Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958–June 25, 2009).
Yesterday was one of the saddest days in America since 9/11 in 2001 and the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans on August 29, 2005, when the shocking news of the sudden death of the awesome Michael Jackson shook the United States of America and echoed all over the rest of the world within seconds. Hope Obioma Opara, the Publisher of Supple magazine woke me up at about 2 am Nigerian time to break the sad news to me in tears. His younger brother Outragiouz, a Nigerian Hip-hop artiste based in America had called him to tell him that MJ was no more among the living mortals on earth. I felt feverish and sat up in bed and could no longer sleep.
It could be a hoax, I said to Hope.
No Mike, Michael is dead! He said.
Hope is a fanatic of MJ since his teens and in fact his parents stopped him from going to America to prevent him from following in the footsteps of his idol.
We kept vigil to mourn MJ and listened to more news on him on the radio.
As we are still mourning Michael Jackson, then the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett, (February 2, 1947 — June 25, 2009) hit me this morning. She was one of my favourite actresses of all time and one of the most celebrated pin-up sex symbols on TV. What a weekend of sorrows in America.
Michael Jackson was phenomenal and like Elvis Presley who was the indisputable King of Rock 'n' Roll, Michael Jackson was the first King of Pop Music and there can never be another Michael Jackson.
Farewell in eternity, Michael Jackson.
26 Jun 2009 05:08 Africa/Lagos
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
NEW YORK, June 26 /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.
Source: Sony Corporation
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
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
26 Jun 2009
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SIRIUS XM Radio to Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson with Special Programming Across its Music Channels
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Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
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