Top Artists Featured In Launch of New Music Gifting Campaign

Susan Boyle, Colbie Caillat, Kelly Clarkson, Randy Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, And More Share Their Favorite Memories

MARLTON, N.J. and WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's leading music retailers, record labels and nearly thirty artists, along with supporting organizations across the industry, are today helping kick off a new promotional effort designed to relaunch and revitalize the historic "Give The Gift Of Music" (GTGOM) campaign for today's marketplace.

Organized by NARM, the music business association, and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), today is the official unveiling of the first component of a multi-faceted GTGOM campaign: a branded web site — www.givethegiftofmusic.info — that allows consumers to hear how music gifts have touched the lives of their favorite artists; share their own gifting memories; discover new music gift ideas; and tell friends and loved ones what's on their own music wish lists all year long.

"Studies show that there continues to be extraordinary interest in the gifting of music for all types of holidays and occasions, or simply to show someone you're thinking of them," says NARM President, Jim Donio.  "This is particularly true in today's economy, since music is both affordable and lasts a lifetime. This is a great time to provide consumers with information and ideas they can use to inspire their music gifting. The tools that this campaign brings to consumers will make it easier than ever for people to find and give the perfect music gift."

The consumer-focused, interactive web site features: artist quotes and videos about special music gift memories; a section where music fans can post their own music gift stories; a gift registry where fans can suggest music gifts they'd like to receive from friends and loved ones; a searchable new release database to inspire gift ideas; and highlights of currently available or upcoming boxed sets, special editions or other deluxe music products.

Consumers can also interact with the campaign on their favorite social media sites, including Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/givethegiftofmusic) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/agiftofmusic).

Independent retailers will be wrapping music gifts on Black Friday, November 26 using Gift The Gift Of Music stickers.

"As we enter this holiday season, there really is no better gift than the gift of music.  Few things can spark the soul or speak to the heart like music," said Mitch Bainwol, Chairman and CEO, RIAA.  "The music community has come together in a powerful and singular way to promote this initiative, including this handy one-stop-shopping site for tips that fans need to know about gifting music." 

A robust group of recording artists have contributed their most memorable music gifting stories and sentiments.

Artists supporting the campaign are:

• Kris Allen, Jive Records
• Allstar Weekend, Hollywood Records
• Susan Boyle, Columbia Records
• Colbie Caillat, Universal Republic Records
• Jocelyn Celaya, Radical Classical
• Kelly Clarkson, RCA Records
• David Cook, RCA Records
• El DeBarge, Interscope/Geffen Records
• Gavin DeGraw, RCA Records
• The Doors (Ray Manzarek), Rhino Entertainment
• Matt Duke, Rykodisc
• Melanie Fiona, SRC Records
• Good Charlotte, Capitol Records
• Heart (Ann Wilson), Sony Legacy
• Randy Jackson  
• Cyndi Lauper, Downtown Records
• Liam and Me (Matt O'Dowd)
• Little Big Town, Capitol Nashville
• Tony Lucca, Rock Ridge Music
• John Oates, PS Records
• Mike Posner, J Records
• Rascal Flatts, Big Machine Records
• Darius Rucker, Capitol Nashville
• Blake Shelton, Warner Music Nashville
• Shontelle, Universal Motown
• Sick Puppies (Emma Anzai), Virgin Records
• Sister Hazel (Ken Block), Rock Ridge Music
• Sister Hazel (Mark Trojanowski), Rock Ridge Music
• Jazmine Sullivan, J Records

The site's B2B section allows industry leaders to download the logo for use on all company and artist web sites, as well as in packaging, advertising, promotion, marketing, and merchandising efforts. Industry PR and marketing teams will work together to develop additional ways to promote the campaign, utilizing both traditional and the newest social media and networking opportunities.

A variety of industry organizations have come together in support of the campaign: American Association of Independent Music (A2IM); American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA); Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI); Association for Christian Retail (CBA);  Church Music Publishers Association (CMPA); Country Music Association (CMA); Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA); Gospel Music Association (GMA); Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI); National Music Publishers Association (NMPA); and The Recording Academy (NARAS). 

About NARM: NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) advances the promotion, marketing, distribution and sale of music by providing members with diverse meeting and networking opportunities, information and education resources, and advocacy for their common interests. NARM is based in Marlton, NJ. Visit www.narm.com.

About RIAA: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States. Visit www.riaa.com.

SOURCE Recording Industry Association of America; National Association of Recording Merchandisers