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Gloria Gaynor Releases Christmas CD Featuring a Tribute to the Troops

Just in time for the holidays, Gloria Gaynor has released a Christmas album titled "Christmas Presence" featuring original song "Christmas Prayer."

New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) November 5, 2008 -- Gloria Gaynor, long known as a source of inspiration for her hit single "I Will Survive," has released a Christmas album entitled "Christmas Presence," just in time for the holiday season. The CD includes many traditional holiday songs such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, Frosty the Snowman and O Holy Night.

Gaynor has also recorded a touching original song, Christmas Prayer, which is her tribute to American military men and women. "Though it's important to keep our troops in our thoughts and prayers all year long, Christmas is a time when we are able to express that even more," said Gaynor, "and I'm so happy to include Christmas Prayer on my new album."

This coming year, Gaynor is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the release of "I Will Survive." A veteran of the music industry, Gaynor signed her first record contract at the age of nineteen and has been entertaining audiences with her music ever since. In 1973, Gloria made history as Billboard gave birth to the Disco Action Charts and Never Can Say Good-Bye bowed at #1 on the charts and became the first dance song to reach #1 status in dance music. Gloria continued to set the standard when, in March of 2001, her single Just Keep Thinkin' About You topped the Billboard Dance/Club charts at #1, while her international hit Last Night debuted at #1 throughout Europe.

In September 2002, Logic Records/BMG released the highly anticipated U.S. album "I Wish You Love." This was her first worldwide release in 15 years and it delivered four #1 dance singles on Billboard's Dance Charts as well as her first top ten hit, I Never Knew, on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Charts. She also recorded a new live version of I Will Survive in Spanglish, recorded in Brazil.

With many hits and a successful international music career, Gaynor's popularity continues to flourish. In 2001 she was honored at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo with the coveted "Legend" award presented by long-time fan Prince Albert. In 2005, Gloria, along with her hit song I Will Survive, was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. She made a splash on Broadway in "Smokey Joe's Café," the longest-running musical revue, and has been a guest star on such popular programs as "That '70's Show" and "Ally McBeal," introducing her to a whole new generation of fans.

I Will Survive continues to be a theme of survival, encouragement, and steadfast strength not only for Gaynor, but for several generations of music fans. In addition to releasing her new album, Gaynor keeps busy by lending her support to numerous charities, ranging from the likes of The Rita Hayworth Gala for Alzheimer's to Revlon's Annual Run/Walk for Life.

In January 2009, Gloria will kick off her symphony tour with the Houston Symphony. More details to come.

"Christmas Presence" out from Koch Records, available in retail stores nationwide, as well as iTunes and Ms. Gaynor's personal website: www.gloriagaynor.com.

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