Retrotisement: Craig Powerplay (featuring Emerson, Lake & Palmer)

by Chris Holmes October 3, 2009

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Before today I had never even heard of Craig Powerplay, but would’ve guessed he was a legendary hockey player. In fact, it’s the name for a line of automotive stereo equipment produced by (you guessed it) Craig. Back around 1977/78 Craig ran an ad campaign for its Powerplay products featuring a rather diverse group of musicians – Ray Charles, the Beach Boys, and Billy Preston to name a few. This one calls upon the star power of prog rock giants Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

ELP Craig Powerplay stereo ad

You probably don’t recognize the group without capes or satin kimonos, but that’s them alright.

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9 comments

Paul Duca March 15, 2016 at 5:06 am

Wherever Keith Emerson ended up….I hope he finds good sound.

bakndaday December 26, 2011 at 11:27 am

had the 8 track,and the cassette/fm, the poweramp and 80 oz magnet speakers in a 75 chevy van . Was cool stuff at the time.

Fritz Purifoy July 29, 2011 at 12:26 pm

Craig “Powerplay” in a ’69 Camaro ( Shitty speakers ) Oooooh what a lucky man – he was.

Ashley November 23, 2010 at 9:01 pm

Craig was good enough for me to have 3 by 1975. They were all floor mount so they fit the same bracket. #1 was just an 8 track, #2 was 8 track with FM and #3 was a cassette with FM. I carried all 3 and cleaned them weekly. I’d swap one when I could tell they needed maintenance.

ELP Fan October 28, 2010 at 10:41 pm

The last time I saw this ad was in Playboy. My friend’s dad subscribed to Playboy, and we’d take his old issues to our childhood clubhouse. Viewing privileges were part of the benefits of clubhouse membership. I was a big ELP fan as a kid and immediately recognized the band. I remember seeing the ad during the “Works” era, when the band was sort of in decline.

Craig Ruled January 5, 2010 at 8:57 pm

The Craig PowerPlay series was great for the price. I had a floor mount in my 67 GTO with the 6″ Powerplay in the doors / PP 6×9’s in the rear and a pillow on the console for the ladies. It really rocked out and was built like a tank. Sigh….

Craig Ruled January 6, 2010 at 3:57 am

clever-title October 19, 2009 at 12:46 pm

So, was Craig a decent equipment company that went downhill, or did ELP just jump at a rare endorsement deal, no matter how crappy the company?

clever-title October 19, 2009 at 7:46 pm