In recognition of the tremendous achievements of this year’s GRAMMY award winning artists, Apple is offering special pricing on all albums that include a GRAMMY award winning track on the iTunes Music Store in the US. The iTunes Music Store has been an integral part of this year’s GRAMMY awards with previews and downloads for voting members of the academy, a showcase for nominees and winners, and the exclusive online music distributor of the live version of “Across the Universe.”
“We want to extend our congratulations to all of the GRAMMY nominees and winners,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO in the press release. “We’re thrilled to be able to honor the industry’s top artists by showcasing their award winning music on the iTunes Music Store.”
Starting today, all albums on the iTunes Music Store that include a GRAMMY award winning track can be downloaded for $2 off its original cost, which brings the price of most albums down to $7.99. The special version of “Across the Universe” performed live during the CBS GRAMMY telecast by leading artists including Bono, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Velvet Revolver, Tim McGraw and Brian Wilson is also available as a 99-cent download exclusively on the iTunes Music Store in the US and Canada, with all proceeds going to the Southeast Asia tsunami relief efforts.
With Apple’s legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod® and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music online. The iTunes Music Store features more than one million songs from the major music companies and 600 independent record labels, over 9,000 audiobooks, gift certificates and exclusive music not found anywhere else online.
More info about Apple’s iTunes Music Store here.
Stevo and company need to read the definition of “Honor”.
As is being used in the article the proper word to use is “Cash In” on their success. I love the Apple but lets cut the BS
I’ll second that Lucas.
It was great how often iTunes was mentioned last night. Talk about product placement!
The group song really sucked but I bought it anyway to help out with proceeds and to show the industry the power of iTunes. I’m not sure noticed I bought it…
I know Steve Jobs is a low key kind of guy but we need to start seeing him pop up at these events as a presenter.
Quit yer bitchin’. Apple didn’t have to offer a $2 reduction at all. If the $2 price drop causes people to buy the winners albums, it will ultimately “honor” that artist through increased royalties (albeit small royalties, but royalties just the same). The record labels aren’t taking a $2 cut. Instead, Apple is giving up some of its profits in honor of the winners. I hardly see that as “cashing in”.
Right on G$!! If they were to just advertise the fact that they sell the albums without cutting the price, would that suit you better, Lucas? Give them some credit for a promotion where the consumer can actually get a deal!!
There seems to be a lot of skeptics, when it comes to the driving motives behind any charitable decision… While, sometimes there is just cause for some of this skepticism, in this case, I think the iTMS “heart” is in the right place …
As far as the “cashing-in” remark (above) goes… I doubt theres much “cash” involved, insofar as monies slated to be made by Apple by the decision to reduce certain prices…. but, instead…. maybe the higher profile gained by iTunes.com could have some “coat-tail” effect of cashing in…
I find no fault in that… In fact, I applaud Steve Jobs, the iTMS, and Apple for being the only company mentioned at the Grammys to actually make an effort to do something for the Tsunami Relief Effort !…
Where was the mention of Billy Gates’ efforts ??
I’m talking Grammy not Tsunami
The concept of charitable corporation is an oxymoron and contrary to stockholders bylaws
Gates and others donate monies because it reduces their tax burden and creates positive public image perception. The might have a personal kind bone but if they do, it is not advertised.
I think that it is great that the consumer gets a $ 2 break on an album, still my issue is only with the use of the word Honor. It is a business decision they took, not an altruistic one. I
So how long does this discount last?
Lucas…
Im not saying Billy Bob doesnt contribute to various charities… but, I seem to remember reading somewhere … that most of the ones he contributes to… he owns !…
Nonetheless…. I believe, that even some business decisions can be altruistic…
From the very start, Apple recieved many accolades for leading the corporate community in the Tsunami Relief Effort … The mention of iTMS at the Grammys just seems to be an extension of that…
But, as was mentioned just prior to the song in question… this relief effort has faded from the headlines… but the need is still there… and Apple, is still trying to do something about it !
So… where is the mention of Billy Gates contributions here ?
or .. Glasser’s
or Michael Dell’s ?? et al
I think Apple is showing the world, that they are a class company…
(in spite of some skepticism)
Lucas: Maybe you meant, “The concept of charitable publicly-held corporation is an oxymoron and contrary to stockholders bylaws.”
Many non-profits are corporations (I work at one). Not all corporations issue stock or are publicly traded.
Obviously Apple is not a non-profit, so I’m not arguing with your point.
I really don’t think apple is putting up the money for the 2 dollar discount. I think its more reasonable that either 1, the record companies helped out or 2, Apple is using thier ad money, cause this really is advirtisment for them.
David
Me
You are absolutely right in your understanding of my statement. I was referring to Apple as a publicly-traded corporation. Brand loyalty can reach a cult like state that blinds the consumers to the realities of the market. Thank you for clarifying my point.
Mac dood – I respect your appreciation of Apple’s choice to include a sentiment about the Tsunami in their web site- you are entitled to your opinion and we should both be glad about this.
I don’t agree on your extension from Grammy to Tsunami to Charity to Glasseer but ,hey! it is your opinion
I hope you are an truck driver or someone that lives and works alone because it most be hell for those around you to keep you focus in a conversation. My issue was Grammy NOT Tsunami nor Gates or Glasser or mother Teresa for that matter.
(Lucas) “My issue was Grammy NOT Tsunami nor Gates or Glasser or mother Teresa for that matter.”
Mother Teresa was a rotten person. Read “The Missionary Position” by Christopher Hitchens.
A money-raising snake in sheep’s clothing. I’ll take an up-front money-maker like some of the others mentioned here any day.
I once humped Mother Teresa in the back of a Calcutta charity wagon for three hours. That bitch could really shake her ass! And she had the cutest little nun suit . . .
FOR ME TO POOP ON!
Apple’s mind-share is so far ahead of Microsoft’s — and most other companies — that it’s simply astounding. They are, after a few short years, on the verge of turning a brand name (iPod) into a de facto standard. It’s almost a fait accompli at this point. That’s just amazing. And it illustrates just how fast the tables can be turned in the 21st century economy.
Microsoft had better watch out. All the money in the world (which is close to what they have!) usually can’t fight such ongoing, negative mind-share as theirs. Of course, Apple has got to be careful too — lest a mis-step or two turn the tide against them as well. But things like these Grammy mentions are important, because they serve to solidify the Apple brand in the minds of the very people who make the product. That’s priceless. And capitalizing on the Tsunami cause is briliiant — Hollywood types LOVE that kind of stuff. And who in the hell cares about assigning motive? Apple’s DOING it. What are the other companies doing?
I just wish Apple would put some different iPod shuffle ads into rotation. Maybe we’ll see a Mac mini ad down the road too, once the supply is no longer constrained.
This is definitely shaping up to be Apple’s tipping point year.
Triumph is a turd–and MDN should edit out that kind of slime.
Lighten up, RT. I’ve seen far worse on these forums. I applaud MDN for permitting freedom of speech on a private board — sometimes even when the criticism is aimed directly at them. Besides, I thought it was kind of funny.
Through laughter the world becomes a better place.
Dingle Haus is Mother Theresa.
You will also see Dingle Haus’ post in this months Reader’s Digest, under “Humor in Uniform”.