Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees The O'Jays to Release ''IMAGINATION'' September 28; First New Album in Three Years from R&B Legends Currently in Their 43rd Year as Recording Artists.

NEW YORK -- Sanctuary Urban Records Group is pleased to announce the September 28 release of IMAGINATION, the first album of new music in three years from the incomparable and legendary O'Jays. The announcement comes just two days after The O'Jays received their 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination.

Featuring writing and production from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis; Troy Taylor; Rob Fusari, Gordon Chambers and Gerald Levert, as well as the O'Jays themselves, IMAGINATION is signature O'Jays smooth replete with the group's trademark harmonies, memorable hooks, passionate yearnings and overall feel-good tracks that have the magnetic familiarity of a longtime friend. A flawless listen from start to finish, IMAGINATION features "Repair Man," a funky groove set off by a guitar-fueled rhythm track; "Imagination," which is destined to be the next 'stepping' anthem; and the album's first single, the lush slow drag of a ballad "Make Up."

"I loved the creative process and energy on this record," says The O'Jays' Eddie Levert, Sr. "Mathew and the Music World/Sanctuary Urban family provided us with excellent producers and songs. We look forward to continuing to be a part of Music World's magical success. I truly enjoyed being a part of the creative team and I am hoping that our fans will enjoy and embrace IMAGINATION," says The O'Jays' Eddie Levert, Sr.

"Since working with Mathew Knowles, The Music World/Sanctuary Urban family and of course the O'Jays -- Eddie and Eric -- it has been a serious but enjoyable journey. IMAGINATION is a special album and as a writer and producer it was a privilege to work with all the special people who were incorporated into this project. Because this CD covers such a variety of today's many sounds, we believe we are destined to reach all generations, all nationalities, and people from all walks of life. Stay with us on this one and enjoy it," says The O'Jays' Walter Williams, Sr.

The O'Jays' Eric Grant comments, "We have put together a great CD. It's a CD that had a wonderful feeling as we were recording it. Some of my favorite tracks are Imagination, One Good Woman, Repair Man and Busy Tonight. I really love every track we did, and I hope our fans will too."

"The O'Jays are one of my favorite groups of all times," says Mathew Knowles, president and CEO of Music World/Sanctuary Urban Records Group, who signed the group last year. "Their music and their performances are timeless. They are living legends and this album proves that they continue to have staying power."

With 10 gold and nine platinum albums to their credit, The O'Jays is one of the most vital and beloved R&B vocal groups of all time. Now in their 43rd year making music, the group is releasing what is sure to be one of the great albums of their long career and one of the most vibrant R&B albums of 2004.

The O'Jays have released over 60 albums. Their previous album, For The Love Of, was certified gold and received a Grammy nomination. The group was also featured in the acclaimed movie The Fighting Temptations and continues to tour and perform before sold out audiences around the country.

Helmed by Mathew Knowles, Sanctuary Urban Records Group (SURG) is the leading music company that markets entertainment to urban consumers worldwide with multiple-platform content that includes recorded music and audio-visual products such as DVDs. SURG is home to a world-class artist roster that transcends demographic borders. SURG recording artists include Jon B; De La Soul; Earth, Wind & Fire; Glenn Lewis; The O'Jays and Ray J.

SURG is a division of Music World/Sanctuary Urban Group, Inc., a part of global independent record company The Sanctuary Group.