Coca-Cola: Mary Hopkin

1969
Sound
1m

Mary Hopkin takes a stroll along the beach in this melancholy Coke ad.

Welsh singer Mary Hopkin strolls along a glistening shore while her rendition of 'Somewhere in the Morning' plays on the soundtrack in this melancholic Coke ad. Hopkin found fame as the winner of television talent show 'Opportunity Knocks'. Her debut single 'Those Were the Days' reached number 1 in the UK charts, and she went on to represent the UK in the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing second.

Cinema commercial for Coca-Cola featuring Mary Hopkin singing "Somewhere along the morning".

Celebrity Sells

A celebrity endorsement is one of the advertisers' most powerful weapons.

For generations, movie stars, television personalities and sporting heroes have all bought in to selling out. A famous face can trigger a string of associations that advertisers hope will reflect well on the product. And for new faces, an advertising gig can be the path to recognition, and a career which enables you to be the star turn.

Behind the camera, too, advertising commissions can kickstart a career or offer a lucrative sideline. Directors like Alan Parker, Ridley Scott and Hugh Hudson got an early boost from advertising work, and many continued to shoot ads long after they 'made it' in features.