The Greatest Contract Of All: 5...
[From Billboard]
Whitney Houston has signed a new, exclusive
multi-album deal with Arista, valued at more than $100 million. The deal, which the label
says is the biggest in its history, 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. "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 Antonio] 'L.A.' Reid and
the new Arista family."
Houston, who has been with the label since 1983, is Arista's best-selling artist, having
sold more than 140 million records worldwide. Through her career, she has charted such
Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits as "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.
Houston has also branched out into acting, starring in the hit "The Bodyguard"
and other movies such as "Waiting to Exhale." Along with 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."
As previously reported, Houston is among the dozens of artists scheduled to take part in a
two-night tribute to Michael Jackson in September.
The entertainer's reputation was 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.
NEWSFILE: 3 AUGUST 2001
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