furniture and dinner meant something from the oven — not the microwave — America was falling in love... with jingles.
These weren't just catchy tunes. They were mini musicals that turned brands into household names and brought just as much drama, flair, and staying power as a Hollywood blockbuster. If you've ever found yourself humming one of these in the shower decades later, you're not alone.
'Double Your Pleasure' — The Twins That Took Over America
In 1959, a pair of identical smiles took the country by storm. Wrigley's Doublemint Gum rolled out its legendary campaign featuring the Doublemint Twins — and suddenly, chewing gum became a lifestyle.
"Double your pleasure, double your fun" wasn't just a line — it was an invitation. One that Americans couldn't resist. And with those sunny, synchronized sisters smiling through every frame, it felt like a Hollywood premiere for your mouth.
'See the USA in Your Chevrolet' — Dinah Shore's Glorious Road Trip
Before Route 66 was Instagrammable, it was a patriotic pilgrimage. And Dinah Shore made it glamorous with the now-iconic Chevrolet jingle: "See the USA in your Chevrolet."
This 1953 anthem wasn't just about cars — it was about freedom, style, and the glittering promise of the open road. Sung on her national TV show, Dinah's voice turned Chevrolet into a symbol of modern American dreams — with a little showbiz sparkle.
The Soup That Had a Theme Song
"Have you had your soup today?" might sound like something your grandmother would ask. But in the 1950s, it was the elegant, catchy question that Campbell's Soup used to seduce families across the nation.
Created by the same ad geniuses behind Doublemint, this jingle was warm, inviting, and just a touch glamorous — like an apron-clad starlet sliding a pot off the stove, camera-ready.
The Toothpaste That Promised a Hollywood Smile
Before whitening strips and influencer routines, there was Pepsodent. And in 1953, its jingle redefined dental drama: "You'll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent."
Catchy, cheeky, and slightly mysterious — it was the toothpaste version of a noir film. A jingle that promised you weren't just cleaning your teeth... you were stepping into the spotlight.
'A Little Dab'll Do Ya' — Hair Cream With Star Quality
Brylcreem's unforgettable jingle made one thing clear: You didn't need much to look like a leading man. "A little dab'll do ya" turned a humble hair product into a matinee idol's secret weapon.
It had that James Dean cool, that Cary Grant polish — and the jingle swaggered with all the charm of a cocktail party anecdote. One dab, and you were ready for your close-up.
Pillsbury's '50s Jingle Was Pure Comfort Food Fame
"Nothing says lovin' like somethin' from the oven."
This 1957 jingle by Pillsbury didn't just sell baked goods — it sold family, warmth, and a kind of Americana that looked like it had been directed by Frank Capra.
In a postwar world obsessed with convenience and charm, Pillsbury was there to tell us that love, like cookies, was best served warm.
'Winston Tastes Good...' — The Jingle That Lit Up Controversy
It was 1954. Cigarettes were still glamorous — and Winston was determined to stay in the spotlight. "Winston tastes good like a cigarette should" quickly became one of the most recognized slogans in history.
It was smooth, cocky, and everywhere — radio, TV, magazines. And though the health backlash would come later, in the '50s, this jingle was marketing dynamite.
Snap, Crackle, Pop! — Cereal Becomes a Celeb
They weren't just cartoon mascots — Snap, Crackle, and Pop were practically A-listers.
Kellogg's Rice Krispies launched their crackling trio with a jingle so infectious, it made cereal sound like a red-carpet event.
The three names became part of childhood mythology — charming, mischievous, and slightly magical. If your breakfast didn't talk back to you, were you even living in the '50s?
'Away Go Troubles Down the Drain' — The Plumbing Ad With Pipes
Some jingles are just catchy. Roto-Rooter's? It was operatic.
In 1956, the plumbing company's now-legendary "Away go troubles down the drain" jingle debuted, featuring a booming bass line courtesy of Tom Fouts, aka Captain Stubby.
It wasn't just about fixing sinks. It was a musical reminder that even the messiest problems could disappear with the right tune — and a trusted plumber.
'I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Wiener' — Childhood Fame in a Bun
The 1960s gave us many things — but few were as oddly unforgettable as Oscar Mayer's signature tune: "Oh I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener."
Yes, it's quirky. Yes, the lyrics are strange. But that's exactly what made it iconic. Suddenly, kids everywhere were dreaming of becoming wieners.
The jingle didn't just sell hot dogs — it sold fantasy. One wrapped in a bun, served with a side of stardom. And decades later, it's still a jingle you'll never forget — no matter how hard you try.
These weren't just product pitches — they were pop culture milestones. Each one a sonic time capsule of the decade it came from. Whether you were belting it out in the backseat or humming it while doing dishes, these jingles became part of your story.
Because back in the '50s and '60s, advertising didn't just sell — it sang.
References: Top 10 TV Jingles from the 1950s | Top 10 TV Jingles of The 1960s
