'Hairspray' Soundtrack Hits Gold; Kelley Signs Record Deal

New Line Records' soundtrack to the hit musical comedy Hairspray (now playing in theaters nationwide) was certified Gold by the RIAA after selling more than 500,000 units and continues to be ranked in the Top 10 of Billboard's Top 200 chart and at #1 on the Billboard Independent Label chart for the ninth week in a row.

On November 20, New Line Records will release a limited run, 2 disc deluxe collector's edition of the Hairspray soundtrack, which will feature karaoke versions of Hairspray hits, non-soundtrack songs, never-before-heard outtakes, demo recordings, trading cards and more in a special gift set package.

In addition, Hairspray breakout star Elijah Kelley – who plays the role of Seaweed in the film – has signed a long term record deal with New Line Records.  His solo debut is expected in the first quarter of 2008.

The Hairspray soundtrack, released on July 10, includes three original numbers that were created specifically for the film version of the hit Broadway musical – "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl In Town," and "Come So Far." Also featured on the soundtrack are the songs "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the '60s," "Nicest Kids In Town," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." The songs are performed by cast members John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Elijah Kelley among others. Also featured is the track, "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" performed by Rikki Lake, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Nikki Blonsky.

The Hairspray soundtrack is produced by Marc Shaiman and features music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. It features tracks mixed by Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bette Midler), Peter Mokran (Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera) as well as Frank Wolf.