Salvation Army bags £1m record deal

12:32am Wednesday 8th October 2008

The Salvation Army has signed a £1 million global record deal to boost its Christmas fundraising.

The charity, a large provider of social welfare, is concerned about the effects of the credit crunch, those behind the deal said.

It has signed a contract with Universal Music, home of Eminem, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, the Killers and Take That. International Staff Band (ISB) members of the Salvation Army have recorded the first album in the deal, which will go on sale on November 24.

It is hoped the initiative will propel Christmas fundraising, which traditionally involves singing Christmas carols on wintry days, to new levels. This will help the charity's work with the homeless, families and people suffering from addictions.

Universal said it was delighted to have signed "the world's ultimate buskers".

Dickon Stainer, managing director of Universal Classics and Jazz, said: "At a time when lives are being turned upside down, people need something to rely on.

"The sound of the Salvation Army gives comfort to people when times are tough, as they are now. We hope that this record will help expand the reach of their traditional fundraising."

The album, entitled Together, includes secular and religious tracks from Nessun Dorma, You Raise Me Up and Going Home (the Hovis theme) to Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace and Christmas favourite In The Bleak Midwinter.

Dr Stephen Cobb, director of the Salvation Army's music ministries unit and ISB conductor said: "Some of the music was a little different to our usual repertoire, but very enjoyable to play. It was a real pleasure for us to work with the Universal team and to produce what we believe will be an album that will inspire listeners."

The Salvation Army will receive an initial undisclosed donation from the record company, but it is hoped that over the course of the record deal the charity will raise up to £1 million which will go towards its work.

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