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Apple announces winner of the 10 billion songs promotion

by Dave Caolo Feb 25th 2010 at 11:00AM

Just yesterday Apple's iTunes store reached a huge milestone -- 10 billion songs sold. That's an incredible number. In fact, it's almost as incredible as the prize that Mr. Louie Sulcer of Woodstock, Georgia received for buying the magic song. As his reward, he received a $10,000 iTunes gift card, which he may use towards any of the music, TV shows, movies, apps, books, etc. in the store.

What was the 10 billionth song downloaded? "Guess Things Happen That Way" by Johnny Cash.

Apple's vice president of Internet Services Eddy Cue remarked on the milestone in a recent press release. "We're proud that iTunes has become the number one music retailer in the world, and selling 10 billion songs is truly staggering."

Congratulations to Mr. Sulcer! Enjoy that hefty gift card. Might we suggest a little Battlestar Galactica [iTunes link]?

[Via MacDailyNews]

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Just yesterday Apple's iTunes store reached a huge milestone -- 10 billion songs sold. That's an incredible number. In fact, it's almost as...
 

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Kissie N Atl

I'm proud to be in his state too, and am pleased to read this story.

Boy, imagining my delight if that had been my day! Wow!

Awesome, congrats to Mr. Sulcer, guess things happen that way!

February 27 2010 at 7:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Kissie N Atl's comment
Kissie N Atl

Exactly! =)

March 03 2010 at 8:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jakethepianist

This makes me proud to live in the same state as Mr. Sulcer. With $10,000, I probably would've bought Star Trek, a few iTunes Passes, and some iBooks when they're released. I just wish that I could've talked to Steve on the phone. So many questions...

February 26 2010 at 8:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Michael Bushnell

The phone call from Steve Jobs would've been enough for me. I'd love to ask him how he's doing these days. I'm a cancer survivor myself, and I know how difficult things can be.

February 26 2010 at 9:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zendiz

Congrats to winnenr, but look at this http://www.apple.com/itunes/10-billion-song-countdown/

The most of all times downloaded songs are < 3 years old. I think that's a nice signal, and if you see what is downloaded, you got a good demographic.

14 year old girls are apples biggest downloaders :-)

February 26 2010 at 5:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SIP

And the winner is from Woodstock... how appropriate.

February 25 2010 at 7:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
spaceMan

It's still somewhat surprising to me that iTunes gift cards can >not< be used for app purchases outside of the US store. Just music and video.

A phone call to Apple to ask what options in the form of gift cards for app store purchases are available in Canada, and the answer is none.

February 25 2010 at 3:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kentawilson

I just did it and it links to BSG in the iTunes store. Caprica if that's your flavor too.

February 25 2010 at 12:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to kentawilson's comment
joza

Ah ... I checked in the German store. There are only the german versions of the show, that's why that link does not work from here.
Well, anyway, good advice for spending the gift card!

February 25 2010 at 12:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joza

What's behind the Battlestar Galactica iTunes link?
Doesn't work for the German iTunes store :-(

joza

February 25 2010 at 11:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to joza's comment
ep2002

@joza
I couldn't link to it too on my phone. All I got is this message:
This item cannot be accessed on your device, but may be available from the iTunes Store when accessed from your computer.
And I'm in the USA.
Go figure.

February 25 2010 at 11:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joza

@ep2002
I tried it on my computer and iTunes said, it would not be available via the German store ...

February 25 2010 at 12:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
frank

i hate to be cynical, but part of me wants to agree with you, Gib. but then again, i also like the coincidence of it just happening to be a song like that.

February 25 2010 at 11:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gib

"What was the 10 billionth song downloaded? "Guess Things Happen That Way" by Johnny Cash."

I bet Apple looked at the 50 or so songs around the 10b mark and found one with a catchy title (or at least decent taste) they could use in a PR spin. I certainly would if I was running the company. I wouldn't give someone buying Lady Gaga $10000.

February 25 2010 at 11:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to gib's comment
leenakaimo

Based on the last couple of years Apple has been selling around a billion songs each quarter. At this rate it will take two years and six months. The rate of sales will go up however, so I'm guessing 18 months is a good estimate.

I believe, it will take years for contenders to be at par with what the Apple iTunes holds now in the music industry. Opinions: http://bit.ly/10-billion-songs-itunes-best-who-made-it

February 28 2010 at 2:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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