 AUSTIN, Texas (MCA Records) - Texas Legend Joe Ely has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Nashville-based CBuJ Entertainment for the release of his forthcoming album, Happy Songs From Rattlesnake Gulch. The debut for Ely's Rack 'Em Records, the album's official release date is February 9 (Ely's 60th Birthday), though it will be available in stores February 6. CBuJ Entertainment (chartered in Ely's home state of Texas) is an independent record label, wholesale distributor and music licensing entity that markets, distributes new projects from developing artists as well as established artists covering several musical genres. The company was formed in 2003. "Stephen and John have been friends since my MCA days," Ely says. "They are both incredibly creative and working with them just makes perfect sense." "I've been chasing Joe Ely down since I started this company. He and I have a long history of working together and I don't expect it to end any time soon, says John Burns, President and CEO of CBuJ (See-Boo-Jay). �In keeping with old-time tradition, our business concept is to get back to basics. The simplicity of the partnership structure will be the key to its success." Burns is a music industry veteran best known for his role as President of UNI Distribution Worldwide [now Universal Music & Video Distribution] and his four-year tenure as General Manager and Executive VP of Giant Records. He was instrumental in distributing Ely's entire MCA repertoire, beginning in 1978 with the self-titled Joe Ely. Stephen McCord, CBuJ¹s Vice Predident of Sales & Marketing, also has a success record with Ely for much of the last decade; McCord worked with Ely for eight years as the head of the marketing department at MCA Records. "Ely is quite the creative renaissance man. His commitment to artistic idealism has assured his iconic immortality and 'Songs only exemplifies his genius. It's truly an honor and a privilege to reunite with Joe. John and I can't wait to work on this project!"
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