(Miami, Florida)  September 21, 2001.  And America’s favorite musical “Living Legend” is…….the King of Blues, BB King. Burger King Corporation recently announced the selection by its customers of the 11-time Grammy winning blues great as “Living Legend.”

 The nationwide musical celebratory event which honored the accomplishments of African American musicians, was the largest music program undertaken by Burger King Corporation with participation from more than 2,700 BURGER KING restaurants in forty-nine markets.   The in-store sweepstakes invited Burger King customers to cast their votes and nominate their favorite living legend of music.  The blues giant, whose numerous industry and public achievements include Grammy awards, platinum and gold records, honorariums, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, was unanimously selected by Burger King customers as their favorite musical Living Legend. Mr. King was nominated amongst a prized list that included such music phenoms as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, R. Kelly, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Kirk Franklin, and many more.

Commenting from the BB King Blues Festival tour, the 75 year old musician said, “ This is wonderful.  I’m grateful to the public in nominating me.  A special thank you to Burger King for the donation which will assist in continued advocacy and research in helping to find a cure for the sickle cell disease.”

As part of the program, the “Living Legend” was awarded a $10,000 donation to their favorite charity.  BB King’s selected the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., a 29 year old organization whose mission is to empower individuals and families affected by the sickle cell disease through education and advocacy.  According to the Association President/COO Lynda Anderson, this genetic disease continues to affect more than 70,000 men, women and children in this country with an estimated 2.5 million Americans carrying the trait.

“We are elated with the contribution from Burger King and BB King” says Anderson.   “This donation  comes at an important time when our agenda is to optimize the empowering of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, so they have the confidence to manage their lives with dignity.”

“BB King is a true legend and well deserving of this honor,” says Chris Clouser, executive vice president & chief global marketing officer, Burger King Corporation. “His contribution to our culture is tremendous and Burger King is thrilled to have been part of recognizing this American icon.  We are also very proud that this donation comes at such a significant time for those involved in promoting the finding of a cure for sickle cell disease.”

Burger King Corporation created the American icon, the HOME OF THE WHOPPER®. The company and its franchisees operate more than 11,330 restaurants in all 50 states and 58 countries and international territories around the world, with more than 92% of BURGER KING® restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees.  Since the company's founding in Miami in 1954, the BURGER KING® brand has become recognized for great flame-broiled taste and HAVE IT YOUR WAY® food customization.  In fiscal year 2000, the BURGER KING® system had system-wide sales of $11.4 billion.  Burger King Corporation is a part of Diageo (NYSE: DEO), the international food and drinks company. To learn more about the BURGER KING® system, please visit the company's website at www.burgerking.com.

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