Houston, TX (Top40 Charts/ RPM Music) Universal
Music Group, in collaboration with
Dream Records and RPM
Music announced today a multi-record deal with Dove Award-winning Christian singer, Cindy Cruse Ratcliff. Her new album titled, "Twenty Three" will hit iTunes, Wal-Mart and record stores on Aug. 23, 2011.
"I believe there has never been an artist, ministry, nor a voice as in Cindy Cruse Ratcliff," said David Hanley, founder of Dream Records. "The Lord has positioned and appointed Cindy as a heart and a voice that not only has potential of reaching the world - but is and has already impacted our generations. I am not just overwhelmed and excited to partner in her vision but am humbled that DREAM can be a part of her limitless reach to the world."
Ratcliff has served as the director of music and senior worship leader for both Joel Osteen Ministries and Lakewood Church since 1999. This will be her first solo album, since joining forces with Joel Osteen at Lakewood Church.
"Cindy [Cruse Ratcliff] is an extraordinarily talented singer and songwriter with an incredible gift to lead people in worship," said Osteen. "Her contribution to Lakewood over the last 12 years has been truly amazing and she continues to raise the bar in the world of Christian music. Victoria and I count it a joy to work with her and we are proud to call her our friend."
"Twenty Three," contains 12 original songs written by Ratcliff and co-written with other artists, such as the Grammy award winning Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey. It is a unique mix of genres: contemporary rock, Latin and beautiful worship ballads blended to create an album expressing the faithfulness of God and His promises to His children. She describes it as fun, empowering, honest and engaging. "Twenty Three," the title cut, also features a special guest appearance by Lincoln Brewster.
"What I've accomplished at Lakewood has been fantastic and very fulfilling, but I was ready to do something fresh and more personally challenging," said Ratcliff. "While launching this new facet of my career, it's been great to have the support of Joel and the Lakewood staff. I can embark on new horizons, broaden my reach and continue my work with Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen Ministries. I am incredibly blessed."
Learn more about Ratcliff by reading her blogs at Lakewood.cc and CCMMagazine.com. Fans can also follow her on Facebook.com/CindyCruseRatcliff and on Twitter.com/cindyratcliff, or for more information visit CINDYCRUSERATCLIFF.com.
