PUBLIC TELEVISION MUSIC SPECIALS FEATURE GRAMMY-WINNERS TONY BENNETT AND SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR

Boston, MA (Feb. 13, 2007) The 49th Annual Grammy Award show held Sunday, Feb. 11 in Los Angeles included artists with television programs distributed by American Public Television (APT).

Legendary crooner Tony Bennett took home two awards for his latest work on Duets: An American Classic: Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Collaboration With Vocals on the track "For Once In My Life" recorded with Stevie Wonder. Beginning March 1, 2007, APT will distribute the national debut of Bennett's public television music special TONY BENNETT DUETS: THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN CLASSIC. This program takes viewers behind the scenes for an up-close look at the making of this double Grammy-winning album. Celebrating the timeless singer's 80th birthday, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Bono, Sting, Elvis Costello and other artists join Bennett live in the studio to record some of his biggest hits and favorite songs. The special also features other Grammy winners, including The Dixie Chicks and R&B hit-maker John Legend.

Additionally, the South African vocal ensemble The Soweto Gospel Choir won Best Traditional World Music Album 2006 for their inspirational album Blessed. The Soweto Gospel Choir brings African culture into the homes of public television viewers with their special SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR – LIVE IN CONCERT. Filmed during their 2005 Australian tour, the program features performances of popular songs such as Bob Marley's "One Love" and Peter Gabriel's "Biko." Between songs, members of the choir discuss the inspiration and meaning behind their songs.

Both programs are available on local public television stations nationwide. Check your local listings for dates and times.

Requests for screeners, interviews and photos can be submitted to Lorenzo Petruzziello at 617-338-4455, Ext. 133 or e-mail at Lorenzo_Petruzziello@APTonline.org.

About American Public Television:
For 45 years, American Public Television (APT) has been a prime source of programming for the nation's public television stations. APT distributes more than 300 new program titles per year and has 10,000 hours of programming in its library. It is responsible for many public television milestones including the first HD series and the 2006 launch of the Create channel featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming. APT is known for its leadership in identifying innovative, worthwhile and viewer-friendly programming. It has established a tradition of providing public television stations with program choices that strengthen and customize their schedules, such as JFK: Breaking the News, Battlefield Britain, Globe Trekker, Rick Steves' Europe, Great Museums, Jacques Pépin: Fast Food My Way, America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated, Broadway: The Golden Age, Lidia's Family Table, California Dreamin' – The Songs of The Mamas & the Papas, Rosemary and Thyme, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, The Big Comfy Couch, Monarchy With David Starkey, and other prominent documentaries, dramatic series, how-to programs and classic movies. For more information about APT's programs and services, visit APTonline.org.

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