The world knows Barry Manilow as a legendary musician, but before his iconic hits took center stage, he was behind the scenes crafting commercial jingles. Long before his songs filled stadiums, Manilow was creating melodies for brands like Dodge and State Farm, with one particular jingle becoming a timeless classic that earned him a one-time payment without any royalties.
Reflecting on his early career in an interview with The Television Academy, Manilow shared how writing jingles was a whole new world compared to playing other people’s music. The opportunity to compose catchy melodies for advertisements opened doors for him in the music industry.
One of Manilow’s most enduring jingles was created for State Farm Insurance. Despite only receiving a flat fee of $500 for the commercial, the melody has continued to be used for over 45 years, showcasing the longevity of his work in the advertising world.
Crafting a successful jingle requires more than just musical talent. Manilow explained that the key is to create a melody that will stick in listeners’ ears within a short time frame, usually 15 seconds for television commercials. His ability to create memorable tunes led to collaborations with major brands like McDonald’s, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
While jingle writing laid the foundation for Manilow’s career, it wasn’t until he transitioned to singing his own compositions that he truly found success. Signing with Bell Records, later renamed Arista, under Clive Davis, Manilow released hit songs like “Mandy” from his second album, marking his shift from commercial jingles to best-selling recording artist.
Barry Manilow’s journey from composing jingles to topping the charts is a testament to his versatile talent and enduring impact on the music industry. His ability to create memorable melodies has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.