Publication: PRNewswire [US]
Date: February 28, 1997
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Title: "The Artist Formerly Known As Prince Double Platinum Party"
Written By: Staff

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- EMI-Capitol Music Group North America Chairman and CEO Charles Koppelman hosted a private party for The Artist Formerly Known As Prince and NPG Records to mark the double platinum sales of The Artist's latest release, EMANCIPATION. The event was held last night at NYC's LIFE club.

The diversity of the celebrity-studded crowd reflected The Artist's diverse appeal. Guests included LL Cool J, Billy Corgan, Quincy Jones, Marilyn Manson, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, Kevin Spacey, Spike Lee, Savion Glover, Chris Rock, Dominique Dawes, TLC's T-Boz, Lenny Kravitz, model Tyson, actress Lynn Whitfield, producer Dallas Austin, A Tribe Called Quest, Joan Osborne, Rent's Daphne Rubin-Vega, Tony Rich, Doug E. Fresh and many others.

After presenting The Artist with a plaque to commemorate the double platinum sales of EMANCIPATION, Charles Koppelman announced, "This is a historic event both for the industry and for our relationship. EMANCIPATION reached double platinum in just thirteen weeks, making it one of the best- selling multiple cds of all time. We've just begun to scratch the surface of this incredible body of work from the most prolific artist in the world." Terri Santisi, Executive Vice President & General Manager, EMI-Capitol Music Group, added: "We're honored to have this relationship with The Artist. The march has just begun on this two-year project with a level of momentum and excitement exceeding our highest expectations which only confirms what we all know. EMANCIPATION is the album The Artist was born to make."

L. Londell McMillan of NPG Records and The Artist Counsel said, "Last night was the Jam of the Year with artists of all seasons and flavors showing love for the man, his music and the mission of EMANCIPATION."

Earlier in the evening, The Artist attended the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Awards Dinner, where he made a donation from his own Love 4 One Another charity to the foundation. He also met one of his major musical influences, Curtis Mayfield.

EMI-Capitol Music Group North America formed an unprecedented alliance with The Artist's NPG Records in October 1996 to market and distribute the triple cd EMANCIPATION, which was released November 12, 1996. EMANCIPATION achieved double platinum status in just thirteen weeks.

SOURCE EMI-Capitol Music Group North America