Legendary Entertainer Kenny Rogers Inks Long-Term Exclusive Recording Contract With Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records and Iconic Entertainer, Kenny Rogers, have announced they will join forces once again to create sweet music together. Rogers made the revelation Wednesday night during his first of two sold-out performances at the Ford Theater in Nashville as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2012 Artist-in-Residence.
Rogers, whose catalog on Warner Bros./Reprise Records includes a string of multi-platinum albums and career hits recorded over the span of several decades, returns to where it all began in 1967 when his career was ignited with his mega-hit with the First Edition, ‘Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).’ Rogers’ new album is being produced by award-winning producer, Dann Huff, and is scheduled for release later this year.
‘I’m looking forward to returning home to Warner Bros. Records after all these years,’ commented Rogers on his new deal. ‘Our history together, combined with the incredible team that’s in place now, provides the catalyst for a great new relationship going forward.’
‘With his unique storytelling ability and soulful voice, Kenny Rogers’ music has touched generations across all musical formats. He has not only had a remarkable career but is truly an American icon,’ said John Esposito, President & CEO of Warner Music Nashville. ‘Warner Music Nashville looks forward to continuing his musical legacy but more importantly, having him back home at Warner Bros. Records.’
Recognized as one of the greatest entertainers and storytellers of all time, Rogers celebrated his 50th year in show business in 2008. In the incomparable span of his career, Rogers has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums. His long list of timeless classics includes an impressive 24 #1 hits – ‘The Gambler,’ ‘Lady,’ ‘Lucille,’ ‘She Believes in Me,’ ‘Islands in the Stream,’ and ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ among them. Two of Rogers’ albums, The Gambler and Kenny, are featured in the About.com poll of ‘The 200 Most Influential Country Albums Ever’, and his Greatest Hits album has sold over 24 million copies worldwide to date. He is the RIAA’s 8th best-selling male artist of all time with 1 Diamond album, 19 Platinum albums and 31 Gold albums.
‘The Gambler,’ one of the biggest hits of Rogers’ career, spawned five movies and became the longest running mini-series in the history of U.S. television seen by 100 million people. Rogers starred as Brady Hawkes.In addition, Rogers is an accomplished photographer, having studied under the assistant of photography great, Ansel Adams. He has published three photography books and authored four books, including one based on his hit tour and musical, ‘The Toy Shoppe.’
A selfless humanitarian, Rogers assumed his position at the forefront of the movement to aid the hungry after the death of his friend Harry Chapin – leading to the World Hunger Media Awards. He was also a participant in the ‘We Are the World’ performance which raised millions for famine relief in Africa. Born in Houston, and raised in a housing project, Rogers was awarded the Horatio Alger Award in 1990, given to those who have distinguished themselves despite humble beginnings.
Source: Warner Bros
