One track at a time, Apple sells 10 billion songs; Johnny Cash ballad is 10 billionth

Apple sells 10 billionth song _ a Johnny Cash tune

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. said Thursday that it has sold 10 billion songs from the iTunes Store since it opened in 2003, cementing its position as the world’s largest music retailer.

The 10 billionth song was “Guess Things Happen That Way” by Johnny Cash, bought by Louie Sulcer of Woodstock, Ga. He will receive a $10,000 gift card.

The music store sold around 25 million tracks in 2003. Three years later, it surpassed the 1 billion mark.

Separately, Apple was set to hold its annual shareholder meeting Thursday at its headquarters in Cupertino.