This past week saw the passing of pop icons Ed McMahon, Farrah Faucet, and, of course, Michael Jackson.  While their lives and accomplishments were featured in great detail in many media venues, I’d like to recognize Billy Mays who also left this world last week.

Billy was a great American pitchman in the tradition of many great hucksters and hawkers dating back at least to P.T. Barnum.  With ventures going beyond fast talking TV commercials, his star appeared to be on the rise.  Yes, he was a salesman and an advertiser.  But he also understood MPR.  Loud and sensational, his spots never failed to create some buzz, both on the Internet and through word-of-mouth.  Aided by an impressive batting average in endorsing products that actually lived up to their hype, Mays could spread the word with some credibility and get products sold.  Of course the buzz from Billy’s spots didn’t rival that of Super Bowl commercials, but I’ll go out on a limb and suggest that most Americans have talked about one of his products or ads or snuck a second peek at one on You Tube.  Big consumer products companies like Church & Dwight (makers of Arm & Hammer products) recognized his position as a marketing icon, and so should we.  We’ll miss you Billy Mays!!!

Take a look at one of Billy’s last interviews promoting his show, Pitchmen.

Reflection:

Why was Billy Mays so successful in blending sales promotion, advertising, and MPR?