Life on the Road – Trucking News Blog

While everybody – well almost everybody – is standing around water coolers (pallets of bottled water?) everywhere talking about the untimely death of “thrilla” pop star & odd-ball Michael Jackson or Johnny Carson’s side kick Ed McMann or even poster queen Charlie’s Angel’s blond bombshell Farah Fawcett – the real tragedy is the passing of our beloved television pitchman Billy Mays, a favorite of truck drivers everywhere.

“Hi,Billy Mays here!” Yes friends, Billy Mays, pitchman extraordinaire, died this weekend in Tampa FL of heart failure. He was only 50 years old. Mighty Putty, What Odor, Flies Away, the Awesome Auger, Green Now, Simonize Fix It, the Grater Plater, Tool Band-It, Mighty Mend-It, the Quick Chop, GrabIt, Impact Gel Souls, Shuffles, the Spin Gym, Jupiter Jack, the Heel Stick, iCan Benefit Insurance, the Dual Saw, Orange Glo, Kaboom and of course, Oxy Clean! are some of the products he “hawked” on television.  Mays told Portfolio magazine recently that he felt that “the magic price for his products on infomercials was $19.95.” He said, “The best things in life are free and $19.95."

Wikipedia tells us that Mays was the CEO and founder of Mays Promotions, Inc. His services as a pitchman became highly sought-after, and he appeared in commercials for many diverse "AS SEEN ON TELEVISION" products.  Mays claimed to be an avid user of the products he promoted. In February 2009, Mays publicly challenged Vince Offer to a "pitch-off" between their respective products, the Zorbeez and Shamwow. Popular Mechanics compared the absorbency of two towel products and declared Shamwow the clear winner.”

According to a PR release – “the Discovery Channel has decided to devote its airwaves to the legendary pitchman this Wednesday, July 1. A marathon of Mays show – Pitchman – episodes 1-11 airs from 11AM ET/PT through 10PM ET/PT culminating in the never-before-seen season finale at 10PM ET/PT. To celebrate a man who was larger than life, the network will run tribute promos honoring Billy Mays and never-before-aired moments throughout the day.

A slate will also be added to the end of the season finale in his remembrance. In addition, a special tribute show is being planned. No decision has been made regarding season two of Pitchman. The network is focused on supporting Mays’ family and friends during this time of incredible loss.” As the Discovery Channel website says: “We’ll miss his voice – We’ll miss his style.” And in every truck stop in every town in TV rooms everywhere, drivers are wearing blue (the guy in the photo in red told me he’s gonna change soon) in honor of Mays and with a tear in their eyes saying: “we luv’d ya Billy!

Photo credits: http://www.asseenontv.com/, www.mirror.co.uk/…/ AND the official Billy Mays website – where you can his infomercials, outtakes, etc. is at http://www.asseenontvvideo.com/Billy-Mays.html