|PIC1|EMI CMG Label Group's Sparrow label recently announced that they have signed a worldwide, long-term deal with Amy Grant, which will include Grant's extensive 30 year catalogue of recordings.

The recordings have sold more than 30 million units, as well as new catalogue products. EMI will also have the option of working with Grant to issue new recordings in the future.

Initially, 17 titles of Amy Grant's catalogue will be re-mastered and re-released in both physical and all digital formats on 14 August. EMI CMG Label Group and EMI Music Catalogue Marketing will also partner with Grant to create a new Greatest Hits package with bonus material spanning her entire career scheduled for October release.

As a part of the new agreement, EMI CMG will retain all digital and mobile rights of the catalogue, launching a major campaign with all digital and mobile service providers on 14 August. This will mark the first time much of Grant's vital catalogue will be made available in digital formats, and plans also include the simultaneous launch of an aggressive mobile campaign with ring tones, ringbacks and more.

"This is truly an honour and historic moment for our company and a great day for Amy Grant fans. For the first time, all of Amy's best selling catalogue will be available physically and digitally everywhere consumers want to buy her music.

"Amy's life and music has impacted millions of people worldwide including countless members of our own team. We consider it a privilege to carry on Amy's musical legacy," said Bill Hearn, President and CEO, EMI Christian Music Group.

Products will be available to Christian retail stores through EMI CMG Distribution and general market physical and digital retailers via EMI Music Marketing.

"I have known and respected Bill Hearn and his father, Billy Ray, for over 25 years, but we have never officially worked together," remarks Grant. "I am so glad that scenario has finally changed. I am excited about the plans EMI has for my music and I am grateful for the amazing job they have done with so many artist catalogues and careers. I am thrilled to be part of the EMI family and look forward to working together for many years."

In addition to her August re-releases, a new definitive Greatest Hits collection, including at least one song from every studio album Grant has recorded, will be released in October. A special edition version will also be available that includes a bonus DVD of Grant's music videos and other exclusive content. This will be the first collection to include songs from both her early contemporary Christian work as well as her highly successful pop releases.

This summer, Grant will join husband Vince Gill on tour along with the Del McCoury Band. The 18-date circuit begins 14 July at Atlanta's Chastain Park Amphitheatre and concludes September 11 at Santa Ana Star Centre, Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

"Amy Grant is one of the world's premier music artists, and we're thrilled to enter this exclusive partnership with her," says Bill Gagnon, EMI Music Marketing's Senior Vice President of Catalogue Marketing. "We look forward to working closely with Amy to showcase and further propel Amy's award-winning music around the world with great respect, creativity and care. We are thrilled to have Amy Grant join our roster of other great artists, such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Bob Seger, Frank Sinatra, and more."

Amy Grant has won six Grammy Awards and 21 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. She is regarded as the pioneering Christian singer whose success on mainstream radio opened doors for other Christian artists. Her impact was recently celebrated with a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood, making Grant the only artist with roots in contemporary Christian music other than Andrae Crouch to receive such an honour.