NEW YORK (December 13, 2006) – The original ‘Dreamgirl,' Diana Ross is gearing up to release a new studio album I Love You, January 16.
Her first artist album since 1999, Ross recruited a host of former producers to work on the new album including Marylata E. Jacob, Peter Asher (of Peter & Gordon) and Steve Tyrell. The fourteen-track effort was recorded in studios in New York, Los Angeles and London using a host of instrumentalists and vocalists.
"When I was in the studio, sharing these songs, I was filled with strong emotion," the singer said in a statement. "These songs, these singers, these musicians and all my fans are a gift of love to me."
Ross sang a number of covers for the record including the Burt Bacharach and Hal David standard "The Look of Love," Paul McCartney's "I Will," The Drifters "This Magic Moment" and "To Be Loved," penned by Berry Gordy Jr. "What About Love," which was written for Oprah Winfrey's stage production of "The Color Purple," is also on the upcoming album.
Photo: C. Randee St. Nicholas/EMI
"We wanted to create the quintessential album to be played at celebrations of love and life: weddings, family gatherings, intimate moments," Jacob said. "I Love You is Diana's personal offering to honor these celebrations of love, from the glance of your first true love, through the joy of children, and love everlasting."
Famed photographer Herb Ritts, Douglas Kirland and director Randee St. Nicholas took a number of images of the legend, which make up the CD booklet. The deluxe edition of the effort features a DVD with a photo gallery and a behind the scenes look at the making of I Love You.
