Holiday Party CD and a TWC-exclusive Aaron Neville Single Benefit The Salvation Army

The Weather Channel® (TWC), in partnership with singing legend Aaron Neville and The Salvation Army, announces the release of "Holiday Party," a holiday music compilation album.  The CD features the single "Please Don't Forget" by Aaron Neville, and a portion of the proceeds from the single and the CD, both available by download from theweatherchannelmusic.com, will be donated to The Salvation Army's Annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. 

"We are very excited to expand The Weather Channel music collection with the release of our new holiday album, ‘Holiday Party,'" said Robyn Coward, director of licensing and merchandising for The Weather Channel. "The timing of this campaign aligns perfectly with the holiday season and the recent launch of theweatherchannelmusic.com."

"Holiday Party" features a mix of upbeat and festive music. Along with classic holiday songs, the CD offers the all-new single "Please Don't Forget" by Grammy Award-winner Aaron Neville.  A song about true joy and peace received from helping others, "Please Don't Forget" follows in the tradition of the "original" Salvation Army Christmas song "Silver Bells," which also is performed by a Salvation Army brass band on the CD.  "Silver Bells," inspired by the iconic Salvation Army bell ringer, was originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1950.

Neville also lends his voice to the holiday classics "White Christmas" and "Go Tell It On The Mountain" from his album "Christmas Prayer."  "Holiday Party" features other well known artists such as Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Amy Grant, The Salvation Army Ensemble, One Approved, Matt Belsante and Blessing.  Classic holiday songs include "All I Want For Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," the Charlie Brown Christmas Theme and others.

"One of the sounds I love about the holiday season is the ‘ring ring' of Salvation Army bells at Red Kettles. It brings hope, happiness and awareness to so many around the U.S.  It's such an honor to partner with The Salvation Army and The Weather Channel on this holiday collection and new song. ‘Please Don't Forget' is just a reminder to reach out a hand to our brothers and sisters who may need a little extra help this holiday season and every season for generations to come," said Aaron Neville.

Aaron Neville will appear for the special premiere performance of "Please Don't Forget" Friday, Nov. 20 on Wake Up with Al, The Weather Channel morning show hosted by Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams.  The Weather Channel, Aaron Neville and The Salvation Army also have joined forces to promote the single and the CD.  TWC will support the effort from weather.com as well as on air. The single "Please Don't Forget" - available exclusively on the "Holiday Party" CD - and the full CD will both be available for purchase and download from theweatherchannelmusic.com.  "Holiday Party" will be distributed to the retail market via EMICMG Distribution, a subsidiary of EMI Music.  The CD will be available at major retailers such as Wal-Mart.

"The Salvation Army has a strong musical tradition so this partnership is a natural fit," said Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army.  "This is an excellent way for people to help their neighbors in need by supporting the Red Kettle Campaign while enjoying some great music in the process."

The release of "Holiday Party" follows past CD release successes from The Weather Channel.  In December 2007, TWC's debut album "The Weather Channel Presents...Smooth Jazz" hit number one on Billboard's current contemporary jazz charts and became a top-20 seller on Amazon.com.  In spring 2008, a second "Smooth Jazz II" compilation was on Amazon.com's Top-40 list for several weeks. Both CDs are available at www.weather.com/store, Best Buy and Amazon.com.