Steve Bryant – Thoughts on Success, Music and Media

Music has always been able to sway public opinion. Ever since the alleged “children’s songs” poked fun at the ruling classes of Europe over a thousand years ago, people have been using music to influence as well as entertain.

In World War One, songs like “Over There” helped to motivate our troops and the general public, somewhat assuring them that we would be victorious. It was recycled for World War Two.

World War Two had a lot of sentimental songs that reminded the troops and those they left behind that they would be reunited when the conflict ended. “I’ll be Seeing You” and “The White Cliffs of Dover” were very popular during that time.

There were no major songs about the Korean War. While there are many possible reasons for this, the one that sticks out in my mind is that America was still weary from WWII, which ended less than 5 years prior. There is a very poignant episode of M*A*S*H about this very subject.

Songs during the Vietnam War were decidedly anti-war. Overall, things were looser in the 1960’s and people were less afraid to speak their minds. Many of the songs were more pro-peace than anti-war, like “Get Together” by The Youngbloods, written by Chet Powers.

As radio got more and more popular in the 1920’s and 30’s, advertisers realized that their ads would be more effective sung than spoken. Jingles like “Pepsi Cola hits the spot, 12 big ounces, that’s a lot,” were soon sung by people like popular songs, which, in actuality, they were.

My professional career began in the 1970’s, writing jingles for local businesses and politicians. Camden County Parks was my first paying client.

“You can have a picnic,

You could run a mile.

Ride your bike,

Or take a hike,

And do it all in style.

Or just enjoy the scenery,

Life can be a lark.

Let the good times bring you back to Camden County Park.”

When I started working full time in advertising, I wrote jingles and motivational songs for Mohawk Data Services, AT&T, Southern Bell, IBM and many other companies. The jingles were for their customers, the motivational songs were to communicate a new product, service or concept to their employees.

When I wrote “The Age of Possibility” to help me better understand QVC’s latest marketing strategy for seniors, I didn’t know how popular it would become. It had over 4,100 plays just from my Facebook page when I posted it. I am very flattered at all the nice comments I’ve had about it as well. I guess writing a motivational song is like riding a bicycle, except your butt doesn’t hurt when you stop.