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Aeroplane Jelly Song (1938)

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‘I like Aeroplane Jelly’

Clip description

A popular radio jingle advertising an Australian brand of jelly crystals. The song was recorded in 1938 and broadcast on Sydney radio in the 1940s – up to 100 times a day.

Curator’s notes

by Maryanne Doyle

John Dunne, a 2SM presenter and studio manager, is believed to have conducted the 2SM orchestra for the recording of the jingle. Dunne brought in ideas from America for the station and was keen to link advertisers with talent quests. The violin solo towards the end of the tune is performed by prize-winner Betty Elsa Gillas (later Rofe) who had won first prize on Uncle Tom’s Amateur Hour, a talent quest children’s program presented on 2SM by John Dunne. Seven-year-old Joy King won a state-wide competition in New South Wales to sing the 'Aeroplane Jelly Song’.

The tune is undeniably catchy, though its recognition factor was probably helped by the longevity of the advertising campaign and the frequency of the broadcast. A big part of the recording’s appeal is down to Joy’s charming and plaintive delivery of the simple lyrics. And in case you were wondering what aeroplanes have to do with jelly, the lyrics provide the answer: 'The quality’s high as the name will imply’. So now you know!

I’ve got a song that won’t take very long,
And a good sort of note if I strike it.
It is something we eat, and I think it’s quite sweet,
And I know you are going to like it.

I like Aeroplane Jelly … Aeroplane Jelly for me,
I like it for dinner, I like it for tea,
A little each day is a good recipe.

The quality’s high as the name will imply,
And it’s made from pure fruit, one more good reason why
I like Aeroplane Jelly … Aeroplane Jelly for me.

I like Aeroplane Jelly … Aeroplane Jelly for me.

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theaerop1_bb.mp3

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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. All rights are reserved.

When you access australianscreen you agree that:

  • You may retrieve materials for information only.
  • You may save, copy, print, distribute or download materials for your own personal use or for non-commercial educational purposes. Commercial exploitation of materials on this website is prohibited.
  • The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

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