70s Spots: Foster Grant Sunglasses (Johnny Bench) & Gabriel Shocks (Roger Miller, 1974)

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It’s Johnny Bench behind those Foster Grants.

“The looks, the lens – we’ve got it all.”

Here’s two good celebrity spots from 1974 for your Saturday. First, we find Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame’r Johnny Bench for Foster Grant sunglasses. The commercial aired in October of ’74.

After that, Roger “King of the Road” Miller for the interestingly-named, Gabriel “hi jackers” Shocks. The commercial aired in December of ’74.

Miller is one of my favorite recording artists and if you haven’t explored his humorous and unique musical back-catalog, I highly recommend it. I’m a late-comer to Miller’s genius, having only gotten wise about three or four years back. But that’s one of the great things about art and entertainment – it’s usually never too late to catch on and catch up!

Foster Grant Sunglasses Commercial (Johnny Bench, 1974)

Roger Miller For Gabriel Shocks (1974)

Previously on 70s Spots: Jackie Gleason For GE TVs (1973)

70s Spots: Jackie Gleason For GE TVs (1973)

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Jackie ‘The Great One’ Gleason for General Electric.

“The Great Entertainer.”

Two spots today featuring Jackie Gleason for General Electric television sets. First, Gleason appears as Joe the Bartender while introducing the first color portable TV to hit the USA. The spot aired in September of 1973.

After that, Gleason is Reginald Van Gleason III in a commercial airing in December of ’73. And awaaay we go!

GE ‘Porta-Color’ TV Commercial (Jackie Gleason, 1973)

GE TV ‘Great Entertainer’ Commercial (Jackie Gleason, 1973)

Previously on 70s Spots: Max For Men Hair Styler & Mennen Skin Bracer (Joe Frazier, 1972)

70s Spots: Max For Men Hair Styler & Mennen Skin Bracer (Joe Frazier, 1972)

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Remember fellas, styling your hair is as manly as crushing cans and doing chin-ups.

“For the natural look.”

Men’s grooming is our theme for today. First up, we’ve got a spot for Gillette’s Max for Men Hair Drier & Styler.

After that, a fun spot for Mennen Skin Bracer After Shave starring boxing champ Joe Frazier. You’ll likely remember the “Thanks, I needed that” catchphrase. Both of today’s commercials aired in October of 1972.

Max For Men Hair Styler Commercial (Gillette, 1972)

Mennen Skin Bracer Commercial (Joe Frazier, 1972)

Previously on 70s Spots: Hertz Rent-A-Car (Don Adams, 1971)

70s Spots: Hertz Rent-A-Car (Don Adams, 1971)

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Hertz employee Don Adams moments before the spit take.

“Ever wondered why everybody doesn’t offer 32 different kinds of cars?”

Two spots today for Hertz Rent-a-Car. First up, we find Don Adams (Get Smart) as a Hertz valet. John Erwin provides the voice heard over the loudspeaker. The commercial aired in October of 1971. Adams and Erwin (separately) appeared in a heck of a lot of commercials in the seventies. Especially in the first half of the decade.

Second, a more straight forward spot for Hertz featuring a “pay nothing” per mile offer. This one aired in December ’71.

Hertz Rent-A-Car Commercial (Don Adams, 1971)

Hertz Rent-A-Car ‘Pay Nothing’ Commercial (1971)

Previously on 70s Spots: Band-Aid & Clean ‘N Treat Pads (1970)

70s Spots: Band-Aid & Clean ‘N Treat Pads (1970)

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‘See-Through Groovy Pads’ would have been another good name for the product.

“It’s the best protection you’ve got.”

Today, we’re cleaning up cuts and scrapes at the top of the decade. First, the folks at Band-Aid take us all the way back to the year 1526 in this extremely retro spot. The commercial aired in May of 1970.

After that, lesser-remembered product, Clean ‘n Treat medicated first-aid pads, shows us the aftermath of a dangerous game of Cowboys & Indians. The spot also aired in May ’70.

Band-Aid Commercial (1970)

Vintage Clean ‘N Treat Commercial (1970)

Previously on 70s Spots: Fruit Of The Loom Briefs & Playtex Bras (1978)

Music For Monday: Bay City Rollers, ‘Rock And Roll Love Letter’ (1976)

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Rollin’ with Les McKeown.

Jukebox junkies – it’s Music for Monday time! Let’s head over to Cherry Stereo and see what fine seventies disc is currently spinning.

Today, it’s another group of Scottish heroes, the Bay City Rollers, performing “Rock And Roll Love Letter” in 1976. Have a look & listen!

Previously on Music for Monday: Nazareth, ‘Love Hurts’ (1974)