Being in Chrysler's Eminem Super Bowl ad changed gospel choir's lives [w/videos]

George Kennedy — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

In 2011, Chrysler unveiled its now-famous "Imported from Detroit" ad during the Super Bowl. The ad that sparked a Motown rallying cry of sorts featured Eminem, the Chrysler 200, and a key musical element; the Selected of God gospel choir. The choir performed Eminem's "Lose Yourself," and in doing so, unwittingly catapulted their careers.

The Detroit Free Press has highlighted how the group became involved with Chrysler, and the subsequent fame that came with the ad. Apparently ad agency Wieden + Kennedy was looking to cast genuine Detroiters rather than actors for the ad campaign, and sought out a bellman, waitresses, and a gospel choir. Larry Callahan, director of the Selected of God choir, answered a casting call to audition for the ad. Only days before the ad ran did they know their full role in the TV spot.

Apparently, while the choir was rehearsing at Detroit's legendary Fox Theater, Eminem walked in. The director though the rapper's presence would distract the group, but they continued to perform. In reaction to this, the ad's creators changed the concept to its final incarnation.

Following the ad, which gained national attention, the choir's fame rose, too. According to Callahan, the number of shows that Selected of God performs per year has gone from a half-dozen to almost 60. The group is debuting its third album, entitled The Evolution II, today, featuring promotion from Walmart and Chrysler, which continues to partner with, and support the choir.

Selected of God has performed at the New York Auto Show, as well as at Chrysler-sponsored events. The choir will be performing at the Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit, with the sponsorship of Chrysler. In addition, the Auburn Hills automaker will once again feature the Selected of God choir in a new ad, titled "Big Finish," which is set to air at the end of the year.

Continue reading Being in Chrysler's Eminem Super Bowl ad changed gospel choir's lives [w/videos]

Being in Chrysler's Eminem Super Bowl ad changed gospel choir's lives [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler, Eminem team up for 'Imported from Detroit' charity effort

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

Everyone remembers Chrysler's 'Imported from Detroit' Super Bowl ad that starred rap artist Eminem and featured the new 200 sedan. To build on the success of this ad, the automaker is now launching the Imported from Detroit Project, in conjunction with Eminem, that will highlight events and activities that promote the city of Detroit.

To kick off the IFD Project, Chrysler and Eight Mile Style, LLC - a publisher of Eminem-composed works - have teamed up to create a special, gospel version of the rapper's song "Lose Yourself." Performed by the Selected of God choir (originally featured in the Super Bowl ad), a downloadable version of the song is available through iTunes for $0.99, with proceeds going to benefit three Detroit-based charities: Abayomi Community Development Corporation, The Yunion and Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Foundation.

Along with the iTunes track, Chrysler has released a music video of the Selected of God choir performing the song. Both a trailer and the full-length video are available after the jump, as is the official press release, where you can read more about the specific charities that will benefit from the song's proceeds.

Continue reading Chrysler, Eminem team up for 'Imported from Detroit' charity effort

Chrysler, Eminem team up for 'Imported from Detroit' charity effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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