British recording artist Rod Stewart is working on his first Christmas album as part of a new deal with Universal Music Group, the record label said.

The long-term worldwide recording agreement, which will include multiple albums, was announced Wednesday by Lucian Grainge, the company's chairman and chief executive officer, as well as Stewart and his manager, Arnold Stiefel.

"I've known Rod and Arnold for many years and have been wanting to work with them for some time," Grainge said in a statement. "Rod possesses one of pop music's most inventive and memorable voices; and we're delighted to be part of the next great chapter in his already storied career."

"I'm confident that by partnering with my fellow [Commander of the British Empire,] Lucian, and his cracking, top-notch company, we have the best team in the business. And the chance to work again with [producer] David Foster makes it that much sweeter," Stewart said. (c) UPI