TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Have you ever noticed how jazz sneaks into commercials? That’s no accident—jazz sells.
Since the 1950s, advertisers have tapped into jazz’s cool, classy vibe to sell everything from cars to coffee. It’s sophisticated, stylish, and instantly expressive.
Think of those finger-snapping swing tunes in luxury car ads, or sultry saxophones pushing perfume or wine. Jazz gives brands character—a sense of confidence, creativity, and timeless taste.
Even jazz legends got involved. Louis Armstrong pitched everything from potato chips to laxatives. Modern brands still borrow that silky vibe to signal an elevated lifestyle.
Jazz in ads is branding with soul.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.