‘And now, here’s Hugh Downs with the fake news…’ (Ford Pinto commercial, 1975)
“Ford has what California drives.”
Let’s switch on the TV and take in our Daily 70s Spot. Here’s a Ford Motors commercial featuring the ’76 Pinto and ‘The Ford Report.’ The newscaster is Hugh Downs of NBC’s Today and ABC’s 20/20. Spot aired in November of 1975.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: United Way ‘Women’s Prison’ (1978)
‘I strictly roots…’ (Althea & Donna, ‘Uptown Top Ranking,’ 1977
A very good Monday morning to you. Here’s a cracking tune that comes from the “One Hit Wonder” file. Althea & Donna, a teenage duo from Jamaica, had a #1 single in Great Britain with “Uptown Top Ranking.” The song was originally released in 1977 and by February of ’78 had hit the top of the charts.
I’m fairy certain the video below comes from a late ’77 or early ’78 Top of the Pops performance featuring live vocals over a prerecorded musical track. Top Rankin’ roll it!
Previously on Music for Monday: The Rolling Stones, ‘Tumbling Dice’ (Live ’72)
No prison fighting here. Just a strong message. (United Way commercial, 1978)
“Thanks to you, I’m not coming back.”
Let’s unlock the door on our Daily 70s Spot. Here’s a United Way commercial featuring a woman being released from prison. Spot aired in September of 1978.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Sears Tires ‘Baja Race’ (1971)
She may not look like much – but she’s got it where it counts. (Sears commercial, 1971)
“The tire that beat the Baja.”
Time to run our Daily 70s Spot through the dirt. Here’s one for Sears steel-belted radial tires featuring the Baja 1000 race. You’ll find lots of cool 70s cars in this commercial which aired in April of 1971.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Stephen B. Perfume (1975)
Kinda now. Kinda wow. Kinda…Stephen B.? (Stephen B. Perfume commercial, 1975)
“The come alive fragrance by fashion designer, Stephen Burrows.”
Time to spray on our Daily 70s Spot. Here’s a commercial for Stephen B. perfume.
Pay attention to the announcer’s script on this one: “The laughing, loving, dancing, freshening, free, now fragrance from that ‘Watch out world, I’m comin’ through’ designer, Stephen Burrows.” Holy cow. You go, copy writer! Spot aired in November of 1975.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Tuneyville Choo-Choo Toy (1978)
Jazz hands for ‘Zoom’! (‘Zoom’ intro, PBS, 1972)
“C’mon and Zoom! C’mon and Zoom Zoom Zoom a-Zoom!”
Happy Funshine Friday! Here’s the opening song (as well as a ‘Write In’ segment and closing theme) for PBS’ kid’s TV classic, Zoom. The clip below comes from the show’s first season. Sing it!
*The original video has been removed from YouTube. Here’s a replacement for the intro.
Previously on Funshine Friday: ‘Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,’ ‘The Runt’ Cartoon (1972)