Barry Manilow Named Hallmark’s CD Features Ten Newly KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Hallmark announced today that Grammy-winning music icon Barry Manilow is this year’s Christmas CD artist. Manilow will give fans something to swing and sing about with the exclusive Hallmark Gold Crown Christmas album “In the Swing of Christmas.” Manilow personally selected all ten songs for this special album which was produced and arranged by Manilow and co-produced by Scott Erickson. “In the Swing of Christmas” features traditional Americana songs flavored with some Manilow surprises, including his exclusive rendition of “Silver Bells,” featuring 26 background vocals — all recorded by Manilow. “In the Swing of Christmas” is available only at Hallmark Gold Crown stores November through December 2007 and features two jazz trios, The Randy Kerber Trio and MaD FUSION, led by Matt Hershkowitz. Other tracks include “Christmastime is Here,” “Count Your Blessings” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Manilow says he had a great time making the album. “My concept was small, sexy, romantic,” said Manilow, “an album that you can play all through the Christmas season.” Manilow, who has sold more than 75 million albums since his debut 30 years ago, has also produced 16 number one songs that include “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It” and his Grammy-award winning “Copacabana.” Teri Brown, president of T.B.A. Network, Inc., has worked with Hallmark since 2003 to craft music partnerships and played an integral part in securing the Barry Manilow Christmas CD. The recording of “In the Swing of Christmas” reflects Hallmark’s ongoing commitment to partnering with world-renowned artists in the music industry. Hallmark Gold Crown is the only specialty retailer to have achieved Platinum and Gold certification for six seasonal CDs. George Strait’s 2006 Hallmark Christmas album broke Platinum status one week after it was released. Michael McDonald’s 2005 Hallmark Christmas album reached Gold status just one week after it was made available and James Taylor’s 2004 Hallmark Christmas album was certified Platinum only 44 days after its release. “In the Swing of Christmas” is priced at $7.95 with each purchase of three Hallmark cards. Consumers can visit Hallmark.com or call 1-800-HALLMARK to find a Gold Crown® store in their area. Hallmark CDs are sold exclusively by nearly 3,700 Hallmark Gold Crown® stores and are available for a limited time. |