Rod Stewart Signs With Universal For Christmas Album

Rod Stewart has signed a long-term worldwide 'recording agreement' with the Universal Music Group, which the label are saying is an expanding of its "creative investment".

Stewart, who is returning to his Las Vegas residency in September, will release an album Merry Christmas, Baby 9 November.

Lucian Grainge, UMG's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "I've known Rod and Arnold [Stiefel, his manager] for many years and have been wanting to work with them for some time. Rod possesses one of pop music's most inventive and memorable voices; and we're delighted to be part of the next great chapter in his already storied career.”

Stewart said, "I'm confident that by partnering with my fellow CBE, Lucian, and his cracking, top-notch company, we have the best team in the business. And the chance to work again with David Foster makes it that much sweeter."

Producer and Verve Music Group Chairman David Foster producer Merry Christmas, Baby, which is Stewart's first Christmas record.