More people are coming through Seattle’s airport than ever before. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) set a record in 2012 for the highest annual number of travelers to pass through since Sea-Tac Airport was built. Seattle welcomes visitors, and now there is a new voice to welcome them: legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones.

 

The Port of Seattle announced the great news last week in a press release, with Quincy Jones giving some warm words about his hometown:

“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.”

Mr. Jones’ participation, including a number of welcoming messages to be played for people in the airport, as well as the addition of his music to the airport playlists, is a part of Sea-Tac Airport’s ‘Experience the City of Music’ Initiative – a cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, The Office of Film + Music, Seattle Music Commission and music-specialist PlayNetwork to showcase the northwest region’s music culture and enhance the experience of millions of passengers who pass through Sea-Tac Airport each year.

 

Mayor McGinn showed his enthusiasm for the project, 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.”