[Naco1776]

Bucky Covington lands fiery sponsor for upcoming tour
By BEVERLY KEEL

New country star Bucky Covington, who enjoys a high national profile thanks to his appearances on American Idol, has landed a coveted tour sponsorship from Zippo, one of the world's leading manufacturers of pocket lighters.

Zippo will help out with tour costs and also wrap Bucky's bus with a large Zippo logo "like a billboard going up and down the road," Bucky says. It is rare for a new act to receive such a major sponsorship.

"First of all, it's very awesome to have a sponsorship this early in my career," says Bucky, who released his debut self-titled album in 2007. Thanks to hits such as "A Different World," he was named Country Aircheck's No. 1 New Artist for 2007.

"Then, it being Zippo is one of the coolest things. They are going to make a Bucky Covington Zippo, or at least that is what I hear."

Before joining Dierks Bentley on tour in February, the affable Bucky will visit Zippo's Pennsylvania headquarters to meet and perform for the company's employees.

"It's great to work with a talented, new young artist like Bucky who is also a big Zippo fan," says Zippo President Greg Booth. "He should prove to be a great evangelist for our brand."

Bucky, who is writing songs for his next album, also is excited about touring with Dierks. He recently told Dierks, "Your new song 'Free and Easy,' dude, I love that song. I saw the video, and I had to go out and buy a Jeep." Spending more time with Dierks could inspire another spending spree. "Now you see the reason why I need Zippo," Bucky jokes.

Bucky Covington lands fiery sponsor for upcoming tour | tennessean.com |