BEVERLY HILLS, CA. (Peak/Concord Records) - Fans of Latoya London, who won the hearts of audiences across the United States with her stunning and powerful performances on the 2004 season of American Idol, need wait no longer for her debut CD. The 25-year old singer today signed her first record deal with independent label Peak Records (www.peakrecords.com).
Latoya was widely considered an odds-on favorite to win this year's American Idol competition on FOX-TV. Her elimination in one of the final rounds of the series stunned fans nationwide, while the studio erupted into boos and jeers. As testament to her popularity, the singer has been much in demand since she departed the show, touring with the other contestants over the summer and making numerous public appearances.
Peak Records President Andi Howard has grand plans for her newest artist. "Latoya will follow in the footsteps of Whitney Houston and the other great female R&B singers that shaped the genre. She's smart, beautiful, witty and incredibly talented. When I saw her perform on American Idol, I was simply blown away. I am absolutely delighted that she has now joined our family."
The Beverly Hills-based label is partnered with Concord Records (www.concordrecords.com), which recently scored a multi-platinum hit with Genius Loves Company, the final recording from music legend Ray Charles. The company's roster has included some of the biggest artists in R&B and contemporary jazz, such as Regina Belle, Glenn Jones, Phil Perry, David Benoit, The Rippingtons and Paul Taylor.
Latoya is currently working with the Peak team on material for her debut release, which will primarily feature R&B originals, although the diminutive singer promises to also bring fans a number of genre favorites. The CD is expected in summer of 2005 with recording to begin in January.
Latoya London, a native of Oakland, CA, has a busy holiday season ahead with appearances as the Grand Marshal of the Amazing Kids Parade in Orlando, FL (11/26), the Oakland Holiday Parade (12/4) and the San Jose Holiday Parade (12/5). Also on December 5th, Latoya performs for the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation in San Francisco, and on December 11, she appears at the 16th Annual "100 Black Men of the Bay Area" gala which raises funds for youth mentoring and education.