Tis' The Season to Be Ray (Charles): Legend's 'Genius Loves Company' Album Ships 3 Million Copies for Holiday. Exhibit on Late Entertainer Opens December 1st at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum; 'Ray' Film Is a Bonafide Hit

NEW YORK, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ - Genius Loves Company, the final recording from music legend Ray Charles, is now officially multi-platinum, and the best selling recording of Ray Charles' six-decade career. 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. 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, at Starbucks beginning Dec. 1, 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.