My first year at Baker Sound was a whirlwind of success. Local jingles and radio themes filled my days, and equipment upgrades were on the horizon. Then, a call from producer Peter Tilden changed everything. He needed a national radio campaign jingle for women’s clothing retailer Fashion Bug, centered around the tagline “Styles to Fit Every You.” The concept we landed on? A jingle recorded in multiple genres, showcasing the diverse styles Fashion Bug offered. This was a big break for my company, MONSTER TRACKS – our first national broadcast. More importantly, it was a chance to flex my creative muscles and craft something memorable.
Crafting the Perfect Lyric for the Fashion Bug
The melody flowed easily, but the lyrics required careful consideration. The challenge was to seamlessly integrate the tagline while ensuring the words felt authentic and less like a marketing spiel. After much refinement, the final lyric captured the essence of Fashion Bug:
We got style A little something extra
Something to fit your every mood
So smile We’re everything you wanna be
You can work with us Or play with us
Relax and run away with us You’ll kid with us
‘Cause we’re everything you do
Fashion Bug: Styles to Fit Every You
Recording the Fashion Bug Anthem: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Journey
With Peter’s approval, we launched into recording. Several genres were explored, but the rock version ultimately became Fashion Bug’s advertising cornerstone for years to come. The track featured the talents of Jeff Kay on guitar, Chet Brown and myself on backing vocals, and the powerful lead vocals of Gina Catinella. A brief sax solo by Ken Moskowitz added a unique touch. Initially hesitant due to Ken being my then-boss Gary Moskowitz’s cousin, I was pleasantly surprised by Ken’s professionalism. He became a frequent collaborator and even opened doors for me to perform with the house band at Trump Castle, connecting me with a network of talented musicians.
Beyond Rock: Exploring Different Musical Styles for Fashion Bug
Beyond the iconic rock version, we also recorded the Fashion Bug jingle in softer, “MOR” (middle-of-the-road), and even classical styles. Sadly, these masters are now lost to time. The sole survivor is an a cappella rendition inspired by barbershop and doo-wop, featuring layered vocals by Chet, Gina, and myself, built upon a foundation of sampled finger snaps. Though rarely aired, it remains my personal favorite.
The Legacy of the Fashion Bug Jingle
Fashion Bug continued to feature the rock version in its advertising until 1992, when a new tagline and jingle were commissioned. However, the original jingle holds a special significance for me. It provided the financial means to purchase my wife’s engagement ring, a constant reminder of those exciting early days at Baker Sound, Peter Tilden, and the birth of a truly memorable jingle. The Fashion Bug jingle wasn’t just a project; it was a stepping stone in my career and a personal milestone. It proved the power of a catchy tune to not only sell clothes but to shape lives.
