NEW YORK (Sanctuary Urban Records Group) -
Music Industry legends
Earth, Wind & Fire and Mathew Knowles have announced the signing of an exclusive album deal with Knowles' Sanctuary Urban Records Group (SURG).
Earth, Wind & Fire's accomplishments are unprecedented over their 33 year history. Their musical influence has changed the course of music and has become the soundtrack of the last three decades. Winning both critical and commercial acclaim, the group has sold over 30 million albums in the U.S. alone, including eight double platinum albums, two platinum albums and three gold albums.
Earth, Wind & Fire have had a string of No1 albums and singles in multiple genre formats including a No 1 Pop and eight Top 10 Pop Albums, five No1 R&B albums and eight No1 R&B singles. With a trophy case to match these chart and sales figures, Earth, Wind & Fire's honors and awards are impressive. They include six Grammy Awards; four American Music Awards; honors from the NAACP and BET; 2000 induction into the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and more.
Their new album is slated for release October 5, 2004. The album features production by Grammy-Award winning production team Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and recent Grammy-Award winner Raphael Saadiq. Saadiq also lends his smooth vocals to the album, in addition to guest appearances from critically acclaimed artists Floetry and Musiq.
"Earth, Wind & Fire has provided the soundtrack to the lives of many generations, and their musical brilliance has inspired legions of contemporary artists. For SURG to play a part in continuing the legacy of one of the best bands of all times is enormous," says Mathew Knowles, SURG CEO.
Founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White, "We are thrilled at this milestone in the life of Earth, Wind & Fire."
"Mathew Knowles' tireless enthusiasm matches the spirit and elements that we have built with Earth, Wind & Fire. We look forward to working with the Sanctuary Urban team," said co-founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, Verdine White.
Co-Founder Philip Bailey, "The Earth, Wind & Fire's journey has always been one of great music and spirit, Matthew and his team at the Sanctuary Group embody those same qualities."
Earth, Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson, "Earth, Wind & Fire's focus has always been about making great music. Matthew Knowles' successes have been based on great music. We look forward to collaborating on this album with Matthew and the Sanctuary Urban team."
