Martina McBride "My Heart" album will be released throught Hallmark on Valentine's Day next year. Hallmark announced today that award-winning vocalist Martina McBride will be the featured artist on its 2005 Valentine's Day CD, "My Heart." The signing of Martina McBride represents the latest exciting partnership Hallmark is forging within the music industry. The album "My Heart" will feature eight songs and will be available only in Hallmark Gold Crown(R) stores.

"We are delighted about joining forces with such a highly respected and talented artist," said Ann Herrick, integrated marketing manager at Hallmark. "Based on consumer feedback, Martina McBride was our No. 1 choice, and we think she will be a perfect fit for this year's Valentine's Day music CD. We feel fortunate to be working with an artist whose career is skyrocketing."

Martina McBride, who was recently nominated for two American Music Awards (AMA) and one Country Music Association (CMA) Award, has claimed the CMA's award for Female Vocalist of the Year three times - in 1999, 2002, and 2003. She also won a Grammy in 1995 for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, or Bluegrass Gospel Album for her work on "Amazing Grace - A Country Salute To Gospel" (see here). Throughout her remarkable career, Martina McBride has sold over 13 million albums, had 20 top-10 hits and garnered more than 70 awards and nominations.

"It's exciting to partner with a company that is not only known for being of the highest quality, but has actually set the standard for all others to follow," Martina McBride said. "I have grown up with Hallmark, and the thought of my CD being in a Hallmark store is thrilling for me. I cannot wait to walk in and actually see it there!"

"My Heart" will be available exclusively in Hallmark Gold Crown(R) Stores Jan. 24-Feb. 14. The album, regularly priced at $10.95, will be sold for $6.95 with the purchase of any three Hallmark cards. Consumers can visit Hallmark.com, or call 1-800-HALLMARK, to find the nearest Gold Crown(R) store in their area. It will also be available throughout Canada.

The album is highlighted by two original tracks - "At Last" and "Together Again." Martina McBride's powerful voice carries listeners into the romantic tune of "At Last," a song which she claims "is perfect for a slow dance in the living room." On "Together Again," Martina McBride skillfully combines the romance of a Valentine's Day track with a touch of her signature country melody.

In addition to new tracks, the album also features some classic Martina McBride tunes. Chief among them is "Valentine," a duet with Jim Brickman which vaulted to No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1997.

The Martina McBride CD follows Hallmark's signing of legendary artist James Taylor for his first-ever holiday CD, reinforcing the company's commitment to partnering with world-renowned artists in the music industry. Teri Brown, president of T.B.A. Network, Inc., was instrumental in crafting Hallmark's partnership with both Martina McBride and James Taylor.

Martina McBride "Martina" (2003) DVD: ORDER IT NOW.