Starbucks and Concord Records Announce Partnership

Additional New Artist Recordings Will Be Produced and Distributed Through Co-Branding Between Starbucks Hear Music Brand and Concord Records

Beverly Hills, CA- Concord Records (www.concordrecords.com ) and Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) announced plans today to release a new recording that features duet performances with the legendary Ray Charles. The CD is slated for release at the end of the summer, and marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship between the two companies to produce and distribute new recordings under the Concord and Starbucks Hear Music(tm) (www.hearmusic.com ) brands.

“While discovering new music has been an important part of the Starbucks Experience, this recording marks the first time that Starbucks will be involved with the creation of music from such legendary icons," comments Don MacKinnon, vice president, Starbucks Music and Entertainment. “We are excited that this new venture will be launched with a renowned artist such as Ray Charles, and with songs that are sure to inspire music fans of all ages."

The recently completed landmark CD features the multi-talented Ray Charles performing handpicked songs with a plethora of world-renowned artists, such as Elton John, Norah Jones, BB King, Diana Krall, Michael McDonald, Johnny Mathis, and Willie Nelson.

“The duets project has been a tremendous experience," says Mr. Charles. “I am working with some of the best artists in the business, as well as some of my dearest friends."

During a career that spans nearly six decades, Mr. Charles, a 13-time Grammy