Monday, June 1, 2009

Malaco Records Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal with BeBe and CeCe Winans for the Launch of B & C Records

Jackson, Miss. –June 1, 2009 – Malaco Music Group announced today the signing of Gospel/R&B music superstars BeBe and CeCe Winans to an exclusive distribution deal for B & C Records, their first joint record label venture. With Malaco Records, a legendary southern R&B and Gospel label as their new distribution partner, the brother and sister music duo has launched their new label with the release of the single, “Close to You,” currently at radio. “Close to You” is the first from BeBe and CeCe’s upcoming CD, due in stores late September.

“As a true fan of their music for many years, this is one of the most exciting signings that I have made in recent years,” said Tommy Couch, President of Malaco Music Group. “I am very honored to bring these two stellar and respected artists to the Malaco Music Group family, and see nothing but a bright and prosperous future ahead. This new partnership represents for us the first of many steps toward building the Malaco Music Group into a major independent leader in the urban music world.”

Lionel Ridenour, Head of Malaco’s Urban Music Department, added: “We are more than excited about our partnership with BeBe and CeCe Winans, we are overjoyed. BeBe and CeCe Winans are international music superstars. They are pioneers of both traditional and contemporary gospel, as well as multi-platinum award-winning R&B music stars. We are very proud that BeBe and CeCe have chosen Malaco Music Group as the home for their new venture B & C Records.”

“With the rich heritage of so many great gospel legends, such as the Reverend James Cleveland, The Caravans, The Major Mass Choirs from Savoy and Malaco, we are elated to continue the tradition with superstar artists BeBe and CeCe Winans,” added D. A. Johnson, Malaco Music Group’s Director of Gospel Music Division.

BeBe and CeCe’s 20 year career in music includes multiple platinum and gold albums in both the Gospel and R&B music genres, 5 Grammys, 8 Doves, more than 12 Stellar Awards, 2 NAACP Awards, 12+ charting R&B singles, and countless #1 Christian and Gospel radio singles.

Their debut self-titled album, released in 1987, nabbed both Grammy and Stellar noms and a Dove Award, only the second Dove Award to be awarded to an African American Group in the category “Group of the Year.” The single “For Always” from the album earned BeBe and CeCe their first Grammy. Their second album, Heaven, was the first Gospel album to reach #1 on the Billboard sales chart and gave us two hit singles, “Lost Without You,” and “Celebrate Life.”

This long-awaited reunion album is a culmination of gained experiences over the last few years and promises to please the die-hard BeBe and CeCe fans and garner new ones as well.

For more information on Malaco Music Group, contact, Burton Doss, (601) 982-4255, bdoss@malaco.com

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