Jonathan Forstall Casual Halfbody From Nola Podcast

Chats with Chip: The Story Behind the Jingle and How It Became Unforgettable

Season 1, Episode 8

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Show Notes:

[00:42] — Why He Started Advertising

A client remembered him only as the “short bald guy” — great service wasn’t enough if people couldn’t remember your name.

[03:38] — The Jingle Is Born

Inspired by Channel 4’s “Spirit of Louisiana” spot, and first sung by blues artist Marva Wright, it grew from a simple commercial into a signature brand.

[06:23] — From Commercial to Supporting New Orleans Talent

What started as 10-15% music evolved into a whole platform promoting local jazz, blues, reggae, hip-hop and gospel artists — each putting their own spin on the same lyrics.

[17:23] — Half a Million in Free Exposure for Artists

Featured artists get an estimated half-million to a million dollars in free TV exposure a year — 80% of the spot is on them.

[23:21] — Winning Recognition

A Gambit award for supporting local artists solidified the brand: building a memorable business while genuinely helping musicians.

[24:21] — Future Dreams: Talent Contest and City Park Concert

Next up — a jingle talent contest and a free Chip Forstall concert in City Park with every artist who’s performed the jingle.

Ever wonder how the “Call Chip Forstall” jingle became so recognizable?

In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, Chip Forstall, to break down the origin story behind one of the most memorable legal jingles in New Orleans.

From early days of unsophisticated TV advertising in the 1990s to creating something completely different, Chip shares how a simple idea of mixing music with legal marketing, turned into a lasting brand.

It all started with a realization: people remembered the service, but not the name. That moment led to a bold decision to step into television advertising and eventually create something unique that would stand out in a crowded market.

Inspired by New Orleans culture and local music, the jingle continued to evolve over the years through collaborations with local artists and creative partners, including its writing and production team, with each iteration building on its legacy, turning a commercial into something people actually wanted to watch (and couldn’t get out of their heads).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How the Chip Forstall jingle was created
  • The evolution of legal advertising from the 1990s to today
  • Why standing out matters in business and branding
  • The importance of being memorable, not just good
  • How New Orleans music and culture influenced the brand
  • Why innovation and change are key to long-term success

This is more than a marketing story, it’s about taking risks, thinking differently, and building something people remember.

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