Here’s something a bit unusual. It’s the O’Jays performing their hit “Love Train,” but they’ve changed the lyric to “Soul Train” while gracing the show.
“Love Train” was written and produced by Gamble & Huff and reached #1 on the US Hot 100. I’m guessing this TV appearance is from 1973, or possibly ’74 , as “You Got Your Hooks In Me” (1973) was also played. The oversized bow ties and impressively large suit collars also imply the late ’73/early ’74 period. Let’s enjoy this curiosity.
THE O’JAYS, ‘LOVE TRAIN’ (LIVE ON ‘SOUL TRAIN,’ 1973)
As we continue moving backwards through the seventies, we stop to linger on 1975. Enjoy commercials for Pillsbury’s Chocolate Macaroon Bundt Cake, Litton Microwave, Schlitz beer, and Harley-Davidson. Ride on and have a wonderful weekend! Me? I’m off to bed to rest off last night’s booster shot. See you back here on Monday.
PILLSBURY CHOCOLATE BUNDT CAKE COMMERCIAL (1975)
Pillsbury Chocolate Macaroon Bundt Ring Cake Filling & Glaze Mix commercial featuring an old fashioned cash register. Spot aired November 1975.
On this batch of Buried Treasures we have an assortment of commercials ranging from 1971 all the way to ’78. First, it’s Patrick Wayne for the Marathon candy bar. Following that, we have an nifty animated spot for American Airlines, some Aurora AFX race cars, and Vernee Watson in a commercial for IBM typewriters.
MARATHON CANDY BAR COMMERCIAL (1973)
Marathon candy bar commercial featuring Quick Carl and actor Patrick Wayne as Marathon John. Narration by Dan Ingram. Spot aired in 1973.
ANIMATED AMERICAN AIRLINES COMMERCIAL (1971)
American Airlines commercial featuring animated airplanes. Spot aired January 1971 (produced in 1970).
AURORA AFX ‘MANZA SPIDER’ RACE CAR SET COMMERCIAL (1972)
Aurora toy race car commercial featuring the AFX Manza Spider set. Spot aired November 1972.
IBM TYPEWRITER ‘SECRETARY’ COMMERCIAL (1978)
IBM electronic typewriter commercial featuring an assortment of secretaries. The secretary in the red shirt is actor Vernee Watson (‘Welcome Back Kotter,’ ‘Capt. Caveman’). Spot aired November 1978.
‘Pete’s Dragon’ soundtrack LP ad via Record World magazine November 1977
Here’s a colorful ad for Walt Disney Production’s Pete’s Dragon soundtrack. As you may remember, Pete’s Dragon is part live-action, part animated, and as the ad mentions, features Helen Reddy’s “Candle On The Water” song.
I remember seeing the film in ’77 at the tender age of 10, but I can’t say I remember Reddy’s tune. Apparently the song was nominated for an Academy Award. Let’s have a listen.
HELEN REDDY, ‘ CANDLE ON THE WATER’ (1977)
*Update: Well, now that I listen to it – I do remember it. The brain is a wonderful thing.
If you joined us in recent days you may have guessed that this batch of seventies commercials is focused on 1976. We’ve got spots for Franco-American Rotini, Heinz Ketchup’s famed “Anticipation” campaign, Shout stain remover, and the Volkswagen Rabbit. Have at ’em.
FRANCO-AMERICAN ROTINI COMMERCIAL (1976)
Franco-American Rotini and Rotini & Meatballs commercial featuring a disappearing family. Spot aired November 1976.
Latimore’s smooth and sexy description of a strained relationship, “Let’s Straighten It Out,” was originally released in 1974. The song was written by the artist, Benjamin Latimore, and appeared on the Let’s Straighten It Out – More, More, More Latimore LP. Have a listen below and bask in the greatness of this US #1 R&B and #31 Hot 100 hit.
