Paul McCartney playing the guitar

Starbucks — well-known for coffee but not music — and the Concord Music group — well-known for music but not coffee — who got together recently to form the Starbucks Hear Music label, announced March 22, 2007 very well-known rock 'n' roller Paul McCartney is the company's first singer.

The announcement was made at the annual company shareholder meeting in Seattle, Washington. McCartney appeared on a live video feed from London to be present for the meeting and the announcement.

"For me, the great thing is the commitment and the passion and the love of music, which as an artist is good to see," said McCartney, who seemed very optimistic about signing up with the label. "It's a new world now, and people are thinking of new ways to reach the people and for me that's always been my aim."

McCartney's new album is due out this summer and will be available in most stores. His album will be the first released under the Hear Music label. Starbucks and Concord have high hopes for the label in their joint venture.

"Having the honor of releasing an album by Paul McCartney as our first project under the Hear Music label is in a word, remarkable," Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment, said.

"This demonstrates how Hear Music can present even the most successful recording artists of all time with unique opportunities to reach existing fans, as well as a new audience of listeners."

Starbucks released news of its new label in early March. It's decided to sign both popular and new artists to its label. They plan to distribute the productions throughout their retail stores and music retailers.

McCartney continues to work on removing himself from his marriage to Heather Mills. There were reports in early March the couple had come to an agreement in the settlement for their divorce.