Confirmed Re-Release...

Houston's Anthem Version Re-Released

NEW YORK (AP) - Arista Records is rereleasing Whitney Houston's soaring version of ``The Star-Spangled Banner,'' which became a unifying song for Americans during the Gulf War, in response to last week's terrorists attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Houston performed the song at Super Bowl XXV on Jan. 27, 1991, when the United States was at war with Iraq. Her rendition brought many to tears.

The single already is on the radio, and Arista hopes to have it in record stores by next week, spokeswoman Laura Swanson said.

``I think that it's something that helps pull us together and brings us together as a nation,'' Arista president Antonio ``L.A.'' Reid told The Associated Press on Monday. ``It was one way for us for us at Arista to say, 'Hey, we're here to help.'''

Proceeds from the sale of the commercial single CD will benefit the New York Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund and the New York Fraternal Order of Police.

NEWSFILE: 18 SEPTEMBER 2001