Ray Charles' 'Genius Loves Company' ships 3 million copies; Sales Blizzard: Consumers taking it home for the Holidays

BEVERLY HILLS, CA. (Concord Records, Inc./ www.concordrecords.com) - "Genius Loves Company," the final recording from music legend Ray Charles, is now officially a multi-platinum disc. The CD, a permanent fixture at the top of the Billboard charts since its debut on August 31, has shipped more than two million copies in the United States and shipped more than three million copies worldwide. To date, it has received Gold, Silver and Platinum certifications across North America, Europe and beyond. "Genius Loves Company" is, without a doubt, one of the best selling recordings of Ray Charles' six-decade career.

The landmark CD - Charles' 250th recording effort - features the multi-talented musician performing new duets with such world renowned artists as Natalie Cole, Elton John, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, Michael McDonald, Johnny Mathis, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor. Completed just months before Charles passed away on June 10, "Genius Loves Company" has received rave reviews with the New York Times declaring that it is, "Seemingly destined without fail for the uppermost ranks of best sellers," and the Los Angeles Times stating, "The premiere stylist saved a lot for a collection that should have a year-end Grammy presence." As testament to Charles' impact on American music and influence on artists from practically every genre, the CD has been featured at Country, Blues, AAA, Urban AC, Smooth Jazz, Jazz and AC radio.

The considerable sales of "Genius Loves Company" were facilitated in part by a unique distribution and marketing relationship between Concord Records and Starbucks Hear Music label. Starbucks Coffee Company has been singularly responsible for nearly 30 percent of the total domestic sales of the album. On December 1, Starbucks retail locations in North America will offer the exclusive "Box of Genius" 2-CD holiday gift set, featuring "Genius Loves Company," Charles' great hits CD, "Visionary Soul," and a limited edition Ray Charles Starbucks Card.

"Ray," a new movie based on Charles' life that stars Jamie Foxx, is widely considered a front runner in the upcoming Academy Award race. On November 24, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH, of which Charles was an original inductee, opens a special exhibit featuring memorabilia and archival material from the Genius' prolific career.