News

THE VOICE RETURNS WITH NEW ALBUM
BENNY MARDONES TO RELEASE NEW LP IN '06

Los Angeles, CA (October 17, 2005) - Benny Mardones, nicknamed “The Voice” due to his near four-octave vocal range and soulful, passionate delivery, will be storming the music scene April 11, 2006 with his first album of original music since 1999’s Bless a Brand New Angel. Tentatively titled, Let’s Hear it For Love, Benny plans to unleash a torrent of the fiery arena rock splashed with catchy hooks and melodic twists with the help of producer, Jim Ervin. Touted by Variety as “hyperkinetic...always on the make,” Benny plans to continue his busy touring schedule performing songs from the new album as well as classics such as “Into the Night.” Still one of Mardones’ favorite songs to perform, “Into the Night” is one of the top 25 “most played” singles in the history of radio, gracing the airwaves over five million times.

Mardones, has enjoyed an extremely successful twenty-five years as a songwriter and showman. He has shared the stage with Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones, and has played alongside legends such as the Otis Redding band. In a Showtime tribute to rock icon Roy Orbison, Benny performed with the likes of Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, and Johnny Cash. Mardones’ ability to compose music that transcends generational gaps and typical pop-rock-r&b genre pigeonholes has much to do with his achingly honest lyrics and soulful delivery. As Rolling Stone quips, his “gloriously adolescent romanticism” appeals to all – regardless of age or musical background.

Pursuing a rigorous touring schedule over the years despite his recent diagnosis with Parkinson’s, Benny gathers his strength from his passion for performing and his adoring fans. He notes that, “There are days where I wonder if I am going to be able to use these vocal chords... if my legs are going to hold me up. But at this point in my life, my fans are almost family – they support me and they help keep me going. As long as they want to hear me sing, as long as they want to come to the shows… I will pour every last drop of myself into performing.”

Benny’s new eleven-song LP remains bright and vibrant despite a number of tragedies that have befallen his personal life over the past year. The album is dedicated to Mardones’ beloved nephew, Joseph Pozzuli, who passed away suddenly, and who is remembered in the song “I Might Be a Bird.” Benny’s long time road manager and dear friend, Tommy Piraino, who had struggled with leukemia, also passed away this year. The song, “Just for You my Friend,” which features a short appearance from Tommy’s son, was penned as Benny grieved. Says Mardones, “There are a number of extremely personal tracks on the album that I almost considered not including. But I realized that one of the reasons my friends and fans have been so supportive of me over the years, is that I refuse to hold back. Joe and Tommy meant the world to me – I had to make sure that their memories live on the only way I know how; through music.”

Let’s Hear it For Love is slated for release April 11, 2006 on Warrior Records and distributed by Bayside Entertainment. Benny is currently scheduling a number of upcoming tour dates, including a special appearance at a non-profit gathering aimed at honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to improve the quality of life for millions with disabilities. Sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Disability, the event will take place on October 26th at the Great Hall of the Hubert Humphrey building in DC.

About Warrior Records
Warrior Records is a music company whose products are distributed worldwide. Its businesses also include publishing divisions that administrate a wide range of copyrights, a music supervision firm specializing in motion picture and television soundtracks, a marketing & promotions company, and a new media and technologies division that develops and implements new formats, e-commerce, and emerging Internet methodology.

Warrior Records is a division of L.A. Entertainment, inc., a California based entertainment corporation.

L.A. Entertainment, Inc.