Home / Arts and Entertainment / Faith Ad Revived Flop Song to Chart Hit
Faith Ad Revived Flop Song to Chart Hit
23 Aug
Summary
- A faith-based ad in 1969 propelled The Youngbloods' song up the charts.
- The song was initially released in 1967 but failed to reach the Top 40.
- The re-released track became a hit, earning a Gold RIAA certification.
The Youngbloods' 1967 song "Let's Get Together" experienced a remarkable revival thanks to a 1969 radio commercial. Initially, the track only peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100, failing to capture widespread attention.
However, the National Conference of Christians and Jews used the song in an advertisement promoting national healing and unity. This resonated powerfully with the American public, who were grappling with significant social and political divisions following events like the Vietnam War and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
The song's uplifting lyrics, such as "Come on, people now/Smile on your brother/Everybody get together/Try to love one another right now," perfectly matched the national mood. This widespread appeal prompted a re-release of the song by RCA Records, a rare move for record companies.
Led by the promotional efforts of RCA's Augie Bloom, "Let's Get Together" found a massive audience. It climbed to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a Gold RIAA certification and becoming the band's most successful single. Younger audiences may also recognize the song from Kurt Cobain's rendition.
