By Robert Tate Award Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Published 11.19.2025
Images Courtesy of GM Heritage Archives & Special Collections
See the USA in your Chevrolet Ad
Dinah Shore with Harlow H. Curtice and others.
One of the most iconic singers during the 1950’s and 1960’s was the late Dinah Shore (February 29, 1916-February 24, 1994). During this era, Chevrolet partnered with Shore to promote its vehicles, introducing the memorable jingle “See the USA in Your Chevrolet.” Written by Leo Corday and Leon Carr for Campbell Ewald, the song became a cultural phenomenon and drove significant showroom traffic.
Dinah Shore Chevrolet Ad Book
Dinah Shore with 1950s Chevrolet
Ms. Shore was also the host of her own television show called the Dinah Shore Chevy Show and the song also became a signature tune, cementing her association with the brand.
The song was customized by many Chevrolet dealerships across America; they incorporated the dealer’s name and local details, reinforcing brand loyalty nationwide.
Post World War II, Chevrolet achieved major milestones. In 1950, Chevrolet brought out the first automatic transmission in its field, along with the famous new Powerglide. The Bel Air Chevrolet hardtop, which Dinah Shore sang about, became very popular with automotive customers throughout the 1950’s. Years of great leadership in the production of quality products had earned the Chevrolet models a high degree of owner loyalty.
Dinah Shore making Chevy Ad
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced three great looking models for 1955-1957 called the “The Hot Ones” and once again Dinah Shore was promoting them, this time singing with Pat Boone.
Pat Boone later the Pat Boone Chevy Showroom TV show (1958-1961), continuing the successful partnership.
During the late 1960’s, Shore’s influence extended to print advertising, appearing in magazines such as Vogue. What made Dinah Shore’s Chevrolet ads iconic was her warm and relatable on-screen presence. She brought a natural, relaxed and personable style to television and advertising.
My late mother was a huge fan of Dinah Shore’s TV commercials and shows. Her contributions helped shape television advertising and left a lasting impact on automotive history
Bibliography
Fisher Lindaey. “The Greats of Chevrolet Before They Were Famous: Dinah Shore”. Power Automotive Media. March 29, 2016.
Dammann H. George. “Sixty Years of Chevrolet” Crestline Publishing 1972.
The Chevrolet Story. Published by Chevrolet News Media 1962.