R. Kelly Pens A 'Love Letter'

NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As R&B superstar R. Kelly adds another hit to his extensive repertoire, Jive Records is pleased to announce the release of the three-time Grammy Award winner's new album, Love Letter.  Destined to become a modern classic, R. Kelly's 11th studio album will be available in stores and at digital retailers on December 14.

Already setting the stage for Love Letter is the hot lead single "When a Woman Loves" (Click on link to stream).  The refreshing, retro-soul ballad jumped from No. 8 to No. 3 on the Urban AC chart this week, becoming the third most-increased record at the format.  It was written and produced by R. Kelly, as is the title track—and second single—from the singer's forthcoming album. "Love Letter" impacts Urban AC and Urban Mainstream November 22.  A remix to the track will be available as well entitled "Love Letter Christmas."

Steeped in the soul personified by such mentor-heroes as Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye, "When a Woman Loves" set a record when it debuted at No. 24 on the Urban AC chart.  The single marked the highest chart bow by a male artist since Michael Jackson's "This Is It," which debuted at No. 16 last October.  It also signaled R. Kelly's second-best career debut behind "If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time" (No. 19) in 1999.  The song's Jeremy Rall/R. Kelly directed video, (Click to view video), paying homage to soul music's enduring legacy, is in steady rotation on both MTV Jams and VH1 Soul.  The video has also been in power rotation at the Centric network for 10 weeks and still sustains the top 5 position.

A "No. 1 Most Added" at Urban AC radio upon its release, "When a Woman Loves" has drawn critical acclaim from mainstream media.  A USA Today "Pick of the Week," the single was lauded as a "... gorgeous, retro-soul ballad."  Entertainment Weekly declared, "R. Kelly's 'When A Woman Loves' has a classic throwback vibe unlike almost anything in his recent catalog."  

That praise is a testament to the multi-platinum artist's intuitive and versatile skills as a songwriter and singer.  Earlier this year, R. Kelly received worldwide accolades for "Sign of a Victory," a song he wrote and produced that was chosen as the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Accompanied by the Soweto Spiritual Singers, R. Kelly turned in a stunning performance of the song at the World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa.

Love Letter is the latest chapter in a remarkable and diverse career that spans almost two decades.  R. Kelly has sold more than 34 million records worldwide, released seven No. 1 albums and twelve multi-platinum-selling albums, and has charted eleven No. 1 singles.  In an industry dotted with one-hit wonders, the Chicago native has released a total of fifteen albums, including compilations and collaborations, plus nine platinum-certified solo albums.  Kelly has collaborated with and written songs for musical icons from all genres, including Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher and Celine Dion. After 19 years of stardom, R. Kelly continues to wear the crown as the King of R&B.

www.r-kelly.com

SOURCE Jive Records