Renee Olstead at the Academy Awards, Renee Olstead at Governors Ball.

Actress-singer Renee Olstead will perform at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Ball. Olstead will sing with the Gregg Field Orchestra at the gala event attended by Oscar winners and nominees, which will immediately follow the 77th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 27.

Renee Olstead's self-titled debut album, released in 2004, features a collection of standards like "Sentimental Journey," "Someone To Watch Over Me" and "What a Difference a Day Makes."

In addition to singing, the 15-year-old Olstead enjoys a successful film career. She has appeared in "End of Days," "The Insider" and "13 Going on 30." Olstead also co-stars in the CBS television comedy "Still Standing."

The Gregg Field Orchestra will mark its fifth performance at this year's Governors Ball. Noted musician Gregg Field heads a topnotch group of 16 musicians from the film and television industry.

The Governors Ball will be held in the Governors Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland complex immediately following the 77th Academy Awards presentation on Sunday, February 27. The ceremony, which will honor outstanding film achievements of 2004, will be televised live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood by the ABC Television Network at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.

Renee Olstead "Renee Olstead" CD (2004): ORDER IT NOW.

77th Annual Academy Awards: Carlos Santana will sing, Carlos Santana Nominated Song "Al Otro Lado Del Rio" With Antonio Banderas at the 77th Annual Academy Awards

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician and 10-time Grammy-winner Carlos Santana will perform "Al Otro Lado Del Rio," one of this year's five Oscar-nominated songs, at the 77th Annual Academy Awards ceremony this coming Sunday, February 27. Accompanying him on the song, which is from the acclaimed film The Motorcycle Diaries, is actor -- and in this case vocalist -- Antonio Banderas. It marks the first time that either Santana or Banderas has performed on an Oscar show and broadcast.

When Carlos Santana arrives at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre for the globally telecast event, he'll be joined on the red carpet by his wife and author Deborah Santana. Ms. Santana's first book, the memoir "Space Between The Stars: My Journey To An Open Heart" (One World/Ballantine Books, hardcover), arrives in stores nationwide next Tuesday, March 1 (see here).

Though autobiographical in nature, the volume doesn't follow a strict chronological timeline. Rather, with bold and moving prose, it spotlights key experiences in the author's ongoing spiritual quest, her evolution as a woman, and her thirty-plus year relationship with Carlos Santana, with whom she has three children.

The 77th Annual Academy Awards, featuring Chris Rock's premiere appearance as host, airs live on ABC Television at 8PM (ET)/5PM (PT) on Sunday, February 27. Artists performing other nominees in the Best Song category include Beyonce, Josh Groban and Counting Crows.

Deborah and Carlos Santana have been married for 32 years. Carlos Santana is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; has sold more than 90 million records; performed to more than 100 million people; and, he was honored with the most Grammys given to a single project in the history of the awards for his landmark CD "Supernatural." Santana's most recent Grammy win honored the hit "The Game Of Love," from his 2001 album "Shaman." Currently, the artist is underway with the recording of his 38th album, set for release this year.

Deborah Santana is a writer and author who will release her debut One World book entitled "Space Between the Stars" in the spring of 2005 (see here). She is also a highly successful businesswoman as Vice President and COO of the New Santana Band, Inc.

Together, Deborah and Carlos Santana have been change agents for social activism for the majority of their lives. After supporting hundreds of causes and benefits, they founded the Milagro Foundation in 1998. The Foundation has granted almost $2 million to charities and agencies that support children and youth in areas of health, education and the arts. In 2003, they became involved and deeply committed to donating and supporting programs to help with the AIDS pandemic in South Africa through Artists for a New South Africa. Their good work continues.

Edit: Carlos Santana is performing but he is not nominated for an Oscar. That honor goes to the composer and original performer of the song singer/songwriter Jorge Drexler from Uruguay. Thanks to Harry for this information.

Santana "Live in Australia in the 70's" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Deborah Santana "Space Between The Stars: My Journey To An Open Heart" book: ORDER IT NOW.

Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, Neil Young, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Justin Timberlake to be presented at the 20th Annual "2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony" Premiering Exclusively on VH1 Saturday, March 19 at 9:00 P.M. (ET/PT)*

For 20 years the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has honored musical artists across all genres for their contribution to the music industry. Now fans can watch the historic celebration of Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge, the O'Jays, the Pretenders and U2 as these artists take their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The "2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony" will take place at The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City on March 14, for debut on VH1 Saturday, March 19 at 9:00 pm. This year's show will honor blue's guitarist Buddy Guy, the Golden Voice of Soul, Percy Sledge, the smooth sounds of the O'Jays, modern rock pioneers The Pretenders and the influential Dublin quartet, U2.

Frank Barsalona, founder and president of Premier Talent Agency and Seymour Stein, Chairman of Sire Records will be inducted in the Lifetime Achievement in the Non-Performer category. Justin Timberlake, Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Neil Young are among the special guests currently scheduled to present to this year's inductees.

*all times ET/PT

Neil Young "Greatest Hits" CD (2004): ORDER IT NOW.

Schascle will be on tour with Dickie Betts and Great Southern beginning March 1, and will be finishing writing for her next album.

Signed in 1990 to Warner Brothers Records, "Haunted By Real Life" produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd) gained attention on the Jazz/Pop charts with title song.

Schascle's Music video "Can't Get Love With Money" was featured on VH1. The sensual song "Garden of Love", accompanied a love scene on the prime time soap opera "Days of Our Lives".

Warner/Reprise records Featured Schascle "Twinkle" on the back cover of Billboard Magazine announcing the release of her new album. And she was brought to New York to guest VJ on VH1 to host the "Top 21 Countdown".

Twinkle Schascle's performance in the Montreaux Jazz Festival accompanied by Eric Claptons Band under the direction of Quincy Jones won her International Critical Acclaim.

She is the Grand daughter of Famed Jazz Photographer Charles "Pete" Peterson.

Twinkle has Performed and recorded with world class musicians including Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate (Toto), Steve Lukather (Toto), John Pattitucci, Vinnie Colaiuta (Chick Corea), Dickie Betts ( Allman Brothers), Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Rusted Root), Brian McCleod (Sheryl Crow,Wire Train) Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Neal Larsen (Al Jarreau,Will Smith), The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Nathan East,  Ray Cooper, Greg Fillengaines, Steve Feroni (Eric Clapton), Double Trouble (Stevie Ray Vaughan), Billy Ashbaugh (In Sync), Rod Stewart (Background on Vagabond Heart), Howard Leese (Heart),  Paul Rodjers (Bad Company),Joe Thomas (Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Bud Sneider (Allman Brothers, Dickie Betts Band),  Rick Hall (Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter), Jerry Wexler, legendary producer of Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, called Twink the "Greatest soul singer I've seen in a long time, and believe me, I've seen my share of imitators."

Schascle "Haunted By Real Life" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Last week Steve Lukather did a session for the new album of the legendary guitarist and innovator in guitar and lectronics design Les Paul.

Steve Lukather:

"Had a great session for Les Paul's new record. THE Les Paul! I was playing a tracking date with Abe Laborial Jr. AND Sr. (KILLER) and with Kenny Wayne Shepard. It was WAY cool. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Neal Schon, Sting, Joss Stone and a million more I don't know about are on it. This is a duets record ala RAY (SRV) but way different musically. Kenny Wayne was awesome and we all had a blast trading riffs and solos. Spoke to Les on the phone after the date. A living legend and a very nice man!

He invented multi track recording, close miking, reverb and efx not to mention the LES PAUL guitar! I broke out my old 1959 sunburst Les Paul for the occasion. Still used the LUKE for the solo's. It was fun trading licks with Kenny. One hell of a great blues player and a really nice kid. I dug the vibe on the session alot. Got to tell Abe Jr. just how AWESOME I thought he was with McCartney on Super Bowl Sun. THAT blew EVERYONE away. Kids take notice... that's how good you REALLY gotta be! Hahaha."

Steve Lukather "In Concert" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Maia Sharp "Fine Upstanding Citizen," Maia Sharp new album.

Maia Sharp "Fine Upstanding Citizen" new album will be available on March 22, 2005 (on Koch Records).

Koch Records has just announced the first leg of recording artist Maia Sharp's national headline tour in support of her forthcoming album, "Fine Upstanding Citizen," which will be in stores on March 22nd. This is the third album by the prolific singer/songwriter.

Maia Sharp is at once a multi-talented musician, a gifted songwriter, a poetic lyricist, a dynamic live performer and a well-spring of talent tapped by many of the music industry's most esteemed artists.

In addition to penning "A Home," the title track for the Dixie Chicks' multi-platinum CD, Maia Sharp's songs have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Art Garfunkel, Trisha Yearwood, Edwin McCain, Lisa Loeb, David Wilcox, Paul Carrack and many more.

Embraced by the elite of the songwriting community, Maia Sharp has toured and/or written with Carole King, Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin, Keb' Mo' and Dar Williams. She's played everywhere from The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco to Royal Albert Hall in London.

Art Garfunkel exclaims, "In the tradition of great female artists, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan... now enter Maia Sharp."

Maia has recently written and recorded three songs for Bonnie Raitt's upcoming album. The legendary Raitt recently praised the artist, "Maia is making some of the most innovative and soulful music around with songs that are head and shoulders above the rest. She has become one of my favorite artists. 'Fine Upstanding Citizen' is a brilliant album, start to finish."

The first single off of "Fine Upstanding Citizen," "Something Wild," continues a rapid climb up the Triple A Radio Charts.

Maia Sharp Tour Dates:
March 20 Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsley
March 22 Louisville, KY Uncle Pleasants
March 24 Akron, OH Lime Spider
March 25 Columbus, OH Little Brothers
March 26 Philadelphia, PA Tin Angel
March 28 Pittsburgh, PA Club Cafe
March 29 Springfield, MA The Iron Horse
March 30 Portland, ME The Big Easy
March 31 Woodstock, NY Joyous Lake
April 1 New York, NY The Cutting Room

A 2nd Leg of Tour Dates for April and May will be announced shortly.
Koch Records will release Maia Sharp's "Fine Upstanding Citizen" on March 22, 2005.

Maia Sharp "Fine Upstanding Citizen" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

John Fogerty, Steve Cropper, Isaac Hayes, Bill Withers, David Porter, Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.

Steve Cropper, John Fogerty, Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Richard and Robert Sherman and Bill Withers will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year, Chairman/CEO Hal David announced in a statement today. The organization, which is dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of those composers and lyricists who create popular music around the world, returns for its highly anticipated 36th annual induction and awards dinner, scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Special award honorees will be announced at a later date.

"The Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards is very special because it’s a time when premier songwriters come together to honor their own," commented SHOF Chairman and songwriter extraordinaire, Hal David. "We're proud of the growing impact of our event, which is now one of the high points of the year. We are looking forward to another terrific and memorable evening where we spotlight the accomplishments of those who have provided us with the words and music that form the soundtrack of our lives!"

As a founding member of the legendary Booker T and the MG's, as well as an A&R man, producer and songwriter, Steve Cropper was involved in virtually every record issued by the seminal Stax recording label from the fall of 1961 through year end 1970. Some of his songwriting credits include the classics "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," "Knock on Wood" and "In the Midnight Hour." Steve Cropper produced and played on sessions by the likes of Poco, Jeff Beck, Jose Feliciano, Yvonne Elliman, John Prine, Dreams and Tower Of Power. As a member of the original incarnation of the Blues Brothers, he recorded three albums with them, including the number one "Briefcase Full of Blues". Over the past 20 years, Steve Cropper has continued to be an in-demand musician and producer. His string-bending talents are showcased on CDs by Elton John, Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, Steppenwolf and Johnny Lang.

John Fogerty's enduring songs like "Proud Mary," "Bad Moon Rising," "Who'll Stop The Rain," "Lodi," "Looking Out My Back Door," "Run Through The Jungle," "Centerfield" and "Fortunate Son" are now so firmly engrained in our collective consciousness they seem to have come to us from the American soil as much as from any one man. John Fogerty recorded many of his great songs as the leader of the now legendary band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Creedence Clearwater Revival released nine Top Ten singles between 1969 and 1971, beginning with the classic "Proud Mary," and scored eight gold albums between 1968 and 1972. As a solo artist, Fogerty released an critically acclaimed eponymous album in 1975, and in 1984 released a Top Ten single, "The Old Man Down the Road," and a number one album, "Centerfield". Creedence Clearwater Revival was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and in 1997, John Fogerty released the Grammy Award-winning "Blue Moon Swamp" and the live album "Premonition" a year later. His most recent album, "Déjà vu All Over Again," was released in 2004. To this day, John Fogerty remains a genuinely great artist, one of the defining songwriters of our time.

Isaac Hayes and David Porter were one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 1960s. After playing on several sessions for Otis Redding, Hayes was tapped to play keyboards in the Stax house band, and eventually established a partnership with songwriter David Porter. Under the name the Soul Children, the Hayes-Porter duo composed some 200 songs, reeling off a string of hits for Stax luminaries like Sam & Dave (the brilliant "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby," "Soul Man," “I Thank You” and "Hold On, I'm Comin'"), Carla Thomas ("B-A-B-Y,") and Johnnie Taylor ("I Got to Love Somebody's Baby," "I Had a Dream"). As an individual artist, Isaac Hayes went on to become the first African American composer to win an Oscar for Best Score for his soundtrack to the film "Shaft," the theme song of which became a #1 hit. David Porter went on to engineer the relaunch of the Stax label and is a current member of th Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy.

One of Walt Disney's most successful songwriting teams was that of brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. These incredible children's film composers created the music heard in "Mary Poppins," "The Jungle Book," "Parent Trap," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Aristocats," and many more Oscar-nominated scores. The Shermans have won several Oscars for their scores and songs, many of which are warmly and firmly ingrained in our memories like "Chim Chim Cheree" ("Mary Poppins"), "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Mon" key Song)" ("The Jungle Book"), "It's A Small World" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," which is about to open on Broadway with the Shermans' Oscar-winning score. They also scored "Aristocats" (1970) and 1971's "Bedknobs Broomsticks," which garnered them more Oscar nominations for Best Score and Best Song. After this, the Sherman Brothers began freelancing work on screenplays and scores, including "Snoopy, Come Home" (1972), "Tom Sawyer" (Oscar-nominated score), "Charlotte's Web" (1973), Disney's "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," "The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella" (1977; Oscar-nominated score and song), and "The Magic of Lassie" (1979; Oscar-nominated song).

Bill Withers' music and lyrics have phenomenal accessibility and universal appeal. Withers was awarded his first Grammy award as a songwriter for "Ain't No Sunshine," in 1971. His classic composition "Lean On Me" went to #1 in 1972. Bill Withers' other classic compositions include the soulful "Use Me," the hit song "Lovely Day" and the infectious "I Want To Spend the Night," and the still-vibrant "Just the Two of Us" with Grover Washington, Jr. Withers was nominated for four Grammy’s for "Just The Two of Us" in 1981 and won the Grammy for songwriting for it. Bill Withers received his ninth Grammy nomination and third Grammy as a songwriter in 1987 for the re-recording of "Lean On Me" by Club Nouveau. As evidence of their undeniable appeal, Bill Withers' songs have been recorded by hundreds of artists including Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Will Smith, Lionel Hampton, The Temptations, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger and Crystal Gayle just to name a few.

The stars came out last year for the 35th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards event at the Marriott Marquis' Grand Ballroom.
Inductees Charles Fox, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Don McLean, Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, and special award recipients Stevie Wonder (Johnny Mercer Award), Rob Thomas (first ever Starlight Award recipient), Neil Sedaka (Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award), Les Bider (Abe Olman Award), Michael Goldstein (Patron of the Arts Award) and Hal David/Burt Bacharach (Towering Song Award for "What The World Needs Now Is Love") mingled with presenters and performers India.Arie, Garth Brooks, Cedric The Entertainer, Bill Cosby, Jamie Cullum, Macy Gray, Jimmy Jam, Mick Jones, Jonny Lang, Michael McDonald, Brian McKnight, Moby and Regis Philbin in a mutual admiration society of many outstanding moments. Garth Brooks, presenter and performer for Don McLean, in Brooks' first public performance in over two years, sang a gorgeous rendition of McLean's "Starry, Starry Night."

Jonny Lang performed a blistering version of Stevie Wonder's "Livin' For The City;" Brian McKnight did justice to Hall & Oates" "Sara Smile," in a soulful performance of the classic song; Roberta Flack drew one of many standing ovations of the night for her Charles Fox-penned Flack classic "Killing Me Softly," and Don McLean brought everyone to their feet to sing along on his epic song "American Pie." The evening concluded with Dionne Warwick presenting the Towering Song Award to Hal David for his timeless classic "What The World Needs Now Is Love," which the incomparable songstress also sang. Warwick and David were then joined onstage by the entire group of artists who sang along in a rousing finale.

About The Songwriters Hall of Fame: see the official website.

John Fogerty "Deja Vu All Over Again" CD (2004): ORDER IT NOW.

M Ward "Transistor Radio", M Ward new album now out this week on Merge Records.

"Transistor Radio" may be bookmarked by instrumentals, but M. Ward's cracked, Jazzy croon is the true star of all his work. The sixteen tunes here all sound like sketches that became songs on the spot, and we all know the well-crafted illusion of spontaneity is a very difficult thing to pull off repeatedly. His most consistently enjoyable album to date, "Transistor" offers breezy, smart, poppy music very much in the American Folk tradition, from country blues to bleary-eyed bedroom strums. This is the soundtrack to a lazy Sunday when you sleep in, read the "Times in bed," cuddle with a friend, then finally leave the house for cheese grits. "I'll Be Yr Bird" sounds like the Fruit Bats collaborating with Vic Chesnutt, while Ward recalls Stew on "Hi Fi," the deadpan lyrics over lazy, lovely sounds: "Why burn your bridges when you can blow your bridges up?" The laudanum-like charms of Ward’s music are tough to resist.

From a half-named troubadour with an otherworldly voice and an old time sensibility comes this fourth full-length, a collection of songs "about childhood memories of a utopian radio power", dedicated to "the last of the remaining independent radio stations." With songs normally associated with the front porches of Louisiana, back when families gathered around the radio instead of the TV, M. Ward "Transistor Radio" fits somewhere between your great-grandfather's collection of 78 rpm records and current and timeless artists such as Iron & Wine, Gram Parsons, and Tom Waits. Guests include Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), and Jordan Hudson (The Thermals).

M Ward "Transistor Radio" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow and Rod Stewart Team Up For A Charity Action, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow and Rod Stewart for Breast Cancer Research

Music and entertainment superstars including Sheryl Crow, Rod Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, David Carradine, Mick Fleetwood, Joe Perry of Aerosmith and Brian Johnson of AC/DC are joining forces in an effort to raise money and awareness to help in the fight against breast cancer. On May 3, 2005 Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles will host the first ever "Designer Gibson Guitar Auction" to benefit the Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

Expedition Inspiration, the national nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research, and Hard Rock Cafe will auction 50 Gibson Les Paul SG Special guitars decorated by music and entertainment superstars live at the Cafe and online at juliensauctions.com. Musical giant Gibson Guitar has donated the guitars that will feature the original artwork of the celebrity who designed it. Money raised will go to promote promising new research at the USC/Norris and UCLA/Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centers, both leaders in cancer prevention and research.

"Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women 35 to 54, and Expedition Inspiration has been instrumental in calling attention to the breast cancer epidemic and desperate need for a cure," said Téa Leoni, actress and auction chair for Expedition Inspiration. "We are proud to partner with Hard Rock Cafe and Gibson Guitar to bring this unique auction that will widely appeal to music and entertainment fans and hopefully raise a lot of money."

Owners of the world’s greatest collection of Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia and supporters of various philanthropic causes since it was founded in London in 1971, Hard Rock Cafe is a natural venue for this event that allows celebrities to showcase their creativity and decorate guitars for charity.

Brian Siemienas, Director of Marketing, Hard Rock International commented, "Hard Rock's business and abiding passion is to make the earth a safer, healthier and better place to live, and we are grateful that the participating celebrities share our vision."

The live Expedition Inspiration auction at Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles begins at 8:30 p.m. on May 3, 2005, and is by invitation only. However, online bidding for the specially designed Gibson guitars will open to the general public prior to the event on April 24, 2005 at www.juliensauctions.com.

"Gibson Guitar is proud to be part of such an exciting and worthwhile event," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO, Gibson Guitar. "The musicians who are designing these guitars continue to be leaders in the music industry and much like Gibson Guitar work to contribute to worthy causes such as this. We join in this effort to help find the cure."

Melissa Etheridge "Lucky Live" CD+DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Joni Mitchell albums for Starbucks, Joni Mitchell "Artist's Choice" and Joni Mitchell "Selected Songs".

Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the release of two exclusive CDs, both of which were produced by Starbucks Hear Music in collaboration with Joni Mitchell. Joni Mitchell "Artist's Choice" and Joni Mitchell "Selected Songs" are exclusively available at Starbucks Company-operated stores in North America.
Starbucks Hear Music's newest CD releases provide unique insight into Joni Mitchell's singular genius:

- Joni Mitchell "Artist's Choice" consists of eighteen of Joni Mitchell's favorite songs. Featuring song-by-song commentary written by Joni Mitchell, the album provides a revealing glimpse into the artist's personal and aesthetic inspirations, which are as richly diverse as her own musical catalogue. As her celebrated forays into the genre would suggest, Jazz (the DeBussy classic "Clare de Lune," Billie Holiday's "Solitude," Miles Davis' "It Never Entered My Mind," and more) figures prominently in Joni Mitchell's selections. Among the album's surprises are Chuck Berry's "Johnny Be Good" and the New Radicals' "You Get What You Give."

- Joni Mitchell "Selected Songs" is a collection of Joni Mitchell's songs, all of which were selected for inclusion on the album by a broad range of friends and fellow musicians who have been influenced by the legendary artist. Participants include Prince, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, and Chaka Khan. For the first time since Starbucks Hear Music launched its popular Opus series in February 2001, world renowned artists were asked to choose their favorite song from a fellow musician's catalogue and their picks formed the album.

"By the end of the 20th century it seemed to me that the muse had gone out of music and all that was left was the 'ic,'" Joni Mitchell said. "Nothing sounded genuine or original. Truth and beauty were passe. I got the picture. I quit the business. I volunteered to take part in the Starbucks Hear Music project in order to force myself to review the songs and compositions that, over the course of my life, really got to me. I was about to receive an honorary doctorate in music and I needed to remember what it was that I had once loved about it."

"We are honored to have had the opportunity to team with Joni Mitchell, a true music legend, to offer our customers, who are passionate music fans, the chance to learn more about her musical inspirations and the impact she's had on other world-renowned musicians," said Ken Lombard, president, Starbucks Entertainment. "We are delighted to be able to offer our customers unique perspective on Joni Mitchell's talent and musical legacy."

Joni Mitchell "Selected Songs" is a musical testament to the impact Mitchell has had on other world-renowned singers and songwriters:

- About his choice of "Free Man in Paris" (from the album "Court and Spark"), Bob Dylan says "I always liked this song because I'd been to Paris and understood what being a free man there was all about ... I'm not so sure that the meaning I heard in the song was what Joni intended, but I couldn't stop listening to it."

- "It's nearly impossible to choose between the intimate, emotionally raw songs of Blue and the novelist's eye for details in a portrait song such as "Shades of Scarlet Conquering,"" explains Elvis Costello. "I chose 'For The Roses' (from the album of the same name) for inclusion on Joni Mitchell: Selected Songs because it is somewhere in between - there are tiny details of a lover's infidelity, but the musical tone is also confidential and it sets up a bold and unflinching look at an artist trying to detach from the deceits of fame."

To purchase either CD, go to a Starbucks Company-operated store in North America, or visit: www.starbucks.com.

Joni Mitchell "Collectors Edition" 2 DVD set (2005) ("Painting with Words and Music" and "Woman of Heart and Mind: A Life Story") : ORDER IT NOW.