Michael Jackson and Advertising

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm in a little bit of Michael Jackson overload. So I'll apologize in advance for a post about Michael Jackson.

But with all the hype over his sudden death, his (again) soaring record sales, and of course his legendary music, many of us have forgotten his career in advertising.


That may be because his advertising days were very short lived. Not exactly sure why, although I'd bet a little hair gel and an open flame may have contributed.

Anyone in touch with the music scene in the 80's surely remembers his Pepsi commercials -- and the instantly infamous "hair on fire" shot heard round the world.

Phil Dusenberry even wrote a book about his own experiences in advertising titled "Then We Set His Hair on Fire". It's a good read, actually, particularly the time on set with Michael.

Just for fun, take a quick look back at Michael Jackson advertising in this AdAge article: http://adage.com/adages/post?article_id=137600. Always fun to see another side to an incredibly talented man.

Hope this finds you well -- Jim.