Babyface Signs on With Arista

October 20 -- When Antonio "L.A." Reid replaced hitmaker Clive Davis as the president of Arista Records in July, there was speculation that many of the label's high-profile acts, such as Whitney Houston or Santana, might jump ship. Not only did that not happen, but Reid has added a new superstar to the roster, signing his old pal Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds to a long-term solo recording contract, the label said Thursday.

Babyface had been signed to Epic Records, which will release a greatest-hits package featuring two brand-new songs on Nov. 14. Arista and Epic will join forces to promote one of those tracks, "Reason for Breathing," to radio.

Reid and Babyface heaped praise on each other in the Arista statement. Edmonds called Reid "an intuitive businessman," while Reid said "an artist of [Edmonds]' substance comes along once in a musical generation."

As a singer-songwriter-producer, Edmonds has won 10 Grammys, including a record three consecutive prizes as producer of the year. Combined worldwide sales of singles and albums bearing his imprimatur exceed the 100 million mark.

The duo has worked together since 1983, when Indianapolis native Edmonds joined Reid's Cincinnati-based funk band, the Deele. In 1989, they co-founded Atlanta-based LaFace Records, the eventual home of TLC, Toni Braxton, and Usher. LaFace is now wholly owned by Arista's Bertelsmann parent company.

In 1993, Edmonds left LaFace over creative differences with Reid and focused on his own projects. Besides his solo works, he has collaborated with the likes of Eric Clapton, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and Madonna. He and his wife, Tracy, have also forayed to the silver screen, producing such films as Soul Food.

The greatest-hits set, Babyface: A Collection of His Greatest Hits, includes the Top 10 pop-R&B singles "It's No Crime," "Whip Appeal," "Every Time I Close My Eyes," and "When Can I See You Again."

Including the aforementioned "Reason for Breathing," which Edmonds co-wrote with singer Joe, the album features three new tracks. Also appearing are "When Men Grow Old" and the first studio recording of "Change the World."