RHINO RECORDS TO HONOR BLACK MUSIC THROUGHOUT BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A SERIES OF HIGH-PROFILE VINYL AND DIGITAL RELEASES
Classic Albums From Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Lil’ Kim, Curtis Mayfield, & More To Be Released On Limited Edition Colored Vinyl Every Friday Of The Month, Beginning On February 5
Digital Releases From Tevin Campbell, Adina Howard, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Nina Simone, & More Also Set For Release Throughout The Month
Los Angeles, CA – Recognizing the undeniable impact of Black music on over a century of artistry throughout popular culture, Rhino Records celebrates Black History Month with a series of high-profile vinyl reissues, first-ever digital releases, initiatives, activations, and collaborations. The celebration commences on February 5, with the release of Donny Hathaway’s A Donny Hathaway Collection, The Jungle Brothers Done By The Forces of Nature (Deluxe Edition), and George Benson’s Breezin,’ and will continue throughout the month with the limited edition, colored vinyl releases of classics by everyone from Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield to Lil’ Kim and Ray Charles, among others. Also arriving across the month will be many albums and deluxe editions making their digital debut from artists including Nina Simone, Adina Howard, Tevin Campbell, and many more. Full release schedule for the month is listed below.
Rhino will be working with Black-owned independent record stores throughout the U.S. to offer prints of alternative covers for each of the limited edition vinyl releases reimagined by a young artist of color. These prints will be offered as a gift with purchase for each of the 9 vinyl titles that are part of the campaign. Throughout the month, fans can visit rhino.com for a list of these stores and testimonials from each visual artist about the way these albums influence their life, art, and outlook.
These legendary Black artists created the soundtrack to cultural, social, and political revolutions when the world needed it. They’re undeniably as necessary as ever in 2021 as they continue to amplify messages of truth, hope, and change on tape.
Quite fittingly, 2021 also marks the 50th anniversary of Donny Hathaway’s heart-wrenching classic “A Song For You.” Hathaway immortally urged, “And when my life is over, remember when we were together,” and this month offers us a chance to come together once again in celebration.
Limited Edition Colored Vinyl Titles:
February 5
George Benson – Breezin’ (1 LP Blue/Beige Vinyl)
Donny Hathaway – A Donny Hathaway Collection (2 LP Purple Vinyl)
February 12
Curtis Mayfield – Roots (1 LP Orange Vinyl)
Curtis Mayfield – There’s No Place Like America Today (North America Only) (1LP Blue Vinyl)
February 19
Aretha Franklin – Young, Gifted, and Black (1 LP Burnt Orange Vinyl)
Sheila E - …The Glamorous Life (1 LP Teal Vinyl)
February 26
Ray Charles - The Best of Ray Charles: The Atlantic Years (2 LP Blue Vinyl)
Chaka Khan – Epiphany: The Best of Chaka Khan, Vol 1. (1 LP Burgundy Vinyl)
Lil’ Kim – The Notorious K.I.M. (2 LP Pink/Black Vinyl)
Available Digitally:
February 5
The Jungle Brothers – Done By The Forces of Nature (Deluxe Edition)
February 12
Baby Huey – The Baby Huey Story: Living Legend (Expanded Edition)
Tevin Campbell – I’m Ready (Expanded Edition)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca and the Soul Brother (Deluxe Edition)
February 19
Jimmie & Vella – Jimmy & Vella
Rahsaan Roland Kirk – The Case Of The Three Sided Dream In Audio Color
Nina Simone – Folksy Nina + Blackbird (Deluxe Edition)
Adina Howard - Welcome To Fantasy Island
February 26
Donny Hathaway - Live At The Bitter End
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