Jackie Chan releases Olympic album

Jackie Chan (R), with China Central Television anchor Bai Yansong, promotes his album, one of the two solo albums authorized by the Beijing Olympics organizing committee, at the release ceremony in Beijing on August 7, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

One day before the Beijing Olympics opening, Jackie Chan released an official Olympic album and became the only male singer authorized to do so.

The "Official Album for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Jackie Chan's Version" is one of the two solo albums with authorization granted by the Beijing Olympics organizing committee, reported Sina.com.cn. The Web site broadcasted the launch ceremony at the Olympic Park on Thursday.

The other record to be released soon is by songstress Tan Jing, according to Yu Binghan, who produced both albums.

Chan's album includes 10 songs he sang for the "Official Album for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games," a star-studded compilation released on April 30. Tracks include "We Are Ready" and "Welcome to Beijing."

"The album is an extension of the official compilation," Yu Binghan told Sina. "We chose Jackie because he is the best-known Chinese celebrity, and also because he has done a lot for the Olympics."

Chan received his Olympic volunteer certificate from the organizing committee on August 3 at the inauguration ceremony for China Story, a project promoting Chinese culture and for which he and Tan Jing will together sing the theme song.

He is also set to promote Chinese culture to foreign broadcasters during the games, Sina reported.

Chan wore sports clothes to his album's launch ceremony, and said the garments were one of the 101 sets that he has had custom made for Olympic occasions.

Each set is printed with Olympic rings and features different Chinese characters. The one he wore Thursday reads "Peace" and "Friendship."

He said that he would put the costumes up for auction after the Olympics and donate the proceeds to charity.