Soul Superstar Barry White Signs With Private Music and Sets July Release of ``Staying Power''

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--June 21, 1999--The big man with the deep voice is back!

Barry White, who became a soul superstar thanks to a string of romantic hit singles and his unmistakable basso profundo, returns alongside the Love Unlimited Orchestra with a brand new album, ``Staying Power.''

Talks initiated by Ned Shankman, White's longtime manager, resulted in the multirecord deal that commences with the worldwide release of ``Staying Power'' on July 27 on burgeoning urban powerhouse Private Music. The album features eight sensational new songs written by White and cover versions of the classics ``Low Rider'' and Sly Stone's ``Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).''

Produced and arranged by White and Jack Perry, ``Staying Power'' is White's first album since his triple-platinum ``Icon of Love'' four years ago. Many noted guest artists have joined White in the making of the new album, including singers Chaka Khan, Gerald Albright, Lisa Stansfield, as well as Sean ``Puffy'' Combs who accomplished the remix on ``Thank You.''

Born in Galveston, Texas, and raised in Los Angeles, White proved early on his musical prowess as a singer, keyboardist, songwriter, producer and arranger. He first gained attention as a member of the Upfronts in the early '60s before serving as an A&R executive with Mustang/Bronco Records.

In 1969 he formed Love Unlimited, and, throughout the '70s and '80s, as a solo artist, the hits came fast and furious. Among White's most noted Top 10 hits are ``I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby,'' ``Never Gonna Give You Up,'' the No. 1 smash ``Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,'' ``You're the First, The Last, My Everything,'' ``What Am I Gonna Do With You,'' and ``It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down With Me.''

Barry's image as the consummate romantic has endured. Besides continuing to enjoy a thriving recording career, he's made appearances on classic episodes of ``The Simpsons'' and ``Ally McBeal'' (an ongoing role), and his autobiography, titled ``Love Unlimited'' (Broadway/Random House), arrives in book stores October 5. In the meantime, Barry will launch an extensive summer U.S. tour covering most major markets, followed by a two-month European tour this fall.

Said Windham Hill Group President Steve Vining, ``Barry White is a cultural icon and a national treasure. He's done as much for music and romance as any artist since Mathis or Sinatra, and it is a tremendous privilege to have him join the Private Music family.''

The Private Music artist roster also features Peabo Bryson, whose new album ``Unconditional Love'' features the top 5 single ``Did You Ever Know,'' and James Ingram, currently enjoying huge radio and retail success with his multiformat hits ``Forever More,'' and ``I Believe in Those Love Songs.''

Also scheduled for this summer is the label debut from Jeffrey Osborne and new releases from Phil Perry and Etta James.

For more information on Barry White, check out www.barrywhitemusic.com.