HOUSTON, TX. (Top40 Charts/
Music World Entertainment) - "Essence
Music Festival, Volume 1" will be released on CD June 17, 2008 on Mathew Knowles'
Music World Music. The CD features studio recordings of music performed at the Essence
Music Festival's triumphant 2007 return to New Orleans, LA, last year. This release is the first in a series of CDs and DVDs featuring music and live performances from Essence
Music Festivals from the past, present, future as well as other compilations that will be sold exclusively in store at Wal-Mart nationwide through July 28th; as of July 29th the release will be available at all retailers as well as many digital retailers online.
"We are excited about this new partnership with ESSENCE magazine. They have always signified excellence and have been an incredible voice for women around the world. Music World has had a long-standing relationship with ESSENCE, our artists have supported and participated in the festivals throughout the years, so it is great that we are collaborating on this exclusive music venture. This will allow us to capture and make available to everyone, through retailers and online, some of the greatest music and performances from the Essence Music Festivals over the years. We look forward to continuing a long-term relationship with ESSENCE," says Mathew Knowles, President and CEO, Music World Entertainment.
"ESSENCE is thrilled to partner with Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment and Wal-Mart for the release of 'Essence Music Festival, Volume I,'" says Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. "Music World Entertainment is a dynamic force in the music industry, and the release of these recordings will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to bring New Orleans and the magic of the Essence Music Festival directly to the homes of those who may or may not have had the opportunity to witness it live."
The A-list lineup on "Volume 1" includes Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Ne-Yo, Ciara, Robin Thicke, Lyfe Jennings, Solange, Common, Maze ft. Frankie Beverly, The O'Jays and newcomer, Brian Courtney Wilson!
The Essence Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American musical talent, featuring an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations and empowerment seminars and three nights of performances by some of today's greatest African-American artists.
The Essence Music Festival started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. Now the Festival has been heralded as one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" in 2007 by Advertising Age; highlighted prominently among well-known consumer events such as NASCAR and Spring Break. The Essence Music Festival has featured a host of legendary performers over the years, including Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Chris Brown, Destiny's Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Kanye West, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, The O'Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, to name a few.
