R. Kelly to Headline Benefit Concert for Congressional Black Caucus

Multi-platinum recording artist R. Kelly will headline the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses 12th Annual Benefit Concert Friday night, Sept. 10, in Washington, D.C.

The concert, one of the premier events of the CBC Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, raises money for scholarships that enable thousands of needy young people around the country to get the education they need to pursue professional careers.

"I'm privileged and honored to be invited to help such a distinguished group raise money for such a worthy cause," said Kelly. "I can't think of anything more important to support than education."

The concert will be held at the Washington Convention Center. Approximately 2,000 people are expected to attend, including many of the government's top legislators and other officials.

In thanking Kelly for agreeing to perform at the benefit, CBC Spouses director Jacquelin Dennis said, "We are confident that your performance will help us to achieve our goal to educate the next generation of leaders."

R. Kelly, whose eighth album Happy People/U Saved Me was just released to both critical and commercial acclaim, has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. In 1997, he won three Grammy Awards for his inspirational hit "I Believe I Can Fly" from the motion picture "Space Jam." In addition, he won Billboard Music Awards in several categories, including Hot 100 and R&B, in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, and 2003. In 1999, R. Kelly won an American Music Award for R&B/Soul Favorite Male Artist, and in 2003 he won both a Vibe and a BET Award. Earlier this summer, he won seven R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at the 5th annual Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards show.

One of the most sought after songwriters and producers of this era, R. Kelly has written and/or produced for Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Kelly Price, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, B2K, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Cannon, Twista, and Britney Spears.

On September 29th, Kelly will kick off the most anticipated musical event of 2004, when he joins forces on stage in Chicago with Jay-Z for the opening night of "The Best Of Both Worlds," a nationwide tour that will take the multi-platinum duo to more than 40 cities around the country, ending up in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 28th.

For further information on R. Kelly and his appearance at the Congressional Black Caucus, please contact Allan Mayer/Sitrick And Company at 310 788-2850.

SOURCE: Jive Records

CONTACT: Allan Mayer, Sitrick And Company, +1-310 788-2850

Web site: http://www.jiverecords.com/