Cheers to good friends. (Michelob Light commercial, 1979)
“Compare the taste to any beer you like.”
It’s December 1979 again and which celebrity do we find in today’s commercial? Why, it’s a pre-Cheers Ted Danson in a spot for Michelob Light. Ted Danson hanging out in a bar. What a novel idea!
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #394: Bruce Jenner For Minolta Cameras (1979)
More Ted Danson at Bionic Disco: Ted Danson & Danny Glover Beer Commercials (1978 & ’79)
Look out! (Bruce Jenner, Minolta commercial, 1979)
“The automatic choice in automatic cameras.”
Today, we find Bruce Jenner (now known as Caitlyn Jenner) as spokeperson for the Minolta XG-1. The spot aired in December of 1979.
In the summer of 1976, Jenner won the Olympic decathlon title at the Montreal Games, gaining the unofficial title of “World’s Greatest Athlete.”
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #393: ABC TV Stars ‘Still The One’ Promo (1979)
The Fonz with a beard? (Henry Winkler, ABC promo, 1979)
“Still the one – ABC!”
We’ll go for a late 1979 theme this week and capture the tail-end of the Seventies. This promo for ABC aired in December of ’79 and is packed with series superstars riding hot air balloons.
Keep your eyes peeled and you can catch a glimpse of; Norman Fell (The Ropers), Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley), Doris Roberts and Donna Pescow (Angie), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), Robert Urich (Vegas), Cheryl Ladd (Charlie’s Angels), Robin Williams (Mork & Mindy), Susan Richardson (Eight Is Enough), Hal Linden (Barney Miller), and Judd Hirsch and Danny DeVito (Taxi).
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #391, 392: Kentucky Fried Chicken ‘Musicals’ (1975)
What a showman! (The Colonel, Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial, 1975)
“Real goodness from the Colonel.”
Time to enjoy two Kentucky Fried Chicken mini-musicals that aired in November of 1975. The Colonel told everyone to sing and dance…and they did with great abandon.
In the first spot, which takes place in an office, you might recognize a few faces. The only one I can put a name to is the “boss” who appears halfway through. That’s Jack Collins who played Mike’s boss, Mr. Phillips on The Brady Bunch.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #389, 390: Tom T. Hall For Chevy (1975)
Tom T. Hall and friend for Chevy, 1975
“Your money’s worth, mile after mile.”
Here we have two country music-flavored commercials for Chevrolet. First, we find singer-songwriter, Tom T. Hall showing off the upcoming 1976 El Camino.
After that, another country singer (who I can’t place and isn’t named) presents the ’76 Monte Carlo, Chevelle, Caprice, and Impala. Both spots aired in November 1975. Go ahead, try one on for size.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #388: Howard Cosell’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ Promo (1975)
More Chevy at Bionic Disco: Chevy Vega & Impala (1971 & ’72)
No, not that ‘Saturday Night Live.’ The other one. (Lee Majors & Howard Cosell, 1975)
“I can hardly wait…”
Here’s a rare one. A November, 1975 ABC promo for Howard Cosell’s Saturday Night Live. NBC’s Saturday Night, which debuted in October ’75, didn’t change their show’s name to Saturday Night Live until Cosell’s variety show went off the air in January 1976.
In this promo, Cosell buddies up with Lee Majors and guests include O.J. Simpson and the Rockettes. Have a great Friday!
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #387: Kawasaki Motorcycle (1975)