Hello, friends! I’m Finnley the Dolphin, and today we’re diving into the electrifying story of one of advertising’s brightest stars—Reddy Kilowatt! Created in 1926 by Ashton B. Collins Sr., this lightning-bolt stick figure became a symbol of the promise of modern electricity. Through clever marketing, an unforgettable design, and even his own catchy theme song, Reddy brought the invisible world of electricity to life, making it accessible, friendly, and indispensable for millions of families. Let’s dive in and explore his fascinating journey!
Reddy Kilowatt: The Spark of an Idea
The idea for Reddy Kilowatt struck Ashton B. Collins Sr., the commercial manager of Alabama Power Company, during a dramatic lightning storm. Watching bolts of electricity streak across the sky, Collins envisioned a personified representation of electricity—a cheerful servant with a body made of lightning bolts, a light bulb nose, and wall outlets for ears. Designed to dispel the public’s skepticism about the safety and utility of electricity, Reddy Kilowatt became a powerful tool to humanize this new technology.
First appearing in an Alabama Power advertisement in March 1926, Reddy quickly gained traction as a symbol of modernity and convenience. Collins’ vision of electricity as an essential part of everyday life found a perfect mascot in Reddy, who was always portrayed as helpful, approachable, and energetic. By licensing Reddy to electric companies across the country, Collins ensured that his creation became a ubiquitous symbol, appearing on utility bills, advertisements, and even cookbooks.
Walter Tetley: The Voice Behind Reddy
Reddy Kilowatt’s charm wasn’t just in his design but also in his voice. In 1946, Reddy’s story was brought to life in an animated short film titled Reddy Made Magic, produced by Walter Lantz Studios. The film’s narrator and Reddy’s voice was Walter Tetley, a renowned voice actor whose youthful tones made him a natural choice for the role. Tetley is also famous for voicing Sherman in the Mr. Peabody segments of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show and Leroy Forrester on the popular radio program The Great Gildersleeve.
Tetley’s ability to portray an enthusiastic, energetic character added another layer to Reddy’s appeal. His performance in Reddy Made Magic showcased not only Reddy’s educational mission but also his musical talents, as Tetley sang the catchy theme song that became synonymous with the character.
The 1960 Vinyl Record: Reddy Kilowatt’s Theme Song
By the mid-20th century, Reddy Kilowatt was more than just a mascot—he was a cultural icon. In 1960, Reddy’s influence extended to the world of music with the release of a 7-inch vinyl record featuring his theme song. This 45 RPM record, released by Reddy Kilowatt, Inc., included two tracks: one with both voice and music, and another featuring the music alone. The cheerful, upbeat tune written by Del Porter and Darrell Calker highlighted Reddy’s role as a tireless servant of modern families:
“I wash and dry your clothes, play your radios, I can heat your coffee pot, I am always there, with lots of power to spare, ’cause I’m REDDY KILOWATT!”
The record was a unique way to promote Reddy Kilowatt’s brand and served as a reminder of the electrifying possibilities of modern living. It offered families not just a marketing jingle but a piece of memorabilia that underscored Reddy’s place in American homes and hearts.
The Legacy of Reddy Kilowatt
While Reddy Kilowatt’s prominence declined as electricity became a ubiquitous part of modern life, his legacy endures as a testament to the power of branding and storytelling. Ashton B. Collins Sr.’s creation bridged the gap between a cutting-edge technology and a skeptical public, transforming electricity from a luxury to a necessity. And thanks to Walter Tetley’s voice and the 1960 vinyl record, Reddy Kilowatt’s cheerful personality continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts.
That’s it for today’s dive into the fascinating story of Reddy Kilowatt, friends! As Finnley the Dolphin, I can’t help but marvel at how this lightning-bolt mascot electrified imaginations and lit up history. From his early days in newspaper ads to his animated films and spinning vinyl records, Reddy Kilowatt left behind a cultural legacy that continues to spark curiosity and joy. Until next time, keep riding the waves of history with me on Finnley’s Audio Adventures!
Sources:
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Catalog of Copyright Entries. Third Series: 1950. Copyright Office, Library of Congress, 1951.
“The Face of Electricity: Celebrating 98 Years of Reddy Kilowatt.” Xcel Energy Stories, 23 Apr. 2024, https://stories.xcelenergy.com/ArticlePage/?id=The-face-of-electricity–Celebrating-98-years-of-Reddy-Kilowatt.
Kelly, Mark. “Longtime Electric Industry ‘Spokesman’ Reddy Kilowatt Got His Start at Alabama Power.” Alabama NewsCenter, 30 May 2023, https://alabamanewscenter.com/2023/05/30/longtime-electric-industry-spokesman-reddy-kilowatt-got-his-start-at-alabama-power/.
Munsell, Mike. “The Energy Mascot That Electrified America.” Heatmap News, 5 Aug. 2024, https://heatmap.news/culture/reddy-kilowatt.
Reddy Kilowatt Theme Song. Reddy Kilowatt, L8OW-5072, Discogs, https://www.discogs.com/release/18742168-Reddy-Kilowatt-Reddy-Kilowatt-Theme-Song.
