New Dixie Chicks Recording, 'I Hope,' Available As Digital Download On September 27, 2005

NEW YORK, NY. (Open Wide/Monument/Columbia Records) - Open Wide/Monument/Columbia Records will release "I Hope," a new recording by the Dixie Chicks, as an exclusive digital download benefiting Hurricane relief efforts, on Tuesday, September 27.

"I Hope" will be available online at Sony Connect, Rhapsody, Yahoo! Music Unlimited, SonyMusicStore.com, iTunes, MSN, and Napster.

Co-written by the Dixie Chicks and contemporary blues master Keb' Mo', "I Hope" was performed September 9 on the multi-network telethon "Shelter From The Storm: A Concert For The Gulf Coast." Produced by Rick Rubin and the Dixie Chicks, the exclusive download version was recorded the night before the telethon and showcases Natalie Maines (vocals), Martie Maguire (vocals), and Emily Robison (electric guitar/vocals) accompanied by Mike Campbell (electric guitar) and Benmont Tench (keyboards) along with pedal steel guitar virtuoso Robert Randolph, Jonny Polonsky (acoustic guitar), bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, and drummer Michael Bland.

Dixie Chicks and Sony BMG Music Entertainment will donate all of their proceeds from the sale of "I Hope" to Habitat For Humanity and the American Federation of Musicians Gulf Coast Relief Fund, in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.