Singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur: Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is one of the most gifted, popular and influential figures to emerge in pop music during the past two decades. Babyface has amassed a career total of over 100 million units in global sales with his work as a solo artist (over 10 million units) and as a writer/producer for Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Toni Braxton and Aretha Franklin, among others. His r駸um・of career achievements includes an unprecedented three consecutive Grammy Awards for Producer of the Year (in 1995, '96 and '97).
On November 14, 2000, Epic Records proudly presents Babyface: A Collection Of His Greatest Hits. This 14-track anthology includes eleven previously released recordings taken from such multi-platinum Babyface albums as Tender Lover (1989, double platinum and a No. 1 Billboard R&B album for 11 weeks), For The Cool In You (1993, triple platinum), and The Day (1996, double platinum). Six of these songs were Top Ten hits on the Billboard Pop and/or R&B Singles charts, including "It's No Crime" (No. 7 Pop/No. 1 R&B), "Whip Appeal" (No. 6 Pop/No. 2 R&B), "Every Time I Close My Eyes" (No. 6 Pop/No. 5 R&B), and "When Can I See You" (No. 4 Pop/No. 6 R&B). (See next page for complete track listing.)
Greatest Hits also features three brand-new Babyface recordings. "Reason For Breathing," co-written by Babyface and songwriter/recording artist Joe, is the album's first radio track. In a rare instance of cross-label collaboration, "Reason For Breathing" will be promoted to radio by the joint staffs of Epic Records and Arista Records-where Babyface has just signed a new long-term recording agreement. "When Men Grow Old," the second new recording, was written and produced by Babyface. "Change The World" is the artist's duet with Eric Clapton, originally performed on Babyface's MTV Unplugged show, and now for the first time on record.
As a companion to Greatest Hits, on 12/5/00 Epic will release a new DVD entitled Babyface: A Collection Of Videos. This anthology of thirteen Babyface music videos includes his classic clips for "Tender Lover," "Whip Appeal," "How Come, How Long," "When Can I See You," and "This Is For The Lover In You."
"I think any artist who is fortunate enough to enjoy the longevity it takes to compile a collection of greatest hits is blessed, and I count myself to be one of the lucky ones," said Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. "This Greatest Hits CD closes an important chapter in my career, and I feel tremendously indebted to Tommy Mottola, Dave Glew, Polly Anthony and the entire Epic family for their unwavering commitment to my artistry over the past decade."
"Babyface is one of those rare artists who is truly multi-talented," said Polly Anthony, President of the Epic Records Group. "This collection is a superb overview of an incredible career."
