Robert Downey Jr. Signs Exclusive Contract to Record for Sony Classical

Oscar-nominated actor Robert Downey Jr. has signed an exclusive recording contract with the Sony Classical label, it was announced today. His debut recording consists of eight of his own pop ballads, in which he is featured as singer, songwriter and pianist. He also sings two covers, "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin and "Your Move," the popular song by Yes. The album, not yet titled, will be released on November 23rd.

"Robert is a brilliantly gifted songwriter who writes lyrics that are wise and moving," said Peter Gelb, President of Sony Classical. "His burnished, smokey voice is an expressive and touching medium for the songs that he has written."

Although best known as an actor, Downey has written songs for three films he has appeared in, including Too Much Sun, Two Girls and a Guy and Friends and Lovers. He has also sung in his guest appearances on the Ally McBeal Show and performed the end title arrangement of "Smile" for the 1992 film Chaplin that he starred in.

Last spring, Robert Downey Jr. was named Man of the Year by Hasty Pudding Theatricals at Harvard University. One of the most admired film actors of his generation, he won an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for his performance in the title role of the 1992 film Chaplin. His film credits include The Singing Detective, Wonder Boys, Bowfinger, U.S. Marshals, The Gingerbread Man, One Night Stand, Restoration, Richard III, Natural Born Killers, Short Cuts, Less Than Zero and The Pickup Artist. He won a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild award and an Emmy nomination for his role on the TV series Ally McBeal. Downey made his film debut in 1970 at the age of 5 in Pound, directed by his father, Robert Downey.

Downey's album has two producers: Jonathan Elias for six of the tracks and Mark Hudson for four of the tracks. Jazz great Charlie Haden is featured on the bass on "Smile."

SOURCE: Sony Classical

CONTACT: Carol Della Penna of Sony Classical, +1-212-833-7479
carol_dellapenna@sonymusic.com