The question “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” has become a part of American pop culture, symbolizing the lengths to which people will go to indulge in their cravings. But where did this catchy phrase and the accompanying song originate? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Klondike bar and explore the creation of the original song that has become synonymous with the brand.
Introduction to the Klondike Bar
The Klondike bar, a square-shaped ice cream sandwich consisting of a vanilla ice cream center covered in a layer of chocolate, has been a beloved treat in the United States since its introduction in the 1920s. The brand, owned by Unilever, has a rich history that spans nearly a century. Over the years, the Klondike bar has undergone several transformations, including changes in its size, shape, and flavor offerings. However, one thing has remained constant – the iconic “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” slogan.
Marketing and Advertising Strategies
In the 1980s, Klondike’s parent company, Unilever, launched a series of television commercials featuring the now-famous slogan. These ads typically depicted people performing outrageous or humorous tasks in exchange for a Klondike bar. The campaign was highly successful, and the phrase quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The original song, which accompanied these commercials, was catchy and upbeat, making it difficult for viewers to get out of their heads.
Creation of the Original Song
The original “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song was created by an advertising agency hired by Unilever. The agency, seeking to create a memorable and engaging jingle, rented a small studio in New York City and brought together a team of songwriters and musicians. After several hours of brainstorming and experimentation, the team came up with a catchy tune that would become synonymous with the brand. The song’s melody was simple, yet effective, featuring a repetitive refrain that repeated the iconic phrase.
The Impact of the Original Song
The original “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song had a significant impact on popular culture. It not only helped to establish the Klondike bar as a recognizable brand but also became a cultural reference point. The song’s catchiness and memorability made it a staple of 1980s and 1990s advertising, and its influence can still be seen in modern marketing campaigns. The song’s success can be attributed to its ability to tap into the emotional connection people have with food and the nostalgia associated with childhood treats.
Cultural Significance and References
The “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” slogan and song have been referenced and parodied countless times in popular culture. From Saturday Night Live sketches to The Simpsons episodes, the phrase has become a cultural touchstone. The song’s catchiness and simplicity have also made it a favorite among music enthusiasts, with many artists and bands covering or sampling the tune in their own work.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
Despite being created decades ago, the original “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song remains relevant today. The brand continues to use the slogan and song in its marketing efforts, albeit with some modifications to appeal to newer audiences. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of effective advertising and the emotional connection people have with brands. As a cultural phenomenon, the “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song continues to inspire new generations of marketers, musicians, and fans alike.
Behind the Scenes: Creation and Production
While the original song’s creation is often shrouded in mystery, some details have emerged over the years. According to interviews with the song’s creators, the team worked tirelessly to craft a melody that would stick in viewers’ heads. The song’s simplicity was a deliberate choice, designed to make it easy to remember and sing along to. The production process involved a combination of live instrumentation and early digital recording techniques, resulting in a unique sound that has become synonymous with the brand.
Evolution of the Song Over Time
Over the years, the “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song has undergone several transformations. The original version, created in the 1980s, featured a distinct synthesizer sound and a catchy drum machine beat. As the brand updated its marketing efforts, the song was re-recorded and re-arranged to appeal to new audiences. Despite these changes, the core melody and message have remained the same, ensuring the song’s continued recognition and popularity.
Remixes and Covers
The “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song has been remixed and covered by numerous artists over the years. These reinterpretations have helped to introduce the song to new audiences and keep it relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape. From electronic dance music remixes to acoustic covers, the song’s versatility has been demonstrated time and time again.
In conclusion, the original “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” song is a testament to the power of effective advertising and the emotional connection people have with brands. Its catchy melody, simple refrain, and cultural significance have made it a beloved and recognizable part of American pop culture. As a cultural phenomenon, the song continues to inspire new generations of marketers, musicians, and fans alike.
For those interested in exploring more about the history of the Klondike bar and its iconic slogan, here is a list of resources:
- The Klondike Bar official website
- Unilever’s corporate website
- Various online archives and museums dedicated to advertising and marketing history
By examining the story behind the original song, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and enduring popularity of the “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” phrase. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing and advertising, the legacy of this iconic song serves as a reminder of the importance of creativity, simplicity, and emotional connection in building successful brands.
What is the origin of the Klondike Bar jingle?
The Klondike Bar jingle, also known as “What Would You Do for a Klondike Bar?”, has its roots in the early 1990s when the company was looking to launch a new advertising campaign. The jingle was created by an advertising agency that aimed to come up with a catchy tune that would appeal to a wide audience. The idea was to create a song that would be easy to remember and associate with the brand. The result was a simple yet effective melody that has become synonymous with the Klondike Bar brand.
The jingle’s success can be attributed to its simplicity and the way it was used in the company’s advertising campaigns. The song was featured in numerous commercials and print ads, and it quickly became a recognizable tune that people would hum or sing along to. Over the years, the jingle has undergone several variations, but its core message has remained the same. The song has been translated into several languages and has been used in various marketing campaigns around the world. Its popularity has endured, and it remains one of the most recognizable brand jingles in the world.
Who wrote the original Klondike Bar song?
The original Klondike Bar song was written by an advertising agency called Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB). The agency was tasked with creating a new advertising campaign for the Klondike Bar brand, and the jingle was a key component of the campaign. The song was written by a team of creative professionals at FCB, including musicians, copywriters, and art directors. The team worked together to come up with a catchy tune that would appeal to a wide audience and help to establish the Klondike Bar brand as a leader in the frozen treat market.
The identity of the specific individuals who wrote the Klondike Bar song has not been widely publicized, and it is likely that the song was a collaborative effort between several people. However, it is clear that the team at FCB was successful in creating a jingle that has become iconic in American advertising. The song has been widely imitated and parodied, and it continues to be used in the company’s advertising campaigns to this day. The success of the jingle is a testament to the power of effective advertising and the importance of creating a recognizable brand identity.
What was the first Klondike Bar commercial to feature the song?
The first Klondike Bar commercial to feature the “What Would You Do for a Klondike Bar?” song was launched in 1995. The commercial was a humorous take on the idea of what people would do to get their hands on a Klondike Bar. The ad featured a series of people performing outrageous tasks in exchange for a Klondike Bar, and it quickly became a hit with audiences. The commercial was widely aired on television and helped to establish the Klondike Bar brand as a fun and playful treat.
The success of the commercial can be attributed to its lighthearted and humorous tone. The ad poked fun at the idea of people going to great lengths to get what they want, and the jingle played a key role in setting the tone for the commercial. The song has since been featured in numerous other Klondike Bar commercials, and it has become an integral part of the brand’s identity. The commercial has also been widely shared and parodied on social media, and it remains one of the most recognizable and beloved advertising jingles of all time.
Has the Klondike Bar song been featured in any other contexts?
Yes, the Klondike Bar song has been featured in a variety of other contexts beyond the company’s advertising campaigns. The song has been used in numerous parodies and spoofs, including on television shows and in movies. It has also been covered by several musicians and has been featured in various forms of user-generated content, such as videos and memes. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a popular choice for people looking to create humorous or ironic content.
The song’s versatility and recognizable melody have also made it a popular choice for use in other marketing campaigns and promotions. For example, the song has been used in cross-promotional campaigns with other brands and has been featured in special edition Klondike Bar products, such as limited-edition flavors and packages. The song has also been used in various forms of digital marketing, including social media ads and online video campaigns. Its widespread recognition and appeal have made it a valuable asset for the Klondike Bar brand and a key component of the company’s marketing strategy.
How has the Klondike Bar song evolved over time?
The Klondike Bar song has undergone several variations and updates over the years. The original version of the song was launched in the 1990s, and it has since been remixed and re-released in various forms. The song has been updated to reflect changes in music trends and styles, and it has been adapted for use in different marketing campaigns and promotions. For example, the song has been featured in hip-hop and rap versions, as well as in more traditional and nostalgic arrangements.
Despite the updates and variations, the core message and melody of the song have remained the same. The song’s catchy tune and memorable lyrics have endured, and it continues to be widely recognized and associated with the Klondike Bar brand. The company has also experimented with different formats and mediums, such as using the song in video games and interactive online experiences. The song’s evolution over time is a testament to the company’s efforts to stay relevant and engaging with its target audience, and its continued popularity is a reflection of the song’s timeless appeal and versatility.
What is the cultural significance of the Klondike Bar song?
The Klondike Bar song has significant cultural importance as a recognizable and beloved advertising jingle. The song has been a part of American popular culture for decades and has been widely referenced and parodied in various forms of media. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a staple of advertising and a cultural touchstone. It has also been credited with helping to establish the Klondike Bar brand as a leader in the frozen treat market and has played a key role in shaping the brand’s identity and image.
The song’s cultural significance extends beyond its role as an advertising jingle. It has become a nostalgic reminder of childhood and a symbol of summertime and fun. The song has also been the subject of various memes and jokes, and it continues to be widely shared and referenced on social media. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of effective advertising and the importance of creating a recognizable brand identity. The Klondike Bar song is a cultural icon that continues to evoke memories and emotions, and its significance extends far beyond its role as a simple advertising jingle.
Will the Klondike Bar song continue to be used in future marketing campaigns?
Yes, the Klondike Bar song is likely to continue to be used in future marketing campaigns. The song has been a key component of the company’s advertising efforts for decades, and its recognizable melody and memorable lyrics have made it a valuable asset for the brand. The company has continued to update and adapt the song for use in new marketing campaigns and promotions, and it remains a core part of the brand’s identity and image. The song’s continued popularity and recognition make it a valuable tool for the company to connect with its target audience and promote its products.
The company has also shown a commitment to preserving the song’s legacy and cultural significance. For example, the company has released special edition versions of the song and has featured it in various forms of nostalgia-driven marketing campaigns. The song’s continued use in future marketing campaigns will likely involve new and innovative ways to update and adapt the melody and lyrics for changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. The Klondike Bar song is a timeless classic that continues to evoke memories and emotions, and its continued use in future marketing campaigns will help to ensure its enduring popularity and cultural significance.