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[Arista Records Press Release] NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE) -Nov. 15, 1996-There are few artists that turn an album release into a worldwide event. In less than a decade, Whitney Houston has become an international recording and motion picture superstar. She has built skyscraper results from a hand full of albums, amassing global record sales of over 100 million. The Bodyguard soundtrack album became historic, accumulating sales of over 33 million copies worldwide, which is unprecedented by any other motion picture album. Last year, the Waiting To Exhale Soundtrack (Executive produced by Babyface and Whitney Houston) and the film created a national phenomenon that swept across the country and became a break through project. This No. 1 album (certified eight times platinum) has spawned five hit singles (including three by Whitney Houston) and is the best selling soundtrack of the year. Whitney Houston's latest project, the soundtrack album for The Preacher's Wife is slated for a November 26 release on Arista Records. The Preacher's Wife album is an inspiring blend of Pop and Gospel music that only Whitney Houston can deliver with amazing grace and perfection. Whitney Houston's gospel roots of singing in the New Hope Baptist Junior Choir while growing up in Newark, N.J. explodes from her soul in this collection of standards and soon to be classics. A powerhouse of producers and songwriters have contributed to the album. An R&B classic and the first single off the album, "I Believe in You and Me" appears on the soundtrack in two distinct versions: The first taken from the memorable film scene where Whitney (who plays the "Preacher's wife") delivers this unforgettable song with divine emotion produced by Mervyn Warren. The other version has producer David Foster's magical touch, which is sure to quickly become a multi-format hit. "Step By Step," (written by Annie Lennox) features uplifting lyrics propelled by Whitney's legendary vocals. Grammy Award winner producer Babyface wrote and produced "My Heart Is Calling" and produced the moving ballad "You Were Loved" (written by Diane Warren). The gospel driven tracks on the album were co-produced by Whitney Houston and Grammy/Dove award winner producer and former Take 6 member, Mervyn Warren (Sister Act I and Sister Act II). Multi-Platinum selling Contemporary Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin wrote the inspirational "Joy." Mervyn Warren penned a new Christmas classic, "Who Would Imagine A King." The gospel classics on the album include, "Joy To The World", "I Go to The Rock" and "Hold On Help Is On The Way" and "I love The Lord," all of which feature Whitney Houston's passion on lead vocals and backed by the Georgia Mass Choir. Two very special tracks feature gospel great Shirley Caesar with "He's All Over Me" and R&B/Gospel star, Cissy Houston with the renowned Hezekiah Walker Choir on "The Lord Is My Shepherd." Mrs. Houston turned the famous Psalm 23 from the Bible into a spiritually touching song by adding music to the standard prayer. "Somebody Bigger Than You and I" (produced by Houston and Ricky Minor) inspired Whitney to assemble a star line-up of some of today's premiere talents including, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, Faith Evans and Monica. This collaboration is an appeal to peace and hope from an enlighten prospective. The Touchstone Picture, The Preacher's Wife, will open
December 13 and stars Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance. The film
is directed by Penny Marshall. NEWSFILE: 15 NOVEMBER 1996 |