‘Reachin’ up. Feelin’ up.’ (Magic Johnson for 7-Up, 1979)
“America is turnin’ 7-Up!”
Daily 70s Spot (celebrity week) time. Here’s a sporty 7-Up commercial starring ‘Magic’ Johnson of the L.A. Lakers, Dave Kingman of the Chicago Cubs and Don Maloney of the N.Y. Rangers. Spot aired in October of 1979.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: John Ritter for Listerine (1976)
‘Blue jean baby. L.A. lady. Seamstress for the band …’ (Elton John, 1971)
Mood Music time. Here’s Elton John performing “Tiny Dancer” live on the UK’s Old Grey Whistle Test in 1971.
This performance likely dates from around September, 1971 and one of the first episodes of Whistle Test. “Tiny Dancer,” written by John and Bernie Taupin, was recorded in the summer of ’71 and released as a single in February of 1972. The song just barely missed the Top 40 in the US (#41) but over the years has become one of John’s best-loved songs and a staple of classic rock radio.
Previously on Mood Music: Paul McCartney & Wings, ‘Mull of Kintyre’
John Ritter enjoying fresh breath (Listerine, 1976)
“More than a mouthwash.”
Our Daily 70s Spot (celebrity week) is for Listerine mouthwash and stars John Ritter of Three’s Company fame. The spot aired in July of 1976 (at the height of Bicentennial madness) before Ritter became a breakout star with the Three’s Company launch in March of ’77.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Johnny Bench for Gillette (1970)
Butch Patrick is Milo in ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ 1970
The movie version of Norton Juster’s classic children’s book, The Phantom Tollbooth, was directed by Chuck Jones, Abe Levitow and Dave Monahan and saw theatrical release in November, 1970.
The animated version of Butch Patrick in ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ 1970
The film stars Butch Patrick (The Munsters, Lidsville) as Milo, a disinterested and eternally-bored youth who journeys on a series of inventive and enlightening adventures. The film is a mix of live-action (primarily the first 10 minutes) and animation and features voice work by cartoon greats such as; Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny), Daws Butler (Yogi Bear), June Foray (Rocket J. Squirrel) and Hans Conried (Grinch).
The Phantom Tollbooth Wiki, IMDb
Previously on Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh’ (1979)
Johnny Bench for Gillette (1970)
Continuing the celebrity-themed week – our Daily 70s Spot stars Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds. Here we see Bench selling Gillette Platinum Blades. Spot aired in November of 1970.
1970 was a good year for the young ballplayer. That year, Bench won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award and led the league with 45 home runs and 148 RBIs.
Previously on Daily 70s Spot: Tom Selleck for Close-Up toothpaste (1977)
He speaks for the trees! (‘The Lorax,’ 1972)
Happy Earth Day! To celebrate the planet and stand vigilant against pollution and greed – here’s 38-seconds filled with sweet memories of Dr. Seuss’ Truffula trees and Bar-Ba-Loots.
The song “Under the Trees” first aired along with the entire CBS TV special, The Lorax, on February 14, 1972. For more on Earth Day visit Earth Day Network.
Previously for Earth Day: Earth Day 1970s: EPA’s ‘Documerica’ photos
Previously on Music for Monday: The Rutles, ‘Cheese and Onions’ (1978)