Starbucks ponies up 50 million free iTunes songs

Seattle (WA) - Starbucks has announced it plans to give away free music downloads across its entire US chain to promote the coffee house’s upcoming promotion with the iPod.

More than 10,000 stores will hand out a total of 1.5 millions songs per day from October 2 to November 7. Customers will receive a "song of the day" card with their coffee purchase, containing a promotional code to redeem at iTunes.

37 songs will be part of the promotion, including music from Paul McCartney, John Mayer, and Annie Lennox.

Earlier this month, Apple announced it had struck a partnership with Starbucks to allow users of the new Wi-Fi-enabled iPods to download music wirelessly while in the store. The servie will have initial rollout in major cities, and is expected to be available nationwide by 2010.

Also starting October 2, Starbucks will include two free iTunes downloads with the purchase of a Starbucks gift card.