Sprint’s corporate band wins Fortune Battle
Cleyson Brown Unlimited, a classic rock band sponsored by Sprint Corp., has won the 2014 Fortune Battle of the Corporate Bands, according to a band member.
Pamela Sankey, a singer and percussionist in the band, posted the victory notice on Twitter.
Sprint's #CleysonBrownUnlimited wins first place in CLEVELAND at @fortunebattle of the corporate bands. pic.twitter.com/NHR4StYCqV
— Pamela (@IARSprint) September 7, 2014The band, named in part for the company’s founder, faced seven other corporate-sponsored bands in the final competition Saturday. Each performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, though their rankings also were based on recordings the bands submitted previously.
Sankey, who is senior manager of industry analyst relations for Sprint, showed in another tweet that specific band members gained recognition as well.
Drummer Jason Smith was recognized as the best among the competing bands, Frank Minolfo was rated the best bass player and David Freeland was named the best horn player for his saxophone work.
The judges' final tally. #CleysonBrownUnlimited @sprint #KansasCity @rock_hall pic.twitter.com/mBWV7nrmM1
— Pamela (@IARSprint) September 7, 2014Each of the band members works at Sprint, which supports the band that formed last year to compete in the event.
This is the second win by a Kansas City area company band. In 2007, Soul Focus sponsored by American Century Investments won the corporate band challenge.
To reach Mark Davis, call 816-234-4372 or send email to mdavis@kcstar.com. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter @mdkcstar.
This story was originally published September 7, 2014 at 8:06 PM with the headline "Sprint’s corporate band wins Fortune Battle."