…And it probably happened a little late in the game. For the first time in nearly four decades of existence, The Doors catalog is finally open to ad agencies for products, TV, film, and soundtracks.
But, there’s a story that’s not being told. Of course, everyone knows about the success that Cadillac has reaped with its use of Led Zeppelin’s "Rock and Roll" – the song relaunched their tired brand and has helped to persuade younger demos that Caddies aren’t just for AARP members. Just a few years ago, the average age of a guy walking into a Cadillac dealership was 63.
The part you may not know is that "Rock and Roll" was not Cadillac’s first choice. The song they really wanted was The Doors’ "Break On Through." But, at the time, they were unable to do business with the band, and thus, took their money to Page and Plant. Of course, the part of the campaign that remained was its original slogan, "Break Through." (Footnote: "Rock and Roll" was the first time that Led Zeppelin allowed the commercial use of its songs!)Using great Classic Rock songs for soundtracks doesn’t demean the music. Tied in with the right brand (or film or TV show or whatever), it can actually breathe life into an old song, reintroduce it to a whole new generation of consumers, and of course, make lots of money for the band. My question is, which brand will buy the rights to "Peace Frog?"
President & Founder at Jacobs Media
Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
Latest posts by Fred Jacobs (see all)
- Radio Listeners Don’t Get Tired Of Music, Only PDs And Music Directors Do - December 26, 2024
- It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - December 25, 2024
- Is Public Radio A Victim Of Its Own Org Chart – Part 2 - December 24, 2024
Incorrect. Artists licensing their music to commercials DOES demean the song.
The process can sell a burnish the advertiser’s brand plus sell a ton of CDs, but it also most definitely adds a layer of meaning to song and artist which can ultimately be damaging to both. Such a TV commercial often functions as a music video for the song, one over which the musician(s) involved do not generally have creative control.
Simply because licensing can make “lots of money” for the band does not mean that it’s not also demeaning to the song.
At least Barry Manilow was was upfront about his status as a jingle composer.
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