Grammy-Award Winning Producer Signs on to Write and Produce The Brand Atlanta Campaign Anthem

Grammy-Award Winning Producer Signs on to Write and Produce The Brand Atlanta Campaign Anthem

Dallas Austin to Lead Campaign Music Collaboration on All Fronts

ATLANTA, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brand Atlanta Campaign announced today that producer/songwriter Dallas Austin has agreed to write, produce and record The Brand Atlanta Campaign anthem. Austin, known for his work with TLC, Boyz II Men, Madonna and Gwen Stefani, has a thriving independent recording company, D.A.R.P Music Inc. in Atlanta. He has agreed to donate his time.

"This is a huge coup for the Campaign, and a critical element towards further guaranteeing its success," said R. Jackson Kelly, vice president of Global Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company and executive director, The Brand Atlanta Campaign. "Austin is one of the most respected and sought-after producers in the entertainment business today. His commitment to bring the essence of Atlanta to life through music will anchor our efforts and ensure everyone hears Atlanta's anthem."

"Dallas Austin is the perfect creative choice to participate in the City's branding initiative. He exemplifies and embraces the diverse and eclectic spirit that makes Atlanta unique and welcoming to so many. This initiative is another great example of the public/private partnerships working together to shape Atlanta's future. We are delighted and deeply grateful for his commitment to this project and to Atlanta," said Mayor Franklin.

Austin is donating his expertise to spearhead several other Campaign projects, including the filming of "The Making of The Brand Atlanta Campaign Anthem" and the coordination of Campaign music events currently scheduled for October and November 2005.

"I'm excited and honored to be asked to collaborate with The Brand Atlanta Campaign to create a musical voice for Atlanta," Austin said. "The diversity of Atlanta's music industry is the pulse of our community. I hope to compose and produce a piece of music that, with the help of Atlanta's talented musicians, will convey the warmth and openness that is Atlanta and make Atlantans proud."

About The Brand Atlanta Campaign

The Brand Atlanta Campaign, launched in February 2005, was inspired by Mayor Shirley Franklin's New Century Economic Development Plan. The Campaign is a public/private initiative focused on creating a new, compelling brand identity and integrated marketing plan for Atlanta. The Campaign works in partnership with the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP). The ACP, chaired by A.D. "Pete" Correll, chief executive officer and chairman of Georgia-Pacific Corp, collaborates with the City of Atlanta on economic development initiatives, advises and guides business recruitment efforts and capitalizes on synergies between city government, business and community leadership. The Brand Atlanta Campaign committee includes volunteers from diverse backgrounds such as civic organizations and local businesses.

For more information, visit The Brand Atlanta Campaign online at http://www.brandatlanta.com/.

About Dallas Austin

Born in Columbus, Ga. and raised in Atlanta, Dallas Austin was surrounded by music at an early age. Dallas began playing keyboards and guitar at the age of 7 and eventually learned to play drums, bass guitar, harmonica and any other instrument needed to further his understanding of music and its production. At the age of 17, Dallas earned his first gold single with Troop's "I Will Always Love You" and has gone on to produce and write for award- winning acts such as Gwen Stefani, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, to name a few. A quintessential producer, Dallas Austin also produced the movie "Drumline" which generated over $56 million in ticket sales. He is currently working on his new movie "JellyBeans" in Southwest Atlanta.

Source: The Brand Atlanta Campaign

CONTACT: Isadora Belle of Lattimer Moffitt Communications, +1-404-526-9321, or Isadora@lattimermoffitt.com; or Bari Love at Ogilvy Public Relations, +1-404-694-6666, or bari.love@ogilvypr.com, both for The Brand Atlanta Campaign

Web site: http://www.brandatlanta.com/

------- Profile: Ent