The Hillside Singers with “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”

The Hillside Singers may not be a household name, but their most famous song became one of the most memorable melodies of the 1970s. Originally formed to sing a Coca-Cola commercial jingle, the group unexpectedly found itself in the national spotlight. Their recording of “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” became both a chart hit and a cultural symbol of peace and unity.

Though their time on the charts was brief, the impact of that one song continues to resonate decades later.

Group Name	The Hillside Singers
Origin	United States
Genres	Folk, Pop
Years Active	1971–1972; reunion as Treehouse 10 in 2009
Key Members	Mary Mayo, Lorri Ham, Joelle McDermott, Billy Marino, Frank Marino, Laura Marino, Rick Shaw, Ron Shaw, Susan Wiedenmann
Label	Metromedia Records
Biggest Hit	“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” (#13 Billboard Hot 100, 1972)
Producer	Al Ham
Reunion Name	Treehouse 10 (2009)

How the Hillside Singers Were Formed

 

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The story of The Hillside Singers began with a commercial. In 1971, the advertising agency McCann Erickson developed a jingle for Coca-Cola titled “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke.” The concept was to promote harmony and unity through a song that sounded more like a folk anthem than a product pitch.

Originally, McCann Erickson wanted British pop-folk group The New Seekers to perform the jingle. However, the group was unable to take part due to scheduling conflicts. Needing a solution fast, the agency turned to producer Al Ham, who quickly assembled a group of studio musicians and vocalists for the recording. This ensemble would become known as The Hillside Singers.

Among the members were Ham’s wife Mary Mayo and daughter Lorri Ham, along with vocalists Joelle McDermott, Billy Marino, Frank Marino, Laura Marino, Rick Shaw, Ron Shaw, and Susan Wiedenmann. Together, they recorded the Coca-Cola jingle, which was then featured in one of the most famous TV ads of all time—people from around the world singing on a hillside in Italy.

From Jingle to Hit Single

The ad was an immediate success. Its catchy tune and message of global unity struck a chord with viewers. Public demand for the song surged, prompting Al Ham to revise the jingle into a full-length track.

The revised version was titled “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony).” It removed all Coca-Cola references and was released as a single by The Hillside Singers through Metromedia Records.

The song climbed the charts in early 1972, reaching:

• #13 on the Billboard Hot 100

• #5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart

• Gold disc status with over one million copies sold

This success made the Hillside Singers unexpected stars—and placed their tune permanently in the pop culture memory of the era.

The New Seekers Respond

Ironically, after turning down the original jingle, The New Seekers recorded their own version of “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.” Their rendition, released shortly after The Hillside Singers’ version, became even more popular in some countries—hitting #1 in the UK and becoming a signature track for the group.

Both versions helped turn the Coca-Cola ad into a lasting musical legacy. But The Hillside Singers were the first to take it from TV commercial to radio airplay.

Beyond the Hit: Other Releases

Following their success with “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” The Hillside Singers released a full album and a Christmas-themed record. However, none of their follow-ups achieved the same level of popularity.

Their next single, “We’re Together,” charted at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1972—just barely making it onto the list. In October that year, they released “Ah Man See What You’ve Done,” but it failed to chart.

Another interesting moment in their history was their performance of a vocal version of “Move Closer to Your World,” a popular TV news theme. This version was notably used for years by WPVI-TV in Philadelphia.

Later Years and Reunion as Treehouse 10

After their brief time in the spotlight, the group faded from the mainstream. Producer Al Ham went on to create Music of Your Life, a syndicated radio format that featured adult standards and easy listening favorites. It became popular on AM radio stations across the U.S. He passed away in 2001.

In 2009, decades after their initial run, members of The Hillside Singers reunited under a new name: Treehouse 10. They released an album titled Bugs in a Puddle, filled with original children’s songs. It was a whimsical and creative return for a group once known for a song that inspired millions.

Why the Song Endures

“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” remains one of the most recognizable tunes associated with both commercial advertising and 1970s folk-pop. Its simple message of peace, unity, and hope is universal. The Hillside Singers captured a cultural moment when music, media, and advertising came together to create something bigger than any of them alone.

The song has been covered and parodied many times, including by artists like Noel Gallagher of Oasis, who admitted the Coca-Cola commercial influenced the melody of “Shakermaker.”

Selected Discography