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Whitney Houston Inks $100M Deal
submitted by: Lisa D.
source: PR Newswire, Associated Press
Date: August 2, 2001
Grammy-Award Winning Superstar Whitney Houston Signs Biggest Recording Deal In Arista's History!!!
NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Mega-platinum artist Whitney Houston has signed a new exclusive long-term recording agreement with Arista Records, it was announced today by Antonio "L.A." Reid, President and CEO, Arista Records. The recording agreement, valued in excess of $100 million, provides for a multi-album commitment from Ms. Houston, who has sold more than 140 million combined albums, singles and videos around the world since her career began at Arista in 1983.
"I couldn't be more thrilled that Whitney has decided to continue her career here at Arista Records. No one in the world can sing like Whitney, which is why she is regarded as the cornerstone of not only Arista but the entire music business," said Mr. Reid. "I've had the pleasure of working with Whitney as a producer and songwriter for more than ten years and I regard her as a close, personal friend. I look forward to a warm and productive relationship with Whitney at Arista for many, many years to come."
"I am so excited with this new deal and I'm looking forward to going into the studio soon to start work on my next album," said Ms. Houston. "Arista Records has been my home since the beginning of my career. I am happy to be continuing the relationship and I look forward to working with L.A. Reid and the new Arista family."
With last year's release of the double-CD/cassette Greatest Hits, Whitney Houston extended her track record to become the only artist with eight consecutive multi-platinum albums. A 6-time Grammy winner, she was the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1 (her second album, Whitney, 1987) and the only artist to chart 7 consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits. Her dozens of industry awards, including 21 American Music Awards (the most for any female), 15 Billboard Music Awards, 11 NAACP Image Awards and more, are complemented by her tireless philanthropic activities as head of the Whitney Houston Foundation For Children Inc., the non-profit organization she established in 1989.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://www.arista.com
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - Arista Records is saving all its love - and money - for Whitney Houston.
The Grammy-winning superstar has signed a multi-album record deal with Arista that the label said was in excess of $100 million. The deal would appear to top Mariah Carey's recent signing to Virgin Records, which was said to be worth about $20 million per album.
"I am so excited with this new deal and I'm looking forward to going into the studio soon to start work on my next album,'' Houston said in a statement Thursday. "Arista Records has been my home since the beginning of my career. I am happy to be continuing the relationship and I look forward to working with (Arista president) L.A. Reid and the new Arista family.''
Houston is Arista's best-selling artist, having sold more than 140 million records worldwide and charting numerous No. 1 hits, including "The Greatest Love of All,'' "I Will Always Love You'' and "Saving All My Love For You.''
She was signed to the label by Arista's founder and former leader, Clive Davis, who left Arista last year and started J Records.
Since her debut in 1985, Houston has delivered nothing but platinum records for Arista. She has also branched out into acting, starring in the hit "The Bodyguard'' and other movies such as "Waiting to Exhale.''
But her last album of original material, "My Love Is Your Love,'' was not as successful as her previous discs, although it sold more than 1 million copies.
The singer's reputation was also tarnished last year after erratic behavior sparked rumors that she might be abusing drugs, a charge she denied. However, last September, prosecutors in Hawaii said they found marijuana in her purse.
A petty misdemeanor drug charge was dismissed against Houston earlier this year after a drug counselor filed an assessment with prosecutors stating that Houston did not require treatment for substance abuse.
Besides acting and singing, Houston has expanded into producing movies. Besides the successful Disney special "Cinderella,'' starring pop singer Brandy, Houston is the executive director of the new film "The Princess Diaries.''
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