'DISNEY: THE MUSIC BEHIND THE MAGIC', Debuts Nov. 5 at EMP; Landmark Exhibition Tells the Remarkable Story of Disney's Innovative Use of Music and Its Impact and Influence on American Popular Culture.

SEATTLE -- "Disney: The Music Behind the Magic", the first comprehensive exhibit devoted to exploring and examining the role music has played in The Walt Disney Company's phenomenal successes over the past 80 years, opens Nov. 5 at Experience Music Project (EMP), a museum spokesperson announces today.

The exhibit, which will run at EMP for one year before traveling to points across the country and the globe, coincides with the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney Records who have provided unprecedented access into their archives and talent pool expressly for this exhibition.

In 1927 when Walt Disney saw the first "talkie," he understood that sound was going to revolutionize the film industry. The Disney Studio quickly became known for its creative and innovative use of musical storytelling to establish mood, setting and character, to drive narratives, and to create an emotional connection with audiences. "As Disney songwriters have created some of the most popular and enduring music in the American canon," EMP Artistic Director Bob Santelli explains, "Experience Music Project is honored to survey this rich history and commemorate Disney's impact in this exhibition."

"We've enjoyed the collaboration with EMP on this exhibition," said Robert Marick, Sr. Vice President/General Manager, Walt Disney Records. "Music has always played an integral role in the success of all facets of the Walt Disney Company. This exhibit captures, for the very first time, the lasting legacy and impact Disney has made in the music industry and pop culture around the world. The exhibit is a terrific way to celebrate the label's 50th Anniversary."

"Disney: The Music Behind the Magic" will explore this legacy and draw inspiration from Disney animation, television programming, theme parks, live-action films and Broadway musicals in addition to the label's artist roster past and present, which includes music sensations ranging from Annette Funicello to Raven-Symone and The Cheetah Girls. The exhibition will not only include more than 65 rare artifacts from the Disney Archives but will also boast four interpretive films, including excerpts of key Disney films and interviews with artists and experts such as Richard Sherman, Alan Menken, Phil Collins and Leonard Maltin. In the spirit of past EMP exhibitions, visitors will also enjoy interactive displays where, for example, they can mix their own classic Disney tracks and even participate in a musical interactive challenge.

In addition, this highly anticipated exhibition will be supplemented with thoughtful and engaging educational programming anticipated to reach hundreds of thousands students, educators and families.

For ticket and addition information on EMP, please visit www.emplive.org or phone [phone].

MORE ON EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT: Experience Music Project (EMP) is a 21st century museum dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in popular music. By blending interpretative, interactive exhibits with cutting-edge technology, EMP strives to capture and reflect the essence of rock 'n' roll, its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, as well as rock music's influence on hip-hop, punk and other recent genres.

Patrons can make their own music, see and learn about rare artifacts and memorabilia from EMP's collection of more than 80,000 items, explore various musical milestones within unique interpretive exhibits and feel the power of the creative force by listening to musicians tell their own stories.

Founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, under the direction of co-founder Jody Patton and designed by architect Frank O. Gehry, the 140,000 square foot multi-colored and "swoopy" museum rises up in the heart of Seattle at Seattle Center and provides visitors a musical experience unparalleled anywhere in the world. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EMP is online at www.emplive.org.

MORE ON WALT DISNEY RECORDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:

Celebrating 50 years of turning music into gold, Walt Disney Records has set the standard as the leader in family audio entertainment. The label has earned more than 275 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards from the R.I.A.A, and several of its releases rank among the top-selling singles and soundtracks of all time. The label also produces music for the whole family including infants/toddlers, kids and tweens/teens plus special releases from Disney's expansive catalog.

Over the years WDR has helped preserve Disney's rich musical history by re-mastering many of its classic soundtracks. In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the label has begun the preservation and restoration of its earliest classic recordings. These vintage masters will be digitally transferred and restored in an effort to keep the legacy and musical spirit of Disney alive for future generations. Select titles will be available for the first time on digital format beginning this fall.

Walt Disney Records and its imprints Buena Vista Records and Disney Sound are part of The Buena Vista Music Group. The Buena Vista Music Group encompasses all of The Walt Disney Company's recorded music and music publishing operations.