My commercial with David Bowie.

Back in the early 80s, I was working with my long-term partner on some commercials for a major Midwestern supermarket chain. A young account person on the account did some research that showed that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, ground beef sales spiked. In fact that three month period accounted for over 60% of the year’s hamburger sales.

Late one night, my boss came to us.

“Boys,” he said, “we’re in a real pickle. We need to drive ground beef sales like never before.”

Practically before he left our office, Craig said, “Let’s get David Bowie.”

“Bowie?”

Craig picked up his guitar and started singing:

“Ground Beef Control to Major Tom

Ground Beef Control to Major Tom,

Packed with protein now and fresh from the farm,

Ground Beef Control to Major Tom (ten nine eight seven six).

“Genius,” I responded, picking up the horn.

In a second I was connected to the famous rocker. I quickly explained our idea and he loved it.

In just a few short weeks we were shooting and recording Bowie. A couple weeks after that we had one of the biggest successes of the year.

Hamburger sales went through the roof.

I’ll miss you, Ziggy.