NBC Pacts with Columbia Records for Smash Soundtrack

UNIVERSAL CITY: NBC and Columbia Records have signed an agreement for the recording rights to the soundtrack of the network’s new musical drama Smash, with series star Katharine McPhee scoring a solo deal. 

Smash launches midseaon on NBC, taking a Monday 10 p.m. slot. It stars McPhee (American Idol), alongside Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and Anjelica Huston (Prizzi’s Honor). Smash centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. The series’ soundtrack will feature original compositions by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the Tony- and Grammy Award-winning songwriters of Broadway shows such as Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can, along with covers of a variety of existing hits.

"A musical series should naturally be accompanied by a soundtrack deal, and NBC is very excited to be working with the best. Our Columbia Records partners will guide the soundtrack of Smash into a big component of the show’s success," said Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment. "The music will be a driving force of what promises to make a tremendous impact for NBC in January and we couldn’t have asked for better expertise and strategy than this company will provide."

"We are thrilled and proud to be chosen by NBC to work on their amazing new show," added Rob Stringer, the chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group. "Music is at the heart of Smash, and with our wonderfully creative broadcast partners, we will develop innovative strategies to present this music to a huge audience."