Sting provides vocals for first Emporer's release

Sting Gets Into the Groove With Disney

First Single From Walt Disney Records' Soundtrack to "The Emperor's New Groove" Goes to Radio Oct. 23

International superstar and multiple Grammy® Award-winner Sting lends his voice to the melodic and heartfelt ballad "My Funny Friend and Me," the first single from the Walt Disney Records' soundtrack to "The Emperor's New Groove."

The end-title song to Disney's upcoming new animated feature, "My Funny Friend and Me" is penned by Sting (music and lyrics) and David Hartley (music), and was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for Flyte Tyme Productions. The single goes to radio Oct. 23 (Hollywood Records). "The Emperor's New Groove" soundtrack releases Nov. 14 on Walt Disney Records.

One of the most prolific singer/songwriters of our time, Sting lends his songwriting talents to all six songs on the upcoming soundtrack, and his singing talents to both "My Funny Friend and Me" and a duet with Shawn Colvin titled "One Day She'll Love Me." Winner of 14 Grammys® and four Brit Awards, Sting has been a major influence on the music scene since his days with the vanguard rock band, The Police (formed in 1977). On his own, he continued pioneering with such acclaimed albums as "The Dream of the Blue Turtles," "Bring on the Night," "...Nothing like the Sun," "The Soul Cages," "Ten Summoner's Tales" and "Mercury Falling." Most recently, his best-selling album, "Brand New Day," won acclaim for its ambitious blending of highly rhythmic elements, echoes of Miles Davis and medieval plainsong, along with Algerian pop and American country music. The multitalented performer has also made his mark as an actor with diverse roles in such films as "Quadrophenia" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," as well as on Broadway in Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera." He continues to embrace activism for a variety of causes, including rainforest preservation and Amnesty International.

With its distinctive flavor, upbeat music by Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Sting and David Hartley, rousing score by John Debney, and stylish animation, "The Emperor's New Groove" is sure to get moviegoers in the groove for fun, fantasy and adventure. Outrageous comedy reigns supreme in this mythical mountain kingdom when arrogant young Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor -- the devious diva Yzma. Stranded in the jungle, Kuzco's only chance to get back home and reclaim the high life rests with a good-hearted peasant named Pacha. Kuzco's "perfect world" becomes a perfect mess as this most unlikely duo must deal with hair-raising dangers, wild comic predicaments and -- most horrifying of all -- each other, as they race to return Kuzco to the throne before Yzma tracks them down and finishes him off. Ultimately, Kuzco's budding friendship with Pacha teaches this royal pain to see his world in a different way. "The Emperor's New Groove" opens in theatres nationwide on Dec. 15.

-- Posted October 23, 2000

Source: Company press release