In 1971, Coca Cola released their iconic “Hilltop” TV commercial. The underlying jingle “I’d Like To Teach the World To Sing” proved so popular that radio station listeners started requesting it. Two separate versions of the song reached the Billboard Top 20 in 1972. (Hillside Singers, #13; The New Seekers, #7)

“I’d Like to Teach The World to Sing”
(Spot name: “Hilltop”, McCann-Erickson, 1971)
Music by Bill Backer, Billy Davis, Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook
Performed by The New Seekers

“I’d Like to Teach The World To Sing” was written by four interesting characters, Bill Backer, Billy Davis, Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook.

Bill Backer (1926- ) was an executive at the McCann-Erickson advertising agency, the Charleston, S.C., native created some of the most successful ad campaigns in history. Backer contributed his songwriting skills to the jingles on more than one of the spots he created.

“Here’s to Good Friends”
Words and Music by Bill Backer
Performed by Arthur Prysock

Roquel Billy Davis (July 11, 1932 – September 2, 2004) of Detroit was an American songwriter, record producer, and singer.

“Reet Petite”
Words and Music by Billy Davis & Berry Gordy, Jr.
Performed by Jackie Wilson

“Lonely Teardrops”
Words and Music by Billy Davis, Gwen Fuqua & Berry Gordy, Jr.
Performed by Jackie Wilson

Roger Frederick Cook (born 19 August 1940, in Fishponds, Bristol, England) is a well-known songwriter who has written many hits for other recording artists. He has also had a successful recording career in his own right. Most of the hits he has written have been in collaboration with Roger Greenaway, whom he originally met while they were members of a close harmony group, The Kestrels.

Roger Greenaway (born Roger John Greenaway, 23 August 1938, [1] Fishponds, Bristol), is a popular English songwriter, best remembered for his collaborations with Roger Cook.

“Talking In Your Sleep”
Words & Music by Roger Cook & Bobby Wood
Performed by Crystal Gayle

“Long, Cool Woman in a Black Dress”
Words & Music by Roger Cook & Roger Greenaway
Performed by The Hollies

“You’ve Got Your Troubles”
Words & Music by Roger Cook & Roger Greenaway
Performed by The Fortunes