Tag: Fairfield County CT

Kawasaki’s “Let the Good Times Roll” — And the Voice Behind a Generation of Earworms

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Few advertising campaigns captured the spirit of freedom and fun quite like Kawasaki’s “Let the Good Times Roll.” Debuting in the late 1960s and taking off through the 1970s, the campaign helped redefine motorcycles—not just as machines, but as a lifestyle. Riders cruising open roads, wind in their face, and a sense that adventure was always just one throttle twist away.

But what truly made the campaign unforgettable wasn’t just the imagery—it was the music.

The now-iconic jingle was performed by The Ron Hicklin Singers, led by Ron Hicklin, with Gene Morford delivering the smooth, confident lead vocal. His delivery made the slogan feel effortless and cool—never pushy, always inviting.

And then something happens: the song sticks.

Long after the commercial ends, you find yourself replaying it in your head. That’s no accident. The jingle checks every box of what makes music memorable—simple phrasing, a strong melodic hook, bright upbeat tones, and just enough repetition to lock it into your brain. It’s what we now call an “earworm,” and Hicklin’s group practically perfected the formula.

In fact, if the Kawasaki jingle feels familiar, it’s because you’ve likely heard these voices many times before.

The Ron Hicklin Singers were behind or involved in a wide range of iconic TV themes and commercials, including shows like The Love Boat, Happy Days, and Laverne & Shirley, along with contributions to pop-driven series like The Partridge Family. They also dominated the advertising world, lending their sound to major brands like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and countless automotive campaigns.

Their signature style—tight harmonies, clean vocals, and instantly catchy melodies—helped define an era when TV themes and commercials were crafted with the same care as hit songs.

That’s why “Let the Good Times Roll” still resonates today. It isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a masterclass in how music, voice, and message can come together to create something timeless. You may forget the details of the commercial, but the moment you hear that line again, it clicks.

And just like that… it’s back in your head.

A Visit to a Record Store 🎶 #Vinyl #RecordStore #Retro

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Remember the record store? Ten years ago, when people first rediscovered vinyl, I visited Merle’s Record Rack—and it continues to stand the test of time.

In an era dominated by streaming and digital playlists, few places have endured like Merle’s. Now celebrating its 60th year in business, the longtime Connecticut record shop continues to draw in music lovers from across generations—just as it did during its 50th anniversary.

Back then, during that milestone celebration, longtime owner Michael Papa summed up what keeps people coming back: service, experience, and discovery. “People still like service,” he said. “They still like to come into a store where they can get everything that they want for music.” That simple idea—walking into a place where music surrounds you—remains at the heart of the store’s appeal today.

For many customers, Merle’s is more than a store. It’s a “gold mine,” a place where browsing bins of vinyl can spark forgotten memories. Unlike online shopping, where you search for something specific, being inside the shop leads to unexpected finds. As one visitor put it, it “jars the mind,” bringing back albums and songs you hadn’t thought about in years.

That emotional connection is a big part of why vinyl has seen a resurgence. Papa noted that younger listeners are rediscovering analog sound for the first time, while longtime music fans are returning to it. The difference, he explained, is in how it feels to listen. “If you really want to sit down and hear music… the analog still sounds the greatest.” The warmth of a record, played start to finish, offers a different experience than skipping through tracks on a digital platform.

Beyond records, Merle’s has also become a destination for vintage audio equipment. The shop continues to refurbish and repair turntables, receivers, and stereo gear from decades past. Equipment built in the 60s through the 90s, Papa said, was “made to last,” and many customers are eager to bring those systems back to life.

What people come looking for varies widely. Some search for a specific song tied to a memory, others for music for a meaningful moment, and some simply want to explore. Papa described it as too broad to define—because music itself is deeply personal. One person may be searching for a song from their youth, another for something tied to a life event. The common thread is the connection.

That connection is what has carried Merle’s Record Rack through six decades. Hearing a song from the past, Papa explained, is like seeing an old friend again. “It brings you back to that era… to that day… to that person.”

Sixty years in, that experience hasn’t changed. And for many, that’s exactly why they keep coming back.

📍 Contact & Location

Address: 307 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT 06477
Phone: (203) 795-9033
Email: merlesrecordrck@yahoo.com

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