Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.

I’ve Got RhythmHiromi Uehara

Hiromi Uehara – I’ve got Rhythm

It was used in many commercial songs, including Panasonic’s “Steam Oven Range Bistro,” House Foods’ “Tongari Corn ‘Blue Sky Tongari Band’” version, and Mitsui Fudosan’s “Tokyo Midtown.” Originally, it was an insert song from a musical by the Gershwin brothers, but later Gene Kelly sang and danced to it in An American in Paris.

Since then, it has become a jazz standard covered by many musicians.

Begin The BeguineMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – Begin The Beguine

In recent years it’s been used in Mitsubishi Motors’ “Galant Fortis,” and in the past it has appeared in many major commercials—a classic of jazz.

Composed in 1933 as a song for the musical Jubilee, its composer is Cole Porter.

Along with its success on stage, it quickly became a jazz standard.

In Japan, beyond jazz singers, it has been passed down and sung by a wide range of artists, including rockabilly and folk singers—truly a timeless song.

Although many people remember it in katakana and may not know this, the “Begin” in the title refers to a folk dance from Martinique in the West Indies.

On the Sunny Side of the StreetThe Manhattan Transfer

On The Sunny Side Of The Street

It was used as the commercial song for Nestlé’s “Home Café Series” and Asahi Beer’s “Clear Asahi.” The song was introduced in 1930 for a Broadway musical, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields and music by Jimmy McHugh.

It was later performed by illustrious jazz musicians such as Tommy Dorsey and Count Basie, becoming a jazz standard.

Strangers in the NightMel Torme

Strangers In the Night

It was used as the commercial song for ANA’s Domestic Premium Class and Toyota’s Crown, among others.

The song is the theme from the 1965 film “The Liquidator,” and it became a hit the following year when Frank Sinatra sang it.

It also won a Grammy Award for this song, but it is said that Sinatra himself didn’t care for it very much.

Tennessee WaltzConnie Francis

Tennessee Waltz ( 1959 ) – CONNIE FRANCIS – Lyrics

These days, “Tennessee Waltz” has been featured in various products from major brands—most recently in a Nikko Asset Management commercial performed by Chie Ayado.

There are numerous classic jazz recordings of the song, from male jazz vocalists to brass-driven arrangements and piano interpretations.

This time, please enjoy a very old recording by Connie Francis.

Baby Elephant WalkHenry Mancini

Henry Mancini – Baby Elephant Walk

Originally, “Baby Elephant Walk” was a song featured in a film released in 1962.

In recent years, it has been used in Sapporo Beer’s “Mugi to Hop” commercial, newly released by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and, a bit nostalgically, sung on NHK’s Minna no Uta by Seiji Tanaka of “Beautiful Sunday” fame.

Many children may perform it at school arts festivals, in music classes, or at recitals for their music lessons.

On the Sunny Side of the StreetLouis Armstrong

On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Remastered)

Nestlé has long aired many commercials across Japan and frequently features classic jazz and new music, often performed by top-tier players.

Here are the songs used in the “Home Café” commercials.

The most familiar versions are by artists like Louis Armstrong and Willie Nelson, while relatively newer rock/pop-leaning artists such as Rod Stewart and The Manhattan Transfer are also popular.

With a mellow, mid-tempo feel and a pleasantly buoyant groove, these tracks truly elevate the mood for relaxing at home—numbers that make you want to pair your coffee time with some JAZZ.