[From PR Newswire]

Grammy-Award Winning Superstar Whitney Houston Signs Biggest Recording Deal In Arista's History!!!

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Mega-platinum artist Whitney Houston has signed a new exclusive long-term recording agreement with Arista Records, it was announced today by Antonio "L.A." Reid, President and CEO, Arista Records. The recording agreement, valued in excess of $100 million, provides for a multi-album commitment from Ms. Houston, who has sold more than 140 million combined albums, singles and videos around the world since her career began at Arista in 1983.

"I couldn't be more thrilled that Whitney has decided to continue her career here at Arista Records. No one in the world can sing like Whitney, which is why she is regarded as the cornerstone of not only Arista but the entire music business," said Mr. Reid. "I've had the pleasure of working with Whitney as a producer and songwriter for more than ten years and I regard her as a close, personal friend. I look forward to a warm and productive relationship with Whitney at Arista for many, many years to come."

"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," said Ms. Houston. "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 L.A. Reid and the new Arista family."

With last year's release of the double-CD/cassette Greatest Hits, Whitney Houston extended her track record to become the only artist with eight consecutive multi-platinum albums. A 6-time Grammy winner, she was the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1 (her second album, Whitney, 1987) and the only artist to chart 7 consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits. Her dozens of industry awards, including 21 American Music Awards (the most for any female), 15 Billboard Music Awards, 11 NAACP Image Awards and more, are complemented by her tireless philanthropic activities as head of the Whitney Houston Foundation For Children Inc., the non-profit organization she established in 1989.

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NEWSFILE: 3 AUGUST 2001