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MGM Resorts, Record Producer?

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2015, file photo, a man rides his bike past the MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
(AP Photo/John Locher, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2015, file photo, a man rides his bike past the MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Bob Dylan has a new single out.

Interestingly, it's a reimagining of the torch song "She's Funny That Way," but with lyrics to make it about a same-sex relationship.

Maybe more interestingly, that track is part of a collection of songs commissioned by MGM Resorts as part of a new EP called "Universal Love."

Phyllis James is the chief diversity and corporate responsibility officer for MGM Resorts International.

She said the album fits in with the company's growing emphasis on being an entertainment company, not a gaming company. 

It also fits with the company's emphasis on inclusion.

“We have a long-standing tradition at our company of supporting diversity and inclusion, including for the LGBTQ community,” she said.

James said it took a long time to find artists who not only wanted to participate but could also work out their schedule to participate.

She said the album has received phenomenal support, especially from the LGBTQ community.

“This is a collection of love songs that really recognizes their humanity and their love relationships,” James said.

James said the new album is not a commercial venture for the company but is really about promoting inclusion.

“This was more of a labor of love and it was more of a statement of inclusion," she said.

Phyllis James, Chief Diversity and Corporate Responsibility Officer, MGM Resorts

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Casey Morell is the coordinating producer of Nevada Public Radio's flagship broadcast State of Nevada and one of the station's midday newscast announcers. (He's also been interviewed by Jimmy Fallon, whatever that's worth.)