Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced today the signing of legendary singer/songwriter, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, to an exclusive, worldwide agreement. David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group said of the signing, “Babyface has long been one of our industry’s leading lights as a writer, artist, producer and entrepreneur. He has written, produced and in many cases performed many of our modern day ‘classic’ songs. We are sure that the story of hitmaking will continue for him, and are thrilled to welcome him to the UMPG family.” “I am pleased to be working with Universal Music Publishing,” said Kenneth Edmonds. “The team has demonstrated their appreciation of my music, and their commitment to my career as an artist, producer and songwriter.” Babyface is currently recording his new album to be released on Def Jam, and he has cuts on Katherine McPhee, Fallout Boy, Nelly, Keisha Cole, KeKe Palmer and Ashanti. He was previously signed to Sony/ATV who retain his back catalogue. In addition to releasing over ten solo albums, Babyface’s hit-making skills have been credited on over 320 albums and he has produced for some of music’s biggest legends and top-selling artists, including: Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, OutKast, Vanessa Williams, New Edition, En Vogue, Usher, Phil Collins, Faith Evans, George Michael, Deele, Eric Clapton, Pink, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Carole King, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, TLC, Boyz II Men, Bell Biv Devoe, John Mellencamp, Paula Abdul, Heather Headley, and many more. Babyface has produced a vast number of motion picture original soundtracks including, “The Bodyguard,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Boomerang,” “Soul Food,” and “Josie & The Pussycats.” He also has had tracks featured on the following soundtracks “Ghostbusters 2,” “Poetic Justice,” “Bad Boys,” “Home Alone 2,” “Mr. 3000,” “The Preachers Wife,” “Phenomenon,” “Simon Birch,” “Duets,” “The Prince of Egypt” and many more. Babyface is a 10x GRAMMY award winner, including four wins for Producer of the Year (1992, 1995, 1996, 1997); three wins for Best R&B Song (“End of the Road” “I’ll Make Love to You” “Exhale”); Album of the Year (The Bodyguard); Record of the Year (“Change the World”); and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (“When Can I See You Again”).
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