Press Contact: Teri L. Sullivan
WKNO Promotions Manager
(901) 729-8735
tlsullivan@wkno.org
May 27, 2011
For Immediate Release
WKNO’s Interview Series “A Conversation With . . .” Features Premiere Salesman of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Angelo Lucchesi
WKNO-TV will premiere A Conversation with Angelo Lucchesi on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. on WKNO/Channel 10. Luchessi, first salesman of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Whiskey, was honored for his 90th birthday with a special edition bottle of Old No. 7 displaying his name and story.
In this conversation, host Bonnie Kourvelas sits down with Mr. Lucchesi, the salesman who helped bring the historic whiskey brand to worldwide fame. His journey as a pioneer salesman made him some famous friendships, including one with Frank Sinatra, who called the whisky his “nectar of the gods”.
Angelo Lucchesi started working for Jack Daniel in 1953 after befriending the son of Daniel’s nephew, distiller Lem Motlow. Lucchesi simply asked for the sales job for which no one had yet applied, saying, “Make me the first man”. He began selling in Kentucky and Chicago, sometimes drinking more whiskey than he sold. The salesman’s perseverance soon began paying off as Lucchesi was making sure Frank Sinatra’s store in Palm Springs was well stocked with the singer’s favorite whiskey. The brand now sells roughly 11 million cases per year.
“I have known Angelo for a number of years,” said Michael J. LaBonia, WKNO President and CEO. “He is a fascinating person and has a wonderful story to tell. I’m proud that his story can be shared on WKNO.”
A Conversation with Angelo Lucchesi premieres Wednesday June 15 at 6:30 p.m. during the ‘KNO Tonite lineup and will repeat at 11:00 p.m. on WKNO2, available over the air on Channel 10.2 and on Comcast Digital Cable Channel 910.
The broadcast of A Conversation with Angelo Lucchesi is made possible by Christian Brothers High School and Great Wines and Spirits.
About WKNO
WKNO is a non-profit, private foundation serving the Mid-South for more than 50 years. An important community resource, WKNO uses the power of non-commercial public broadcasting to provide the Mid-South with quality educational and cultural programs that inform, entertain, and inspire. For more information: wkno.org
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