Lincoln Teams With Harry Connick Jr.

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 16 2007 - Celebrated musician Harry Connick, Jr. and triathlete Sarah Reinertsen are appearing in the most recent installments of the Lincoln ‘Dreams’ advertising campaign. The two new spots, titled “Hometown” featuring Connick and the Lincoln MKX, and “Runner,” featuring Reinersten and the Lincoln MKZ, were designed to showcase individuals that share Lincoln brand values including optimism, drive and the American spirit.

“Lincoln is honored to be working with both Harry Connick, Jr. and Sarah Reinertsen,” said Mike Richards, general marketing manager, Lincoln Mercury. “They embody Lincoln’s brand qualities, such as Harry’s authentic effort to give back to his hometown, and Sarah’s continued perseverance to reach higher. Their stories help to reinforce Lincoln’s brand appeal, while our products are the perfect reward to celebrate their achievements.”

The “Hometown” ad was shot during Connick’s return to his hometown of New Orleans to break ground on a new music center and help build Musicians’ Village, a Habitat for Humanity project conceived by Connick and fellow musician Branford Marsalis after Hurricane Katrina consisting of 70 single-family homes for displaced musicians and others affected by the storm. The ad features Connick driving through town in a 2008 Lincoln MKX reminiscing about growing up and becoming a musician, and the importance of remembering your roots and giving back. The ad ends with a celebration at Musicians’ Village and Connick saying, “My dream is to get the good times rolling again in my hometown.”

“The team at Lincoln is very committed to highlighting Musicians’ Village – a project that’s hugely important to me,” said Connick, Jr. in regards to his experience shooting the commercial. “I like what the Lincoln ‘Dreams’ campaign stands for and I felt that we share the same values.”

The spot titled “Runner” features Sarah Rienertsen, the first female amputee to compete and conquer the Ford Ironman Triathlon Kona, a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. The ad begins with Reinertsen driving through the streets of New York in a Lincoln MKZ thinking about her aspirations. The ad concludes with Reinertsen stepping out of the vehicle, revealing her prosthetic left leg to the viewer, and joining several other runners for a marathon through the city. The commercial ends with Sarah saying, “My dream is to do extraordinary things everyday.”

To view the new ads on You Tube, got to Harry Connick Jr. - New Orleans or go to Sarah Reinertsen - Runner.