“Seattle’s rich musical history — from Clark Terry and Ernestine Anderson, to Bumps Blackwell, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Heart and Nirvana, to name a few — is rooted in the city’s cultural diversity.  It is where my wonderful musical journey began and I can’t imagine a better place to have honed my craft,” said Quincy.  “In doing these voice over announcements, I hope that everyone traveling through the airport will be encouraged to experience the great music, musicians and cultural vibrancy that the city of Seattle embodies.”

Quincy Jones attended Garfield High School in Seattle, where he met a young Ray Charles and built a six decade career in the music industry. Among his many achievements are 27 Grammy Awards and his upcoming induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year.

“While Seattle doesn’t always get the exposure that other cities do, we have a rich music history,” Port Commissioner John Creighton said. “The Port’s music program has been a tremendously successful way for the region both to celebrate our heritage and introduce the traveling public to the wealth of emerging music talent in the Northwest.  It just keeps getting better.”

The Sea-Tac Airport City of Music program – a cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, Seattle Music Commission and PlayNetwork – is a comprehensive program that enhances the experience of millions of traveler’s each year combining overhead music by a diverse variety of northwest artists, curated videos on terminal and baggage claim monitors, and a multi-channel web radio player available through the free airport Wi-Fi network.

In just the first year of the program, 32 local artists have volunteered their time to taping overhead welcome, security and informational announcements for the airport including such diverse artists as Macklemore, Clarence Acox, Ann Wilson, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Jerry Cantrell, Fly Moon Royalty, Ludovic Morlot, Allen Stone and many more.

In addition to his voice announcements, you can also hear music from Quincy Jones in the airport playlist which has grown to400 songs with 150 northwest artists.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn matched the enthusiasm for the Port’s music program saying, “So often people talk to me about music when talking about Seattle.   It’s great to see that our homegrown musicians are getting a chance to talk about us too. Very cool.”

For sample audio clips of Quincy Jones’ airport announcement and more information on the program, visit the Sea-Tac Airport Music Initiative page. You can also visit the page for more information on how to submit your music or video content.

When you are at the airport, give us feedback or let us know what you are hearing by following @SeaTacAirport on Twitter and using #SEACityofMusic.

Starting at the Sea-Tac Airport, this effort is a private/public partnership and comprehensive program that enhances the experience of millions of traveler’s each year with overhead music by a diverse variety of northwest artists along with curated videos on terminal and baggage claim monitors, and listen to a multi-channel web radio player available through the free airport Wi-Fi network.

Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA, KSEA) is ranked as the 17^th largest U.S. airport, serving more than 32 million passengers in 2011. With a regional economic impact of more than $13.2 billion in business revenue, Sea-Tac generates more than 161,000 jobs (89,902 direct jobs) representing more than $2.2 billion in direct earnings and $412.4 million in state and local taxes. Twenty-six airlines serve 75 non-stop domestic destinations and 19 international cities.

Contact: Perry Cooper, Media and Public Affairs Manager, Sea-Tac Airport, 206-787-4923, cooper.p@portseattle.org

PlayNetwork produces unrivaled media experiences for brands worldwide. PlayNetwork programs include music, messaging, video, web radio, artist promotions and events, A/V systems, advertising networks, and commercial XM Satellite Radio. PlayNetwork aims to deliver experiences with the truest level of customization and integration across every touch point ─ in-store, online and on-device.  Founded in 1996, PlayNetwork is currently playing for over 75,000 media subscribers in 70 countries, reaching over 23 million people every day. For more information, visit www.playnetwork.com orwww.xm4biz.com.

Contact: Bender/Helper Impact on behalf of PlayNetwork, Melisa Rodriguez / Jessica Bass,Melisa_rodriguez@bhimpact.com / Jessica_bass@bhimpact.com, (310) 694-3129

The 21 member Seattle Music Commission represents a cross section of Seattle’s music sector, including a broad range of individuals from the local music community. This Commission is tasked with advising City officials regarding leadership and support in the music arena, and also serving as a forum for City employees and departments to share information on upcoming issues and opportunities of relevance to Seattle’s music sector. This Commission strives to enhance the growth and development of Seattle’s music sector and convey the City’s commitment to the industry, musicians and audience.  For more information, visit www.cityofmusic.com.

Contact: James Keblas, Director, Seattle Office of Film + Music, james.keblas@seattle.gov, (206) 684-5030