Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

New York (ots/PRNewswire) -

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and
profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible
imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and
President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant
troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the
passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed
the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his
originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony
family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the
millions of fans around the world who loved him."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael
Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every
corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in
expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences
to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us
in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented
superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing,
said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once
in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful
businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at
Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate
partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly
missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest
condolences."

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller,"
"Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music
label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his
extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records
worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of
artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The
Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most
Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest
Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received
the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11
with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s,
he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking
videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's
sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop,
soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

ots Originaltext: Sony Corporation
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Sandy Genelius of Sony Corporation of America, +1-212-833-6975; Liz
Young of Sony Music Entertainment, +1-212-833-8558; Jimmy Asci,
Sony/ATV Music Publishing +1-212-833-4513