Legendary Leo Burnett Ad Exec Jack Smith Dies at 87

Smith was known for writing catchy jingles and lyrics for iconic campaigns like United's 'Friendly Skies'.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:26pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a vintage microphone, vinyl records, and retro headphones, symbolizing the musical talents and creative contributions of advertising executive Jack Smith.The creative tools that defined Jack Smith's legendary advertising career.Hinsdale Today

John 'Jack' Smith, a longtime executive at the Chicago-based advertising agency Leo Burnett, passed away at the age of 87. Smith was renowned for his creative talents, particularly his ability to craft memorable music and lyrics for major brand campaigns such as United Airlines' 'Friendly Skies' and McDonald's 'It's a Good Time for the Great Taste of McDonald's'.

Why it matters

As a highly influential figure in the advertising industry, Smith's work helped shape the iconic branding and messaging of some of the world's most recognizable companies. His passing marks the end of an era for the creative talent that defined many classic American ad campaigns.

The details

During his 23-year tenure at Leo Burnett, Smith rose through the ranks to become a senior vice president, vice chairman, and director of creative services. He was known for his demanding standards and mentorship of younger creatives. Smith's musical contributions were central to the success of major campaigns for clients like United Airlines and McDonald's, where he wrote catchy jingles and lyrics that resonated with audiences.

  • Smith died on January 27, 2026 in a care facility in Dallas.
  • He joined Leo Burnett as a creative staffer in 1971.
  • Smith was promoted to associate creative director in 1974, vice president in 1976, and senior vice president in 1982.
  • He was named vice chairman and director of creative services at Leo Burnett in 1986.
  • Smith retired from Leo Burnett in early 1995 and later taught at the University of Missouri.

The players

John 'Jack' Smith

A talented advertising executive who spent 23 years at Leo Burnett, where he was known for writing catchy music and lyrics for iconic brand campaigns.

Mary Ann Quick

A former executive vice president at Leo Burnett who praised Smith's ability to communicate a 'human note' about a brand in his creative work.

Cheryl Berman

The former chair and chief creative officer of Leo Burnett USA, who reported to Smith earlier in her career and called him 'Mr. Music'.

Nancy Voorhees

Smith's former wife who worked on the business side at Leo Burnett and recalled his musical talents.

University of Missouri

The university where Smith taught after retiring from Leo Burnett, and where he received the school's highest alumni honor.

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What they’re saying

“His ability to communicate a human note about a brand or a product and convey that in a 30-second commercial — that's very hard to do, and he did it over and over.”

— Mary Ann Quick, Former Executive Vice President, Leo Burnett

“Simply stated, Jack was a creative genius. In short order, he could create a new concept or write an ad that not only communicated what was intended about the product, but also touched the human spirit in a very relevant and empathic way.”

— Nancy Voorhees, Former Wife, Leo Burnett Business Executive

“If anybody said who was the main person who inspired me, it would have to be Jack. And he just opened us up to the world of music. He had all these friends in Nashville that we got to go and meet, and... I don't think we'd have been able to do that (otherwise).”

— Cheryl Berman, Former Chair and Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett USA

What’s next

The University of Missouri plans to hold a memorial service to honor Smith's legacy and contributions to the advertising industry and the school.

The takeaway

Jack Smith's passing marks the end of an era for the creative talent that defined many iconic American advertising campaigns. His ability to craft memorable music and lyrics that resonated with audiences was a key part of his enduring legacy in the industry.