Ananova:

Sir Cliff Richard is going country and ending his 46-year relationship with EMI.

The 63-year-old has defected to Universal Music - the label that promotes Eminem, Keane and Will Young.

Universal believes Sir Cliff's brand of soft rock is set for a revival.

The singer, who has had more British chart singles and albums than anyone else bar Elvis, is now turning to country music. His first album of new material for six years has been recorded in Nashville in collaboration with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and a roster of young songwriters.

The Times has learnt that Universal Music signed Sir Cliff as a "priority act" after EMI passed on the record, entitled Something's Going On.

The Universal deal is initially for the new album, released in November, but further projects are expected to follow if it is a success.

Sir Cliff's music sparked controversy this year when Tony Blackburn was suspended from the Classic Gold radio station after he ignored an edict not to play his records.

EMI said it continued to enjoy a good relationship with Sir Cliff and will release further compilations and Christmas records.