McBride, who was recently nominated for two American Music Awards (AMA) and one Country Music Association (CMA) Award, has claimed the CMA's award for Female Vocalist of the Year three times — in 1999, 2002, and 2003. She also won a Grammy in 1995 for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, or Bluegrass Gospel Album for her work on "Amazing Grace – A Country Salute To Gospel." Throughout her remarkable career, McBride has sold over 13 million albums and had 20 top‑10 hits.
"It's exciting to partner with a company that not only is known for being of the highest quality, but has actually set the standard for all others to follow," McBride said. "I have grown up with Hallmark, and the thought of my CD being in a Hallmark store is thrilling for me. I can not wait to walk in and actually see it there!"
The album, regularly priced at $10.95, will be sold for $6.95 with the purchase of any three Hallmark cards. Consumers can visit Hallmark.com, or call 1-800-HALLMARK, to find the nearest Gold Crown¨ store in their area. It will also be available throughout Canada.
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Martina McBride to Launch Valentine's Day CD With Hallmark/Page Two
The album is highlighted by two original tracks — "At Last" and "Together Again." McBride's powerful voice carries listeners into the romantic tune of "At Last," a song which she claims "is perfect for a slow dance in the living room." On "Together Again," McBride skillfully combines the romance of a Valentine's Day track with a touch of her signature country melody.
In addition to two new tracks, the album also features some classic McBride tunes. Chief among them is "Valentine," a duet with musician/songwriter Jim Brickman that vaulted to No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1997.
The McBride CD follows Hallmark's signing of legendary artist James Taylor for his first-ever holiday CD, reinforcing the company's commitment to partnering with world-renowned artists in the music industry. Teri Brown, president of T.B.A. Network, Inc., was instrumental in crafting Hallmark's partnership with both McBride and Taylor.
Hallmark is synonymous with quality entertainment, producing, and sponsoring the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame television series for more than 50 years. In fact, McBride will be featured in a television spot to be seen exclusively on the Hallmark Channel while the album is in stores.
"I believe signing Martina McBride reflects Hallmark's clear-cut commitment to high-quality music industry partnerships," added Herrick. "We're very excited to work with her, and I'm confident it will be a positive relationship."
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About Hallmark:
Kansas City-based Hallmark is known throughout the world for its greeting cards, related personal expression products, and television's most honored and enduring dramatic series, the Hallmark Hall of Fame. The company's Hallmark Entertainment, Inc. subsidiary is the world's leading producer and distributor of movies and miniseries made for television; its Binney & Smith subsidiary, maker of Crayola¨ crayons and markers, is the leading producer of art materials for children and students. Through licensing leadership and joint ventures, Hallmark continues to expand its product formats and distribution avenues. The company publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in more than 100 countries through a multi-national strategy. In 2003, Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.3 billion.
About Hallmark Gold Crown¨:
The Hallmark Gold Crown network of stores stands for excellence in specialty store retailing and is the premiere channel of distribution for Hallmark-branded products. About 4,200 Hallmark Gold Crown stores can be found nationwide, most of them independently owned and operated. A Hallmark Gold Crown store is the specialty retail environment preferred by consumers who seek a comfortable shopping atmosphere, a higher level of customer service, and an extensive selection of greeting cards, gifts and other personal expression products. For the nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store, call 1-800-HALLMARK or use the store locator on www.Hallmark.com.
About Hallmark Music:
Hallmark has offered holiday music since the mid-1980s. This year's holiday selection features multiple Grammy Award winner James Taylor. In addition, 32 everyday titles are available in Hallmark stores, including artists such as Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong.