Plano, TX. (Top40 Charts/ UMG Records) - J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) today announced its official sponsorship of the 'Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour' presented by JCPenney. The tour will promote American Living, the retailer's affordable, all-American lifestyle brand developed exclusively for the JCPenney customer by Polo Ralph Lauren's Global
Brand Concepts. The fully integrated two-year sponsorship will kick off June 5, with the tour hitting approximately 60 cities across the nation each year.
In conjunction with the tour, Rascal Flatts has written a new song inspired by the spirit of the brand titled 'American Living,' which will serve as the soundtrack for the new American Living commercial. The song will only be available on a special version of the Unstoppable CD sold at JCPenney stores.
'Representing true Americana , Rascal Flatts' music transcends genres and resonates strongly with our customers - the more than half of America that shops at JCPenney each year,' said Mike Boylson, chief mar keting officer for JCPenney. 'With Rascal Flatts' significant crossover appeal and passion for the brand, our fully integrated sponsorship of 'Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour' is a perfect canvas to highlight American Living and its true American values.'
Rascal Flatts' support of American Living began when the band played at the launch party for the brand in February 2008.
'No brand better represents Rascal Flatts than American Living,' said Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. 'We've felt a strong connection to American Living since it first launched last year. High-quality and affordable, American Living represents a classic, American lifestyle - it's a brand we wear and are proud to share with our fans.'
'American Living' Tribute Song:
The new Rascal Flatts song 'American Living' will be available exclusively on a special version of their new Unstoppable album, to be sold at JCPenney beginning on April 7. All net proceeds from the sale of albums will be donated to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, which provides children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire kids to be s mar t, strong and socially responsible.
As part of the fully integrated sponsorship, the original song will also serve as the soundtrack for a new JCPenney commercial featuring the band and the American Living brand. The commercial is set to air May 17 - June 6 on prime time and cable television programming.
A complete list of tour dates and concert venues for the 'Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour' presented by JCPenney will be announced later this spring. JCPenney's partnership with Rascal Flatts will also include the sponsorship of the band's 2010-2011 tour, which will also highlight the American Living brand.
Rascal Flatts, the People 's Choice Award winner for Favorite Group of 2008, revealed the cover for their next album Unstoppable, due out April 7, before last night's sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York City .
The guys- Gary, Jay and Joe Don- selected four finalists from thousands of entries submitted through the People 's Choice website, pcaVOTE.com, and engaged their fans to choose the winning design. Chris Kubik from Arlington Heights , IL has been named the winner.
