NEW YORK - TDR reader Michael Braatz thought it would be a good idea to write to Billboard columnist Fred Bronson and ask about Roxette and the U.S. record deal (or lack thereof).

  Bronson, whose column is read by many in the music industry, has published the question and his answer in the online version of ChartBeat, and will probably include it in the print version this Friday.

  Fred, who along with his "on-air" partner Chuck Taylor are both honorary members of RoxNorthAmeriFANS, have played "The Centre of the Heart" twice on Billboard Radio. Once as their "Pick to Click," and once when it became the #1 single in Sweden.

  "Wish I Could Fly" was also a Billboard Radio "Pick to Click" at the time that edel America started to promote it as an on-air single here in the U.S. Referring to Roxette, Taylor said "We love 'em around here."

• Billboard ChartBeat

LISTEN TO YOUR CHART

Hey Fred,

  Roxette has released a new single and album everywhere else in the world –
and both the single and the album are climbing the charts – already top-10
or No. 1 in many countries. With proven success in the U.S. (many top-10s
and even some No. 1s), how come the group can't get a decent record deal and
some airplay? Or do you know of anything in the works?

  I hope to hear my favorite band on the radio soon.

Thanks,

Michael Braatz

Ohio



Dear Michael,

  Listeners of The Billboard Radio Countdown have already heard the new
Roxette single, "The Center of the Heart," first as a Pick to Click and then
as the No. 1 song in Sweden. Sometime back, Roxette signed with edel
America. The edel label is very strong in Europe, but hasn't had a lot of
success in the U.S. as of yet (a few years ago, the single "Crush" by
Jennifer Page was a top-10 hit on The Billboard Hot 100).

  The single, as well as the album "Room Service," was supposed to come out on
edel America, but now I hear the release is in doubt. If I hear anything
different, I'll let you know.