Musicians Behind Grand Junction Colorado’s Theme Park Jingle

This Grand Junction, Colorado television commercial featured one of the most memorable jingles ever. It just so happens the jingle was written, arranged, and recorded in Grand Junction.

This little ditty sticks in your head just like the theme to Gilligan's Island or the opening credits to All In The Family. You can't shake it. Check out the local talents behind its creation.

Grand Junction Colorado Landmark

I sure do miss this place. Not that long ago, you could take the family to Guyton's Fun Junction to enjoy all sorts of fascinating rides and games. There was no need to head to Denver, not when you could simply set a course for North Avenue in Grand Junction.

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If you lived in Grand Junction of yesteryear, then you can very well remember a time when 29 Road and North Avenue was to Hell and gone. That was not just the boonies, it was the North 40 just past the boonies.

The Place Where Many Of Us Grew Up

In the good ol' days, specifically the 1970s, 80s, and part of the 90s, the acreage now occupied by a Del Taco and a liquor store was the home of the best amusement park in the world, Guyton's Fun Junction.

If you had the chance to visit Guyton's Fun Junction, you probably noticed music comparable to that in the commercial could be heard playing over the loudspeakers. The park featured music from past years, specifically Joplinesque Ragtime and cool Jazz.

Story Behind the Awesome Jingle

Check out the commercial above, and you'll no doubt agree the spot features a wicked jingle. How did a small, family-owned local business come up with such an awesome commercial? It may have something to do with the proprietor. Maebeth Guyton was a world-class musician in anyone's book.

After graduating from college, Maebeth did graduate work at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. She also performed graduate work at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. From there, she went on to become a vocal music teacher for public school districts. Ultimately, she made her way to Mesa College, staying on board long enough to see it become Mesa State College.

You may be asking, "Did Maebeth write and sing the jingle to the commercial for Guyton's Fun Junction?" The answer is no.

The Rest of the Story...

The jingle was recorded at Thunder Productions at 29th and North Avenue in Grand Junction. The jingle was written by Gary R. Smith, and arranged by late local composer/arranger Dennis Woodrich. The musicians included local talents:

• Martin Ellrick - trombone
• Cherie Slogar - drums
• Dennis Woodrich - bass
• Walt Smith - piano
• Dan Southard - trumpet, and the late
• Paul Schneider - clarinet
• Jerri Nadine - vocals

If you've been around Western Colorado for long, then you know the list of recording credits above reads like a who's who of Colorado musicians.

Please take a look at the video. No doubt you'll agree the jingle is pretty catchy. As a matter of fact, it was simply perfect for the time and location. It's hard to imagine a better commercial for this Western Colorado landmark.