Uchikura & Co., LLC

First Commercial Song: Funiculì, Funiculà

 

We often think modern marketing is something born in the internet age—ads, influencers, viral content. But the idea of using content to promote a business is not new at all. In fact, one of the earliest examples goes back to 1880 with the song Funiculì, Funiculà.

 

This song was written to celebrate—and effectively advertise—the newly opened funicular railway on Mount Vesuvius in Italy. Instead of a brochure or newspaper ad, they used music. And it worked.

 

The song became a massive hit. People sang it everywhere. Sheet music sold in huge numbers. Without calling it “marketing,” they created something far more powerful—a message people actually wanted to consume and share.

 

Think about that.

 

They didn’t interrupt people with advertising. They created something people enjoyed, and the promotion happened naturally.

 

That’s the difference between pushing a product and creating value.

 

Today, we spend millions on ads trying to get attention. But over 140 years ago, someone understood a simple principle:

 

If you create something people love, they will carry your message for you.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/554546/first-commercial-song-funicul-funicul