(NEW YORK) Elton John and Tim Rice, whose previous collaboration on Walt Disney's The Lion King resulted in a multi-million selling soundtrack, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Grammy for the hugely successful film as well as a Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Broadway musical, have teamed up once again for Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, to be released March 23 on Rocket/Island/Mercury Records. Featuring music from Disney's new stage musical by Elton John and Tim Rice, Aida tells the tragic story of a love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess forced into slavery, Amneris, and Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. The album features songs from the new musical recorded by such superstars as Elton John, Dru Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, Sting, Spice Girls, Boys II Men, Shania Twain, James Taylor, Lenny Kravitz, Tina Turner and Kelly Price. (See track listing).
The first single, Written In The Stars, a duet featuring Elton John and country music phenomenon LeAnn Rimes, was released to Adult Contemporary radio on Tuesday, December 15, breaking the all time record for the most adds at the format for a one week period. A commercial single release is planned for early 1999.
"I couldn't be happier with the way this album has come together," said Elton John. "It's a dream collection of artists spanning a wide variety of genres. Everyone was extremely busy and I'm so pleased they found the time to record cuts for the album."
"It's been a real honor for me to record with Elton because I'm a true fan," said Janet Jackson, who performs a duet with John entitled I Know The Truth. "I'm over the moon about the way the track turned out."
Elton John and LeAnn Rimes performed Written In The Stars for the first time on network television on Sunday, January 10, on "The 25th Annual People's Choice Awards" (CBS, 9:00 PM ET) in support of Elton's award for "Special All Time Favorite Musical Performer."
Elton John's 1998 U.S. concert tour was just ranked the top-grossing tour of the year. He was also recently named the number two solo artist of all time, with 60,600,000 records sold just in the United States. Five of his catalog albums reached multi-platinum status simultaneously, marking his 32nd gold and 21st platinum album. In February 1999, Sir Elton will embark on his first-ever solo American tour (no percussionist), which includes smaller cities and some college towns. Dates include Roanoke, VA (2/19); Chattanooga, TN (2/20); Atlanta, GA (2/23); Ft. Myers, FL (2/26); Gainesville, FL (2/27); Peoria, IL (3/2); Grand Rapids, MI (3/5); Iowa City, IA (3/6); Carbondale, IL (3/10); Pensacola, FL (3/13); Jacksonville, MS (3/16); Lafayette, LA (3/17); Huntsville, AL (3/19).
Return to Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida album information.