Born Joseph “Jodie” Calloway Lyons on January 3, 1930, in Jacksonville, Florida, Lyons discovered his musical calling early. After serving in the U.S.
Born Joseph “Jodie” Calloway Lyons on January 3, 1930, in Jacksonville, Florida, Lyons discovered his musical calling early. After serving in the U.S. Air Force—where he performed in General Curtis LeMay’s band in Alaska—he graduated from North Texas State University in 1959 with a degree in Music Education and a minor in English. During his time there, he became an accomplished jazz musician, playing in the prestigious One O’Clock Lab Band.
From Big Bands to Jingles
Post-graduation, Lyons toured with jazz and big-band legends—including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Doc Severinsen—and even shared the stage with Elvis Presley. Embracing a niche in the burgeoning world of commercial radio, he joined PAMS Studio in Dallas, writing and producing radio jingles for stations nationwide. Every call letter, WABC, WLS, KLIF, and hundreds more.
Jodie Goes Solo
In the early 70’s, Jodie collaborated with Ken Draper and Jim Hampton at Programing db, a radio syndication company that produced 24-hour formats, Olde Golde and Big Country. Jodie produced the jingle themes for Olde Golde and also a package for WPIX FM that was later syndicated called ‘Something to Love’.
The Peppery Performances
In 1977, Lyons hit jingle gold when he created the iconic “I’m a Pepper, You’re a Pepper” campaign for Dr. Pepper. His catchy, upbeat style earned him entry into the Jingle Hall of Fame, where he’s often hailed as the top jingle writer ever.
Elevating Radio Branding
Lyons’ portfolio spans a broad spectrum of production—from rock station packages like “Rock of Chicago (WLS)” and “Lively Ones (KLIF)” to TV themes and civic projects like Dynamic Denton (1968). That local campaign, produced for the Denton Chamber of Commerce, evolved into an 11-minute musical showcase featuring regional orchestras and choir.
Architect of Vocal Harmony
A multi-talented composer and arranger, Lyons co-created the vocal group “The Versatiles” for Futursonic Productions. He penned and produced memorable tracks—including “Days of the Week” jingles—incorporating vocal styles reminiscent of the Kirby Stone Four, Four Freshmen, and McGuire Sisters. He also contributed to various PAMS packages, weaving together the fabric of mid-century radio identity.
Legacy & Preservation
Lyons worked with major jingle houses like PAMS and Futursonic and later supported the Media Preservation Foundation, helping archive jingles and radio IDs. He remained active well into his later years—performing, teaching, writing, and even pursuing a new textbook on vocal ensemble scoring.
Why Jodie Lyons Matters
Jodie Lyons made a lasting mark on American culture through his groundbreaking contributions to jingle production. His innovative approach redefined how brands used music, turning simple commercials into unforgettable earworms. Lyons was a master of vocal ensemble craftsmanship, pioneering layered harmonies that gave his jingles a rich, distinctive sound. Perhaps most significantly, his work—especially iconic campaigns like “I’m a Pepper”—became deeply embedded in American pop culture, demonstrating the power of music to shape memory and identity.
In Retrospect
Jodie Lyons transformed radio branding through his vibrant arrangements and melodic memory hooks. From electrifying station IDs to unforgettable commercial jingles, he elevated everyday advertising into art. His passion for music education, vocal harmony, and preservation ensured his influence endures well beyond airwaves. If you grew up humming a jingle in the ’60s or ’70s, there’s a good chance Jodie Lyons had a hand in it.
For fans of radio history and vintage commercials, Lyons’ work remains a goldmine—preserved in radio archives, jingle collections, and fond memories of golden-age advertising.
Curious to hear some of his creations? Check out Radio Jingles Online, where dozens of Lyons-produced demos—from 1950s acapella bits to big-band station themes—are available to enjoy .
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