NBA Star Dwight Howard Shoots To Thrill Music Fans

On October 26th, Dwight Howard will release his debut album, Shoot For The Stars from Razor & Tie / KIDZ BOP.

The full-length CD lineup includes MVP worthy recordings of popular arena anthems and classic hits, plus the original song, "Shoot For The Stars," which encourages his young fans to pursue their dreams.

On Shoot For The Stars, Dwight is backed by his All-Star Band, featuring some of the industry's most talented musicians and session players, including Grammy winner Luis Conte (Eric Clapton, Santana), Abraham Laboriel (Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles), Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Phil Collins) and Tim Pierce (Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson). Also accompanying Dwight on the album is a group of talented young kids who sing backup vocals on each song. Special guests, the KIDZ BOP Kids, join Dwight on Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There." A portion of the proceeds from sales of Dwight's album will go to benefit the BETA Center (www.betacenter.org), the Orlando, FL based organization whose mission is to provide children and parents with the knowledge and support needed for strong and healthy families.

Shoot For The Stars was produced by Latin Grammy nominated producer, Loren Harriet, who also helmed former New York Yankee star Bernie Williams' two critically acclaimed albums.

"This record is a dream come true for me in so many ways," says Howard. "Recording this album for me ranks with being the first pick in the NBA draft, my first NBA All-Star game and winning a gold medal at the Olympics. Razor & Tie and KIDZ BOP have been incredible and I hope everyone enjoys the album as much as I did recording it."

Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam, Co-Founders of Razor & Tie and KIDZ BOP, added, "Dwight Howard is one of the best players in the NBA, but it's his positive attitude, exuberance and sportsmanship both on and off the court that make him a real All-Star. Razor & Tie is proud to be releasing his debut album that we believe perfectly captures his humor and heart. We think that Shoot For The Stars will be a slam dunk hit with kids and fans."

Hoop there it is! From Bob Marley to the Black Eyed Peas and MC (Hammer) to MJ, basketball's Superman brings his larger-than-life personality and voice to some of the NBA's most popular stadium staples. Dwight works his "magic" to add his own take on fan favorites such as "Whoomp (Hoop) There It Is" and "U Can't Touch This (Howard Time)" where he does pitch-perfect impersonations of his friends Charles Barkley, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Orlando Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy. Each of the record's 11 songs features background vocals from several of the music industry's top kid performers.