When You Say Love - Sonny & Cher (1972) 5/28/23

When you hear today's "Great Song of the '70s," you might say to yourself, "Hey, that sounds like an old Budweiser jingle."

That's because it is, and there's a story behind it, too.

In 1970, jingle writer Steve Karmen wrote the classic "You've Said It All" Budweiser jingle.

It was so catchy, Steve decided to record and release an instrumental version of the song. Unfortunately, nothing happened, primarily because the name "Budweiser" wasn't

on the label.

Well, actually, something DID happen...and it was pretty sneaky.

In Nashville, songwriters Jerry Foster and Bill Rice, wrote some new lyrics to the music, added a bridge in the middle, and titled it "When You Say Love."

They handed it over to country star Bob Luman, who took it to #6 on Billboard's Country Chart in 1972.

A few weeks later, Sonny & Cher released THEIR version, and it became their last hit together, reaching #2 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.

Steve Karmen was dumbfounded. Foster and Rice never asked permission to either rewrite or change his song in any way. He sued, and was justifiably awarded a full

songwriting credit going forward.

Budweiser still uses the jingle from time to time, and, of course, The University of Wisconsin/Madison Marching Band plays it at all Badger home games.

"When You Say "Bud/Love" was...and is... a "Great Jingle and Song of the "70s," and still as catchy as ever!

Sonny & Cher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5nteiFiEIw

Bob Luman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeOb8HVMEpE

Steve Karmen Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5rGeVx0Uxg

Original TV Jingle version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGp_1MOeOjc

UW Madison Marching Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sGpet8ZfxI

Tomorrow: Chaka made it "Great." Then Whitney showed up. Coming June 1: Great Songs of the '80s!