Mariah Carey celebrates 20th anniversary of "Butterfly"

Legacy Recordings and Sony Music Entertainment will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mariah Carey's Butterfly with the release of a collector's edition 12-inch vinyl picture disc. The album will feature the iconic original cover photo and a special note from Mariah to her fans. The album will be released Friday, October 20.

In May of 2016, Carey was given the Ally Award from GLAAD. In her career, Carey has won dozens of awards celebrating her musical achievements. At the GLAAD awards, she said receiving an award as an “ally” of the gay, lesbian and transgender community was somehow “more real” than the other tributes she has received.

Originally released on September 16, 1997, Butterfly was Carey's sixth studio album. It was said to be one of the 1990's most-avidly-anticipated albums and quickly established itself as both a commercial and artistic success. The songs and sounds of Butterfly helped shape and define the pop/R&B music and cultural zeitgeist of its era and beyond.

“Butterfly is my favorite album,” says Carey. “It's the most personal work I've ever done and will always be a defining moment in my career and in my life. I'm so happy to celebrate this anniversary with such a special release. Stay tuned for more surprises!"

At the time of Butterfly's release, Carey was already the biggest-selling female artist of the decade, having sold more than 80 million records since her debut in 1990. She has the most chart-toppers of any solo female artist in the rock era. In the history of the Hot 100, only six singles have debuted at No. 1 and Carey owns half of them.

Carey remains the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to date and 18 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (17 self-penned), more than any solo artist in history.

She is a singer/song-writer/producer recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, Billboard's “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI's “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting…just to name a few. That’s coupled with her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent.

Carey is considered the template of the modern pop performance.

A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has generously donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart. Organizations include Save the Music, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief and many others.

A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, Carey founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development.  

Butterfly is available on Amazon. Customers may preorder until the release date of October 20.

Copyright The Gayly – October 11, 2017 @ 11:45 a.m. CDT.