10 Forgotten Commercial Jingles We Love and Lost

Do you remember those catchy tunes that stuck in your head after turning off the TV?

These memorable songs were more than just background noise. They were part of our childhood and often brought back good memories, or even tugged at our heartstrings.. 

Let’s revisit the tunes that once filled our homes and see how they shaped brands and created lasting memories.

While some of these themes pop back up occasionally, we don’t hear them as much anymore. 

Get ready to sing along as we check out 10 forgotten commercial jingles you might not remember. You might find yourself saying, “OMG, I totally forgot about this!”
 

R.I.P. $5 Footlong Subway (2008-2014)

Dear Readers, let us take a moment to honor Subway’s, “$5 Footlong”. This made the brand feel friendly and affordable. It brightened our days to hear it.

The ad was created by Stuart Frankel, a Subway shop owner in Miami. What was supposed to be a four week deal turned into a huge success. It brought $3.8 million for the company.

Sadly, the deal ended in 2014. Now, footlongs cost between $8-$15, depending on your location. And its sound slowly faded into the realm of forgotten commercial jingles. 

Its catchy rhythm will forever be held in our hearts. May it remind you of delicious sandwiches and cheaper time$. 

R.I.P. Free CreditReport.com (2007 - 2010)

In remembering the cheerful anthem of “F-R-E-E, that spells free, creditreport.com, baby”, we find joy in the way it brightened up countless homes.

It had a catchy tune and lyrics about a young man and his bad credit score. The fun beat and storyline made it memorable for many.

Unfortunately, as people's money needs changed, this catchy number faded from our memories. Now, it rests among the forgotten commercial jingles.

David Muhlenfeld, a senior copywriter at The Martin Agency, wrote this catchy song for the company. The company has aired nine different commercials so far.

Freecreditreport.com is now part of Experian. In June 2012, Experian launched a new commercial for freecreditscore.com with the original band. They now offer services like credit monitoring and identity theft protection.  

Yet, the original has faded away. It reminds us how important it is to manage our money. Even though it's gone, it still brings smiles to our faces as we think back to the joy it once gave us.

R.I.P. Education Connection (2009 - Date Unknown)

It is with fond memories that we remember “Education Connection”, the catchy jingle that brought a smile to many faces and made learning sound exciting.

With its cheerful melody, it encouraged students to find the right online school and quickly became a part of our lives.

This number was produced by Anthony Falcone. The company has changed and now offers new ways to find online schools, but we still feel the loss of that lively tune.

Though it may no longer be heard, the spirit of the Education Connection lives on in our hearts. It reminds us of the importance of education and the excitement of learning.

Let us cherish the joy it once brought to so many and celebrate the memories it created!

R.I.P. Break Me Off A Piece Of That KitKat Bar (1986-2004)

Let’s pay a tribute to the iconic track“Break Me Off A Piece Of That KitKat Bar." This classic perfectly captured the joy of eating a delicious KitKat. 

Interestingly, the jingle was never meant to exist. Michael Levine composed "Gimme a Break" as a throwaway song for a campaign. He created the melody in an elevator. 

When the agency presented both ideas to test audiences, "Gimme a Break" emerged as the clear favorite. This success led Hershey’s to build a new factory to meet the high demand.  

Though the KitKat brand remains popular today, the signature song has faded from our television sets. But even though it's gone, it still reminds us to indulge and enjoy a little chocolate. May we always treasure the joy it once brought us.

R.I.P. I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m A Toys “R” Us Kid (1982 - 2018)

Next up in our tribute of forgotten commercial jingles is "I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I'm a Toys “R” Us Kid." 

For many children in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this iconic tune captured the magic of Toys “R” Us. Its lively melody took kids to a wonderful place filled with toys and dreams.  

James Patterson and Linda Kaplan Thaler wrote this hit in 1982 while working at the J. Walter Thompson ad agency. Thaler wrote the music on a toy piano, while Patterson wrote  the lyrics.  

Sadly, the store closed its doors, but the magical melody they created still lingers. And while it may have signed off, let’s remember: if it ever pops into your head unexpectedly, smile and know it’s just saying ‘thank you’ for all the good times. 

R.I.P. Alka Seltzer’s Plop Plop Fizz Fizz (1976 - 1980)

As we reflect on the simple joys of the past, we remember a jingle that captured our hearts. The words “Plop, plop, fizz fizz” instantly became linked with Alka-Seltzer, offering smiles and quick relief from headaches and indigestion.  

Thomas W. Dawes wrote the music for this famous singalong. The lyrics were first written in 1953 by Paul Margulies. However, it didn't air until 1975 when Speedy Alka-Seltzer sang it for the first time. 

Interestingly, the slogan changed to "Plink, plink, fizz" in the UK. The Alka-Seltzer ads were among the most popular of the 20th century, ranking number 13 according to Advertising Age.  

As time went on, this melody faded into the collection of forgotten commercial jingles. It leaves behind a legacy of laughter and comfort. Its fun rhythm reminds us that a little fizz can make tough days easier. Raise a glass in memory of this bubbly classic! 

R.I.P. I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke (1971 - Date Unknown)

Today, we celebrate the memory of the beloved jingle, "I’d Like to Buy the World A Coke." This moment reminds us of the incredible community this Coke number has made.

It is also widely considered to be one of the most iconic ads ever created. 

In January 1971, Bill Backer was waiting for a flight to London when he wrote down some words on a napkin: “I'd like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company.” Harvey Gabor, an art director for Coca-Cola, came up with the idea for the “First United Chorus of the World.”

He wanted to film young people from around the world singing together on a hillside. 

The song quickly became a hit. Coca-Cola received over 100,000 letters praising the ad, and radio stations were flooded with requests for it. The lyrics left listeners with feelings of togetherness and kindness. 

When you hear echoes of this melody, may it bring to mind shared moments with family and friends. While we are heartbroken by its absence, it shows us how music from forgotten commercial jingles can connect us years later!

R.I.P. McDonald’s You Deserve A Break Today (1971 - late 1990s)

As we reflect on the impact of "You Deserve A Break Today," we remember how it encouraged people to relax while enjoying a meal at McDonald's. It shared the important message that everyone deserves a little self-care.  

Sidney E. Woloshin composed the music, while Warren Pfaff wrote the lyrics. The commercial first appeared in 1971 in a TV commercial featuring actor John Amos.

This slogan helped sales, creating a lasting impression of the McDonald's brand.  

Unfortunately, as advertising changed, it now rests among the forgotten commercial jingles. Though it may no longer grace our screens, the joy and laughter it brought to family outings will always be cherished in our memories.

R.I.P. I Wish I Was An Oscar Mayer Wiener (1963 - 2010)

Looking back, we can’t help but smile at the famous, "I Wish I Was an Oscar Mayer Wiener." This catchy tune brought smiles to so many faces. 

Richard Trentlage wrote the lyrics in just an hour. He was inspired by his 11-year-old son's wish to be a "dirt bike hot dog."

The ditty was featured in commercials that reached about 49 million families and was known in 19 countries. Its cheerful melody made it unforgettable and helped it stand out in advertising. 

It was more than just a jingle. It brings back memories of summertime barbecues and family gatherings where hot dogs were a staple.

As we bid farewell, let us celebrate the joy it once shared with all of us.

R.I.P. Everyone Loves A Slinky (1962-Date Unknown)

Last but certainly not least in our tribute to forgotten commercial jingles is, “Everyone Loves A Slinky.” This catchy tune celebrated the simple joy of a classic toy.

It captured the delight of kids playing with a Slinky and showed how much fun it was to watch it walk down stairs.  

Homer Fesperman and Johnny McCullough wrote the music. Charles Weagly wrote the lyrics. The advertising for the Slinky was developed by Betty James, the wife of Richard James, the inventor of the Slinky.  

Today, when a Slinky is spotted, it often brings laughter and fond memories, reminding everyone of carefree days filled with play. The spirit of its song will always be remembered as a celebration of childhood fun!

BONUS* R.I.P. The First Commercial Jingle 

The first jingle is often credited to Wheaties in 1926. Earl Gammons wrote this unforgettable tune, which first aired on Christmas Eve. Its success led to a big rise in Wheaties sales, but now it sits quietly in the past. 

Known as “The Breakfast of Champions,” this catchy tune once filled kitchens with cheer, inviting families to start their day with a bowl of cereal.  Sadly, the joyful sound has faded away, leaving only echoes of it. 

While it inspired many advertisers to create their own jingles, it has become a distant memory from a time gone by.

Though it may not be heard today, it will always be remembered for the special moments it created around the breakfast table.

Conclusion: A Fond Farewell to Our Favorite Forgotten Commercial Jingles

As we say a playful R.I.P. to these cherished jingles, it’s hard not to smile at the memories they bring back.

Each catchy tune brought joy to our lives, reminding us of family gatherings, childhood adventures, and special marketing moments.

Even though many of these have become forgotten commercial jingles, their spirit still lives on in our hearts.  

These songs were more than just advertisements; they were the soundtrack of our daily lives. We heard them everywhere, at any time of day.

So, the next time you catch yourself humming one of these catchy melodies, take a moment to remember the joy they once brought.  

Though they may no longer play on the airwaves, their charm and magic are still with us. They wait for us to reminisce, laugh, and celebrate the fun they once added to our lives. Long live the jingles!

✍️ Written by Liliana Billings