The Greatest Contract Of All: 2...

[From Associated Press]

Whitney Houston Inks $100M Deal

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Arista Records is saving all its love — and money — for Whitney Houston.

The Grammy-winning superstar has signed a multi-album record deal with Arista that the label said was in excess of $100 million. The deal would appear to top Mariah Carey's recent signing to Virgin Records, which was said to be worth about $20 million per album.

``I am so excited with this new deal and I'm looking forward to going into the studio soon to start work on my next album,'' Houston said in a statement Thursday. ``Arista Records has been my home since the beginning of my career. I am happy to be continuing the relationship and I look forward to working with (Arista president) L.A. Reid and the new Arista family.''

Houston is Arista's best-selling artist, having sold more than 140 million records worldwide and charting numerous No. 1 hits, including ``The Greatest Love of All,'' ``I Will Always Love You'' and ``Saving All My Love For You.''

She was signed to the label by Arista's founder and former leader, Clive Davis, who left Arista last year and started J Records.

Since her debut in 1985, Houston has delivered nothing but platinum records for Arista. She has also branched out into acting, starring in the hit ``The Bodyguard'' and other movies such as ``Waiting to Exhale.''

But her last album of original material, ``My Love Is Your Love,'' was not as successful as her previous discs, although it sold more than 1 million copies.

The singer's reputation was also tarnished last year after erratic behavior sparked rumors that she might be abusing drugs, a charge she denied. However, last September, prosecutors in Hawaii said they found marijuana in her purse.

A petty misdemeanor drug charge was dismissed against Houston earlier this year after a drug counselor filed an assessment with prosecutors stating that Houston did not require treatment for substance abuse.

Besides acting and singing, Houston has expanded into producing movies. Besides the successful Disney special ``Cinderella,'' starring pop singer Brandy, Houston is the executive director of the new film ``The Princess Diaries.''

NEWSFILE: 3 AUGUST 2001