RAG MusicCM
Lovely commercial jingle

KFC's commercial song. A popular jingle.

When you think of Kentucky, you think of the fast-food chain marked by a logo featuring Colonel Sanders’ face.

In addition to its distinctly seasoned fried chicken, the menu is packed with delicious items like hamburgers, biscuits, and coleslaw.

We often see Kentucky’s commercials on TV, and they pop up even more frequently during the Christmas season.

That naturally makes you curious about the music used in those commercials.

Some of you might even be reminded of Kentucky the moment you hear that Christmas song.

In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of Kentucky’s commercial songs—starting with that classic tune, as well as tracks used in past ads and songs featured in overseas commercials.

KFC commercial songs. Popular commercial songs (21–30)

KFC 'Whole Chicken' Version

X Gon’ Give It To YaDMX

The Whole Chicken

This commercial has a unique worldview that conveys Kentucky’s commitment to chicken through the powerful presence of a rooster.

The way it steadily moves forward while swaying its body, combined with the intense lighting, expresses strength clearly.

Although it presents the curious concept of showing the chicken before it’s served as food, its appearance inspires a sense of safety and trust.

Further amplifying the force of the visuals is the track “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” by DMX.

The heavy, resonant beat paired with the wild rap leaves a strong impression, evoking power and confidence.

Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

Lovely Holiday / Mariya Takeuchi [Cover]
Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

This song was released as a single from the album “Bon Appetit!”—as the B-side to the single “Nostalgia,” no less.

It’s funny how songs find their way: over time, it’s become a beloved national Christmas tune.

When I hear it, I think, “Ah, winter’s here,” and I also get the urge to eat KFC—it’s practically a conditioned reflex at this point.

The song was written specifically for a KFC commercial and has been used in those ads since 2000.

It’s a timeless classic of the KFC commercial songs that I hope we’ll keep hearing forever.

KFC Party Barrel “Lighting Ceremony” Version / Christmas Pack “Santa Mitsuki” Version

Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

Lovely Holiday / Mariya Takeuchi [Cover]
Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya
[Natsumi Yamaguchi] KFC “Party Barrel ‘Lighting Ceremony’” Version

This commercial depicts a Christmas scene where Kentucky’s Party Barrel takes center stage.

It shows a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a moment when Santa Claus comes to a home, expressing the different kinds of happiness people feel at Christmas.

With the Party Barrel present in both scenes, the ad also emphasizes that it’s an essential part of the holiday.

The music used is Mariya Takeuchi’s “Suteki na Holiday,” a song indispensable to Kentucky at Christmastime, which conveys the excitement and joy of the season.

With A Girl Like YouThe Troggs

The track used in KFC’s UK and Ireland commercial, “Introducing Our New Burritos!” It was released in 1966 by the British rock band The Troggs.

It has been covered by artists such as Dave Sitek and Chriss.

I Love ItIcona Pop feat. Charli XCX

Icona Pop – I Love It (feat. Charli XCX) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
I Love ItIcona Pop feat. Charli XCX

A collaboration between the Swedish synth-pop duo Icona Pop and British singer-songwriter Charli XCX.

Released in 2012, it reached the Top 10 on charts around the world.

It was used in the Australian KFC Burger Boxes commercial, “Did Someone Say KFC?”

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Who Let In The RainCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Who Let In The Rain
Who Let In The RainCyndi Lauper

This is a hidden gem from Cyndi Lauper, who has so many hit songs.

While she’s known for her energetic, free-spirited shouts, this track has a mature feel, singing about a love that has quietly come to an end.

It’s a breakup song, but it’s perfect for couples spending Christmas Eve together over Kentucky Fried Chicken.

A new version of this song is included on Shine, an album released only in Japan in 2004.

That version is also wonderful, so I hope you’ll give it a listen!

Original

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Floriginal” Official Music Video
Original

Mitsuki Takahata, who gave wonderful performances in Totone-chan and Sakura, Our Precious Days, is everywhere these days—on TV and in magazines, whether singing or appearing on variety shows.

In her new ad, the Kentucky Hot Pie she eats in the snow looks unbelievably delicious! The background “fof-fof-fof” horn melody doubles the pie’s piping-hot appeal.

The tune, which evokes bright jazz, fits perfectly with Kentucky’s long history.

It’s a short commercial, but why not lend an ear to the music while you watch?