Genius Loves Company, the
final recording from music legend Ray Charles, is now officially
multi-platinum. The CD, a permanent fixture at the top of the Billboard
charts since its debut, has shipped more than two million copies in the
United States and more than three million copies worldwide, in only
three months since release.
To date, it has received Gold, Silver and Platinum
certifications across North America, Europe and beyond and is the best
selling recording of Ray Charles' six-decade career. 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.
Also, exclusively at Starbucks, beginning Dec. 1st an exclusive
Ray Charles boxed set pairs Genius Loves Company and his greatest hits
CD Visionary Soul, with a special edition Ray Charles Starbucks Card.
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.
It was completed just months before Charles passed away on June
10. The Rock Hall exhibit opening today is titled "The Genius of Ray
Charles" and is scheduled to remain on display into the summer of 2005.
This collection of historic Charles memorabilia has never been seen by
the public or left his very private Los Angeles headquarters.
Among the items that visitors will see up close are the
entertainer's amazing collection of awards, from all over the world; his
famed stage wardrobe, meticulously designed, catalogued and coded by
Charles and his manager, Joe Adams; a sampling of his legendary music
charts, including "Georgia" and "I Can't Stop Loving You"; his original
chess board (Charles was a champion player); and many other items.
