New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Razor & Tie) BeBe Winans, a critically acclaimed, inspirational R&B and gospel vocalist, best known as a member of the celebrated Winans family dynasty, has signed with Razor & Tie. BeBe Winans' new album,
America America, which honors our nation's heritage, will be released by Razor & Tie on June 19th, 2012.
Cliff Chenfeld, co-owner Razor & Tie, comments, "BeBe Winans is one of our country's great singers and he has made a timely, necessary record that will speak to all Americans. It is a brave, powerful statement. We are very proud to be working with BeBe."
Winans is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, including his Grammy for co-producing the song "Jesus Loves Me" on Whitney Houston's smash film soundtrack from 'The Bodyguard.' He has achieved wide notoriety both as a solo artist and as part of the hit-making duo BeBe &
CeCe Winans (the first brother and sister duo to be awarded a prestigious Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame). He is also a noted actor who has appeared on the stage (in the Broadway production of 'Oprah Winfrey Presents The
Color Purple') and screen (2003's 'The Manchurian Candidate'). As a solo artist, BeBe Winans has sold 1 million albums.
"I am very excited about this new partnership with Razor & Tie," Winans said. "They understand who I am as an artist and what I'm trying to achieve with
America America. I appreciate their business model and look forward to working closely with them to bring this new record to the widest audience possible."
America America, Winans' seventh solo release, is comprised of nine classic songs including "America The Beautiful," "Lift Every Voice," "The
Battle Hymn of the Republic" and our national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," all imbued with his soul-stirring touches. Winans also wrote three new songs for the album -- the beautifully hopeful title track and first single, "America America" (which will feature a touching companion video directed by
David Warshauer [Katy Perry,
Black Eyed Peas]), the upbeat "We're The United States of America," and the poignant "Ultimate Sacrifice," dedicated to our troops.
"The inspiration for
America America is the time we are living in," Winans explains. "Sometimes, we forget that we are all Americans. At sporting events, when the national anthem is sung, everyone stands -- black, white, rich, poor -- everyone."
Tour dates with
Dave Koz beginning in June and continuing throughout the summer will be announced shortly. The pair worked together on the title track of Koz's 1999 release, The Dance. Winans is expected to perform songs from
America America as well as highlights from his impressive career.
Winans' poignant memories of his dear friend and frequent musical collaborator Whitney
Houston will be shared in his upcoming book, The Whitney I Knew (Worthy Publishing). The book will be in stores on July 31, 2012. No one can forget the emotional performance and moving eulogy Winans delivered during Houston's nationally televised funeral.
BeBe Winans is the latest addition to independent label Razor & Tie's expanding roster that includes artists from various genres. The New York City-based label is one of the fastest growing independent record companies in the United States, and has garnered both Platinum sales and Grammy awards in its 20-year history.
