Rocketown Records announces the signing of 28-year-old adult contemporary pop artist Ronnie Freeman, whose self-titled debut is set to release May 21, 2002. Ronnie Freeman is being produced by Dove Award winner Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith, Sonicflood, The Katinas).

Rocketown Chairman Michael W. Smith said, "Ronnie reminds me of me a decade ago. He’s passionate, devoted to his family and has a real gift when it comes to the piano and songwriting. I think his voice is one the church will really want to hear—I’m thrilled to have him as part of the Rocketown family."

Born and raised in Montgomery, Ala., as the second of four children, Ronnie began playing piano at age 7. His debut promises ministry-driven songs of conviction aimed to equip the church community. Fellow songwriter Tony Wood notes that Ronnie is not as much a storyteller with his music as a "revealer of beliefs, longings and uncertainties in a heart of faith."

Freeman says, "I remember hearing about Rocketown not long after the label started and how they put the artists first. They weren’t trying to make Chris Rice or Ginny Owens something they weren’t. That was a huge appeal to me. The thing I’m most excited about in terms of being at Rocketown is that I get to continue to be me."

Producer Bryan Lenox notes, "I've never been more excited about a new artist than Ronnie Freeman. I'll be listening to this record for the rest of my life."

In addition to signing a recording agreement with Rocketown, Freeman also recently signed a booking agreement with the Greg Oliver Agency and will be performing dates later this month with Phillips, Craig and Dean. For more information on Ronnie Freeman, see RonnieFreeman-online.com or www.rocketownrecords.com.

Grammy Award-winner Michael W. Smith and former Reunion Records A&R chief Don Donahue started Rocketown Records with the goal of building a label around a foundation of great songs. Since its launch in 1996, Rocketown has garnered New Artist of the Year Dove Award nominations for Chris Rice, Watermark and 2000 winner Ginny Owens. The label is currently celebrating its five-year anniversary.