George Strait, Willie Nelson Lead Acclaimed New Soundtrack

George Strait, Willie Nelson Lead Acclaimed New Soundtrack

Popular family film "Grand Champion" spawns hot new Hannover House CD release featuring top Country & Western recording acts

Fayetteville, Ark., June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of the biggest stars in Country music headline the debut soundtrack CD from Hannover House, "Grand Champion," now on sale at Wal-Mart and other key music retailers. Multi-platinum recording artists George Strait and Willie Nelson have each contributed new cuts to the soundtrack CD for the recently released family movie of the same name. Other notable artists on the 15-track CD include Charlie Robison, Robert Earl Keen, Asleep at the Wheel, Brian Burns and Eliza Gylkyson.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050620/NYM249 )

"We are excited and honored to be handling this prestigious soundtrack," said Hannover House President, Eric Parkinson. "The artists appearing on this CD have collectively sold over 100-million albums, and these tracks are some of their best works. 'Grand Champion' is hands-down one of the best country soundtracks of all time," he concluded.

"Grand Champion" is an award winning family feature from director Barry Tubb, son of the legendary musician, Ernest Tubb. Cast members for the film include notable appearances by superstars Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis, along with country music stars George Strait, Charlie Robison, Robert Earl Keen and Natalie Maines of "The Dixie Chicks." The principal stars in the film are Joey Lauren Adams ("Big Daddy") and Emma Roberts (Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous").

The film tells the story of a young boy and his prize winning heifer in livestock competition in Texas. Critics have praised the G-rated film for it's positive themes, comedy and adventure, while music fans have noted the film's stellar soundtrack. "Grand Champion" was released to theaters last September, and to home video in January. The film's soundtrack was not originally slated for commercial release until Hannover House was flooded with consumer requests.

"We received thousands of calls and letters about the soundtrack," said Parkinson. "When you see the movie, it's clear how important the music is to establishing the film's upbeat mood and pacing. It's a toe-tapping collection that is contagious and extremely repeatable. We think that this will be a very popular CD for a very broad audience."

Hannover House reports that several key radio stations have agreed to add the singles from George Strait and Willie Nelson in July. "Big Balls In Cowtown" features George Strait on vocals, and is backed-up by Asleep at the Wheel. "Born In A Barn" is classic Willie Nelson at his best in an all-new and exclusive track.

The Grand Champion Soundtrack CD is priced at $14.95 suggested retail, HH Item # 9000 / UPC 7-61450-90002-8. Radio stations or other qualified media professionals can request a sample CD or more information by contacting Hannover House at 479-521-4999 or 818-481-5277, or emailing Eric Parkinson at: EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com or Sean Michael Argo at: MichaelArgo99@hotmail.com.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050620/NYM249 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN7 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Hannover House

CONTACT: Eric Parkinson, +1-818-481-5277, EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com, or Sean Michael Argo, +1-479-521-4999, MichaelArgo99@hotmail.com, both of Hannover House

Web site: http://www.hannoverhouse.com/

------- Profile: Ent