Press release:

Your next trip to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport just got upgraded with the sweet, warm voice of legendary Seattle musician Quincy Jones.

In Quincy’s unique soulful style, he will be welcoming travelers to the airport, telling them about the local music playing overhead, giving security advice and even talking about the Airport’s progressive environmental stewardship programs.

Jones is the latest addition to the highly successful Sea-Tac Airport City of Music that showcases the northwest region’s music culture. 
 
"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 to 400 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.