We've all hummed it, perhaps without even realizing its origin: "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." This iconic jingle has been synonymous with the insurance giant for decades, but have you ever stopped to wonder who penned that incredibly catchy tune and how much they made from it? If so, you're in for a fascinating journey into the world of commercial jingles and the surprising early career of a music legend!
Let's pull back the curtain and explore the story behind the State Farm jingle and Barry Manilow's connection to it.
Step 1: Discovering the Unexpected Jinglemaker
Welcome, curious minds! Before he was the "Copacabana" king or the "Mandy" balladeer, Barry Manilow was a prolific and highly successful jingle writer and singer. It might surprise many to learn that the man who would go on to sell millions of records and fill concert halls started his career crafting memorable tunes for various brands. This early experience, he often credits, was invaluable in honing his songwriting skills, particularly in creating catchy melodies that stick with you.
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| How Much Did Barry Manilow Make For The State Farm Jingle |
Step 2: The State Farm Connection - A Flat Fee for a Forever Tune
Sub-heading: The Genesis of an Icon
In the early 1970s, a young Barry Manilow was commissioned to write a jingle for State Farm Insurance. This was a common practice for him at the time, as he was busy building his portfolio in the advertising world. The result? The now-legendary "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" melody.
Sub-heading: The Unbelievable Figure
Now for the burning question: how much did Barry Manilow make for this enduring piece of advertising history? Prepare yourself, because the answer is surprisingly modest, especially considering the jingle's longevity and pervasive presence.
Barry Manilow was paid a one-time flat fee of just $500 for writing the State Farm jingle.
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Yes, you read that correctly: five hundred dollars.
Step 3: Understanding the "No Residuals" Reality of Jingles
Sub-heading: The Nature of Jingle Contracts
At the time, and often still today for many jingles, the nature of the contract meant a "buy-out" scenario. This means that for the initial payment, the company (State Farm, in this case) purchased all rights to the jingle. This included the right to use it indefinitely, in any medium, without paying the composer or singer any further royalties or residuals.
Manilow himself has commented on this, stating that at the time, $500 was a significant amount of money for him, and he was grateful for the opportunity. He often jokingly mentions that the woman who sang the jingle (not himself, in the final version, although he did sing many of his own jingles) probably made more in the long run!
Sub-heading: A Stepping Stone, Not a Goldmine
While $500 might seem like a paltry sum for such an iconic and enduring piece of intellectual property today, it's crucial to remember the context. For Manilow, writing jingles was a valuable training ground. It taught him the art of writing concise, memorable, and impactful melodies – skills that would undoubtedly contribute to his later pop music success. He views his jingle-writing days as a "music college" that shaped his career.
Step 4: The Lasting Impact and Manilow's Legacy
Even without ongoing residuals, the State Farm jingle, along with others he penned for brands like Band-Aid ("I am stuck on Band-Aid, 'cause Band-Aid's stuck on me!") and McDonald's ("You deserve a break today"), played a significant role in his artistic development. They honed his ability to create melodies that resonate with the public, a talent that would later make him a household name.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Today, the "Like a good neighbor" jingle is still instantly recognizable and continues to be a core part of State Farm's branding. It stands as a testament to the power of a well-crafted jingle and the often-unseen talent behind it. And while Barry Manilow didn't get rich off of this particular jingle, it's undeniable that his early work in advertising laid a crucial foundation for his unparalleled career in pop music.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to become a jingle writer?
To become a jingle writer, focus on developing strong songwriting skills, particularly in creating catchy and memorable melodies. Build a portfolio of original jingles, network with advertising agencies and production companies, and consider studying music composition or advertising.
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How to get paid for writing jingles?
You typically get paid for writing jingles through a one-time flat fee or a project-based fee upon completion and acceptance of the jingle. Residuals are rare in the jingle industry unless specifically negotiated.
How to make a jingle memorable?
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
To make a jingle memorable, keep it short and simple, use a catchy melody, incorporate repetition, and ensure the lyrics are easy to understand and relate directly to the brand's message.
How to copyright a jingle?
To copyright a jingle, you can register it with the copyright office in your country (e.g., the U.S. Copyright Office). This protects your original musical and lyrical composition.
How to pitch a jingle to a company?
To pitch a jingle to a company, create a professional demo of your jingle, research the company's brand and marketing goals, and prepare a concise presentation outlining how your jingle aligns with their needs.
How to find jingle writing opportunities?
You can find jingle writing opportunities by reaching out to advertising agencies, music production houses, and marketing firms. Online freelance platforms and music industry networks can also be good resources.
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How to determine a fair price for a jingle?
A fair price for a jingle varies widely based on factors like the client's budget, your experience level, the jingle's complexity, and the scope of usage. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
How to use a jingle effectively in advertising?
To use a jingle effectively, ensure it's consistent across all advertising platforms, integrated seamlessly into commercials, and reinforces the brand's key message or slogan.
How to learn more about the history of jingles?
To learn more about the history of jingles, explore books, documentaries, and online resources on advertising history, commercial music, and the careers of famous jingle writers and composers.
How to listen to Barry Manilow's other jingles?
You can often find compilations or discussions of Barry Manilow's jingles on YouTube, fan websites, or through interviews where he sometimes performs or discusses them. He occasionally includes a "jingle medley" in his concerts!
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