Songs recorded by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Bette Midler, and Dolly Parton are among those covered by R&B artists for the inspirational compilation "Rhythm & Spirit: Love Can Build a Bridge." Due out next Tuesday (April 17) via the BMG-distributed 7N Music label, the album features the likes of Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Holliday, and former SWV member Cheryl "Coko" Gamble (who duets with her mother, gospel singer Clyde "Lady Tibba" Gamble).

Highlighting the 11-track set is the Gamble mother/daughter cover of Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven," Ashford & Simpson's take on Bette Midler's "From a Distance," and Nona Hendryx' performance of Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody."

Each song on the Bennie Diggs/Joseph Joubert-produced album features the voices of th e Institutional Radio Choir under the direction of the Rev. Carl Williams and the musical supervision of Professor Isaiah (Butch) Heyward. In its 48-year history, the group has recorded 28 albums, and recorded and performed with such artists as LaBelle, P aul Simon, and Roberta Flack. The choir's 1996 album "I Will Give You Praise" (Vectron) debuted at No. 13 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart.

Here is the full track listing of "Rhythm & Spirit: Love Can Build a Bridge" (original artists in parenthes es):

Tramaine Hawkins, "Up Where We Belong" (Joe Cocker)
Cheryl "Coko" Gamble and Clyde "Lady Tibba" Gamble, "Tears in Heaven" (Eric Clapton)
Ashford & Simpson, "From a Distance" (Bette Midler)
Nona Hendryx, "Gotta Serve Somebody" (Bob Dylan)
Patti LaBe lle, "Love Is the Answer" (England Dan & John Ford Coley)
John James, "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" (Sting)
Sherry McGhee, "I Will Always Love You" (Dolly Parton)
Vivian Reed, "Because You Love Me" (Celine Dion)
Meant To Be, "Pray" (M.C. Hammer)
Billy Cliff, "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley)
Jennifer Holliday, "Love Can Build a Bridge" (the Judds)