Crown Royal Announces Partnership with Country Music Artist Brandon Pruitt

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The makers of Crown Royal are proud to announce a partnership with country music artist Brandon Pruitt. Hot on the heels of Pruitt's private performance and Crown Royal whisky tasting in Nashville, the new face of progressive country music will continue to make appearances at venues across the southeast as a part of the partnership.

A self-taught poet and guitarist, the Oklahoma native has captured a very loyal following across the United States with his highly energetic shows and unmatched vocal presence, a raspy hymn-like voice which some describe as "smothered by whisky". His 2006 debut album "Red Dirt, Blue Country" received high praise among the country community with single hits such as "Country Boys" and "Oklahoma Way".

"Having the chance to represent one of the biggest names in whisky is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Pruitt said. "I'm looking forward to representing Crown Royal and its commitment to ensuring country music fans understand the importance of drinking responsibly and assigning a designated driver."

Pruitt's ability to fuse honky-tonk country, blues and rock draws a large crowd, especially for his appearances twice a year in Bristol, Tennessee surrounding NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events. His next Bristol performances, partnered with Crown Royal, are scheduled for Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. Most recently, Pruitt released his self-titled EP which contains six new tunes. Pruitt will be featured on regional Crown Royal point of sale materials, as well as support Crown Royal responsible drinking initiatives through various appearances throughout the southeast.

"We are proud to partner with one of country music's hottest up-and-coming artists," said Yvonne Briese, Marketing Director, Crown Royal. "His accomplishments as a singer and songwriter make him the perfect fit for Crown Royal and we are delighted to bring adult country music fans in the southeast his unique sound."

Pruitt is part of an overarching effort by Crown Royal to develop and implement programs designed to create awareness of responsible drinking among adult country music fans. Crown Royal most recently announced that it would also work with country music star Rodney Atkins to unveil the winner of its annual "Your Name Here" program, which awards naming rights to an adult military member, through a song prior to the upcoming NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal® blended Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. The Crown Royal Company is a primary sponsor of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Ford Fusion driven by Matt Kenseth. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

SOURCE Crown Royal