Denzel Armani: Redifining Afrobeat

Denzel Armani: Redifining Afrobeat

Music did not just happen to Ifenna Denzel Armani Ezeofor. He did not stumble on music out of idleness.

The star-studded lawyer-turned-musician veered into music in obedience to a childhood passion that settled with him in adulthood.

A talented songwriter and composer with Denzel Armani as a stage name, music comes naturally to him. Armed with a Law degree from the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus,  UNEC,  Denzel Armani is on top of his game as an Afrobeat musician.

Listening to the soulful rhythms and lyrics of Denzel Armani's brand of Afrobeat one cannot but agree that he is one of the few Nigerian Afrobeat musicians who has redefined the unique,  timeless music genre originated by the irrepressible late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. 

On stage, Armani is a delight to watch. He is imbued with an electrifying fierce sound and stage presence which is undoubtedly unique, embodying a fusion of afrojuju, rock, jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and hip hop. 

Armani has always loved music. His romance with music started as far back as his childhood when he was around six years old as he was always so fascinated with sound, delivery, and the awesome stage presence of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s death was however a very devasting experience for him. He also had at his beck and call and rich musical library growing up as his parents were music lovers. He had the opportunity to listen to the greats of times like Marvin Gaye, Boney M, Abba, Barry White, Bob Marley, Fela, Labaja, and so on.

Armani formally started his music career in 2020 and so far has several music tracks to his credit including the hits, Comot Der and Jonza.

His new single, "NEME",  a new sound of profound musical masterpiece,  was released on Saturday, 24th February 2024.

On March 9th,  2024, a collaborative musical effort with two other young artists- Von Blake and Silver Omah dubbed "Epiphany" under the Zeof Record label was also launched.

The EP, a potential chartbuster, is a selection and a rich blend of free-flowing music genres rooted in Afrobeat, Afro-ragga, and Afro-Gospel.

Denzel Armani is focused and forward-looking.  He believes the Nigerian and global music scene is his to conquer.

Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones Top '100 Greatest Music Artists of All Time' List

Michael Jackson

25 Aug 2010 11:00 Africa/Lagos


Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones Top VH1's '100 Greatest Music Artists of All Time' List

VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" Premieres Monday, September 6 at 10/9c VH1 Personality Jim Shearer to Host 4-Night Special Go to TheGreatest.Vh1.com to Vote Your Favorites


Bob Dylan


NEW YORK, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 goes back to its music roots and revisits the age-old question: "Who is the greatest music artist for all time?" Determined by a poll of well-known music artists and music experts in the industry, VH1 will reveal this definitive (and sure-to-be highly controversial) list declaring who is the greatest of the great. Hosted by Jim Shearer (VH1's "Top 20 Video Countdown"), the 4-night special, VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time," premieres Monday, September 6 at 10/9c with a 2-hour premiere.

The Beatles


This definitive countdown covers all genres of music - from rock to pop to rap to metal - to answer who is worthy to possess the title as "the greatest music artist of all time." Over the 200 musicians including Alicia Keys, Ozzy Osbourne, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Iggy Pop, Nas, Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Geddy Lee (Rush), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Michael Diamond (Beastie Boys), Daryl Hall, John Oates, Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Gene Simmons (KISS), Adam Levine (Maroon Five), 50 Cent, Nelly Furtado, Mandy Moore, Carrie Underwood, Adam Clayton (U2) and many more voted on who they believe deserves this highly coveted title.

Rolling Stones


In 1998, VH1 launched the same list as the channel's first countdown special; however; much has changed since the dawn of the new millennium. VH1 puts this debate up for a vote again to see which rock pioneers still matter and which new acts rate in the age of download-to-own music and ever-changing pop culture. The countdown will include special, rarely-seen performance footage along with brand new, totally original interviews with music's most famous faces including interviews by Adele, Backstreet Boys, Brandy, Bret Michaels, Chris Daughtry, Hall & Oates, Keane, Ozzy Osbourne, Ray J, Sheryl Crow, Usher, Whitney Houston and many more.


Led Zeppelin


VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" has changed since its first poll in 1998. Some notable changes include:


-- Michael Jackson was number 40 in the 1998 poll; however, in the
current list Jackson is in the top 5.

-- Artists from the 1960s and 1970s are still relevant with today's
artists. Younger musicians like Adam Levine, Jason Mraz, Chris
Daughtry and Carrie Underwood cast votes for classic acts like the
Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Wonder.

-- Contemporary artists like Beyonce, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Eminem,
Coldplay and Green Day are in the Top 100. However, current headliners
Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Wayne
and The White Stripes failed to make the cut.

-- The poll reflects changing tastes. The list features over 30 artists
who did not make the cut in 1998 including ABBA, Journey, Hall and
Oates, Rush, George Michael, Mariah Carey, Sade and Cheap Trick.

-- The 1998 list included very few Hard Rock artists. This time, Black
Sabbath, AC/DC, Metallica, Judas Priest and Def Leppard made the list.

-- The 1998 list ignored Hip Hop entirely. Now Jay-Z, OutKast, Run-DMC,
Public Enemy, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J and N.W.A. are
in the top 100. However no hip hop artist broke the top 40. Jay-Z was
highest at #47.


TheGreatest.VH1.com will have exclusive extras including interviews and commentary. Additionally, online visitors will be able to participate by using VH1's voting tool that allows users to pick their favorite artists, weigh in their opinions and socially broadcast their take on the list through Twitter.com and Facebook.com.


"VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time" List:

TOP 5, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

1. The Beatles
2. Bob Dylan
3. Michael Jackson
4. Led Zeppelin
5. Rolling Stones

NUMBER 6 - 11, RANKED

6. Jimi Hendrix
7. Prince
8. Elvis Presley
9. James Brown
10. Stevie Wonder
11. Bob Marley
12. David Bowie
13. The Who
14. Nirvana
15. The Beach Boys
16. Madonna
17. Queen
18. Pink Floyd
19. U2
20. Marvin Gaye
21. Bruce Springsteen
22. The Clash
23. AC/DC
24. The Velvet Underground
25. Chuck Berry
26. Neil Young
27. Aretha Franklin
28. Elton John
29. Radiohead
30. Aerosmith
31. John Lennon
32. Black Sabbath
33. Guns N' Roses
34. Tina Turner
35. Johnny Cash
36. Paul McCartney
37. Fleetwood Mac
38. Sly & The Family Stone
39. The Kinks
40. The Police
41. Van Halen
42. Metallica
43. Ray Charles
44. Joni Mitchell
45. Al Green
46. Ramones
47. Jay-Z
48. Rage Against The Machine
49. Parliament-Funkadelic
50. Sade
51. Billy Joel
52. Beyonce
53. Little Richard
54. Public Enemy
55. Peter Gabriel
56. KISS
57. Iggy & The Stooges
58. Cheap Trick
59. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
60. Whitney Houston
61. Cream
62. Genesis
63. Notorious B.I.G.
64. Talking Heads
65. The Doors
66. Justin Timberlake
67. Coldplay
68. Otis Redding
69. Tupac Shakur
70. Def Leppard
71. R.E.M.
72. Janis Joplin
73. Van Morrison
74. The Cure
75. Rush
76. Run-D.M.C.
77. Lynyrd Skynyrd
78. Judas Priest
79. Eminem
80. Mary J. Blige
81. ABBA
82. Steely Dan
83. Earth, Wind and Fire
84. Curtis Mayfield
85. The Band
86. N.W.A.
87. George Michael
88. Bee Gees
89. Beastie Boys
90. Elvis Costello
91. Green Day
92. LL Cool J
93. Pearl Jam
94. Mariah Carey
95. OutKast
96. Journey
97. Pretenders
98. Depeche Mode
99. Hall & Oates
100. Alicia Keys

ABOUT VH1:

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.


* All times ET/PT


Source: VH1

CONTACT: Michael Barrett, +1-212-654-3060, Michael.Barrett@mtvstaff.com


Web Site: http://www.vh1.com/


Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/583050.html

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SPECIAL 3-D TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON TO FEATURE

SPECIAL 3-D TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON TO FEATURE
by admin on Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:10 pm

SPECIAL 3-D TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON TO FEATURE

NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN "THIS IS IT" TOUR FILM AND PERFORMANCES BY CELINE DION, JENNIFER HUDSON,
SMOKEY ROBINSON, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, AND USHER ON THE 52ND ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS JAN. 31 LIVE ON CBS

CBS and Target Partner to Provide Millions of Free "3-D GRAMMY® Glasses" So That Viewers Can Enjoy Unique TV Experience from Home


SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2010) — GRAMMY® winners Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, and Usher will join together, along with the voice of Michael Jackson, in a moving tribute to Jackson at the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sun. Jan. 31, 8 – 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. This very special GRAMMY Moment will feature the never-before-seen 3-D mini-movie for "Earth Song" that was created by Jackson as the centerpiece of his much anticipated "This Is It" tour, but was never seen by the public prior to this GRAMMY performance.

The 3-D film was created to support the performance of "Earth Song," an original composition and a No. 1 hit for Jackson. The song has a strong theme about the future of the planet, and Jackson saw it as a unique opportunity to deliver a message to millions of people who would have seen him on tour.

"It was one of the most important portions of the concert tour to Michael and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes," according to Ken Ehrlich, GRAMMY co-Executive Producer and longtime Jackson associate, who was also at the rehearsal that night.

"This very special GRAMMY Moment will feature some of our most respected GRAMMY recipients, all of whom have a great love for Michael," added Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "This segment promises to be an emotional highlight of this year's show, and is sure to join the unique list of amazing performances for which the GRAMMY Awards have become renowned."

This special segment also represents another GRAMMY technical breakthrough in that it will be the first time a major awards show broadcasts in 3-D. The GRAMMY Awards also were the first awards show to broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound (2003).

So that viewers can enjoy this unique 3-D TV experience at home, CBS and Target have partnered to provide millions of free 3-D GRAMMY Glasses. From Sunday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 31, Target stores nationwide will exclusively offer these 3-D GRAMMY Glasses so that fans have the opportunity to see the film that was very personal to Jackson. Additionally, the audience at STAPLES Center will share the 3-D experience, wearing the same glasses as those being worn by viewers at home.

This GRAMMY tribute to Michael Jackson joins previously announced performances by nominees Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, the Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Maxwell, P!nk, Taylor Swift, and the Zac Brown Band. Presenters include actress

Kristen Bell, pop/R&B singer Justin Bieber, actor Jeff Bridges, pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus, actor Josh Duhamel, pop sensation the Jonas Brothers, nine-time GRAMMY winner Norah Jones, pop singer/songwriter Ke$ha, two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J, GRAMMY winner and three-time Latin GRAMMY® winner Ricky Martin, 10-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner Carlos Santana, and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr. The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Jan. 31, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio via Westwood One worldwide, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: http://www.twitter.com/thegrammys, http://www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

All five Album Of The Year nominees are set to perform on Music's Biggest Night®: Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, the Dave Matthews Band, and Taylor Swift.

Current nominee Carrie Underwood is up for two awards this year: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Just A Dream," and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for "I Told You So" (with Randy Travis).

As part of Bon Jovi's performance on the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards, fans will have an opportunity to decide which Bon Jovi hit the band will perform. For this "You Pick It, They Play It!" special segment, viewers can log on to http://www.cbs.com/grammys and vote in two phases for one out of six of their favorite hit Bon Jovi songs: "Always," "Bed Of Roses," "Have A Nice Day," "It's My Life," "Livin' On A Prayer," and "Wanted Dead Or Alive." There is no registration to vote, and fans may vote as often as they wish. Additionally, a 30-second clip of each song may be viewed. The deadline to vote on the first phase is Sunday, Jan. 24, 11:59 p.m. ET. The second phase starts on Jan. 25, when the list will be narrowed down to the top three songs and fans may again vote at http://www.cbs.com/grammys for which hit song the band should perform as part of their segment. Voting will continue until Bon Jovi's performance on the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 31.

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Louis J. Horvitz is director.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit http://www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at http://www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and a YouTube channel subscriber at http://www.youtube.com/thegrammys.

# # #



Media Contacts:

Barb Dehgan/The Recording Academy/310.392.3777
Kate Fisher or Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i/CBS Television

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' to Be Presented in Theaters Around the World by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment

Michael Jackson

10 Aug 2009 19:55 Africa/Lagos

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' to Be Presented in Theaters Around the World by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment

-Film Drawn From Legendary Entertainer's Last Rehearsals and Behind-The-Scenes Footage Will Be Released October 30th in High Definition with Digital Sound-

CULVER CITY, Calif., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson's final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson's "This Is It."


"This Is It" is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.


The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.


Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film's release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.


The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.


The majority of the film's footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for "This Is It," the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.


"This Is It" will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson's meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.


Said Branca, "Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael's legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael's three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it's only fitting that the relationship continues."


Said McClain, "This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael's musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need."


"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Lynton. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with The Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage."


"Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art," said Rob Stringer. "He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect."


Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson's creative partner on the This Is It concert, "The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops. It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry's most creative minds. This Is It was Michael's last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph."


In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com .


Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs, negotiated for the footage on behalf of Sony Pictures. Branca represented The Estate of Michael Jackson.


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.


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 and "Thriller" holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.


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.


About Sony Pictures Entertainment


Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com


About Sony Music Entertainment


Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. For more information, visit www.sonymusic.com


For More Information:

Steve Elzer
Senior Vice President, Media Relations
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
(310) 244-7142
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

Jim Bates
Terry Fahn
Estate of Michael Jackson
Sitrick & Company
(310) 788-2850
james_bates@sitrick.com
terry_fahn@sitrick.com

Brian Garrity
Sony Music Entertainment
(212)-833-5891
brian.garrity@sonymusic.com

Tom Cording
Sony Music Entertainment/Legacy Recordings
(212)-833-4448
tom.cording@sonymusic.com

Lois Najarian
Sony Music Entertainment/Epic Records
(718)-383-1708
lois@thedooronline.com


Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment

CONTACT: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations of Columbia
TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142, steve_elzer@spe.sony.com; or
Jim Bates, james_bates@sitrick.com, or Terry Fahn, terry_fahn@sitrick.com,
+1-310-788-2850, both of Sitrick & Company/Estate of Michael Jackson; or Brian
Garrity of Sony Music Entertainment, +1-212-833-5891,
brian.garrity@sonymusic.com; or Tom Cording of Sony Music Entertainment/Legacy
Recordings, +1-212-833-4448, tom.cording@sonymusic.com; or Lois Najarian of
Sony Music Entertainment/Epic Records, +1-718-383-1708,
lois@thedooronline.com


Web Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/
http://www.sonymusic.com/
Michael Jackson

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Breaking News: Michael Jackson's Hair From Fateful Pepsi Commercial: Part of Pop Culture History Soon to Become Diamonds

24 Jul 2009 17:11 Africa/Lagos

Michael Jackson's Hair From Fateful Pepsi Commercial: Part of Pop Culture History Soon to Become Diamonds

CHICAGO, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- When executive producer Ralph Cohen scooped up the charred hair Michael Jackson lost in the filming of the now-infamous Pepsi commercial, he had no idea that he was saving an important piece of history.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090724/CG51565)


Now, this closest connection to Jackson himself is being preserved by John Reznikoff one of America's most highly respected collectors, and being used by LifeGem the world's first purveyor of diamond memorials to create high quality diamonds.


Cohen, executive producer for the Pepsi commercial, was among the first to reach Jackson when he was set on fire.


As seen on the now famous video, Cohen threw his jacket over Jackson's head to help extinguish the flames. As Jackson was being rushed off the set and to the hospital, Cohen instinctively, picked up the charred lock of hair and put it in his pocket- where it remained undisturbed for 25 years until Jackson's death last month.


"The provenance and authenticity of this lock of hair is impeccable, including the highly publicized video showing the original owner of the hair using his Armani jacket to extinguish Jackson's hair, said John Reznikoff. "This jacket was included with the purchase of the hair."


A portion will remain in Reznikoff's collection. Another portion is being used by Chicago-based LifeGem to create a small number of certified, high quality laboratory diamonds.


Back in 2007 LifeGem & Reznikoff collaborated to successfully create diamonds from Beethoven's hair.


"LifeGem specializes in creating diamonds from locks of hair, our plan is to give people an opportunity to own a diamond made from Michael Jackson's DNA," said Dean VandenBiesen founder of LifeGem. "We are currently evaluating the hair sample to determine how many diamonds can be created. This will be a limited collection and we anticipate great interest."


Reznikoff has assembled the most extensive collection of hair from history's most famous figures, including Lincoln, Kennedy, Einstein and Marilyn Monroe.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090724/CG51565
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: LifeGem

CONTACT: Dean VandenBiesen of LifeGem, 1-866-543-3436, dean@lifegem.com;
or John Reznikoff of University Archives, +1-203-247-1155,
john@universityarchives.com


Web Site: http://www.lifegem.com/
http://www.universityarchives.com/


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Will German Doctor Plastinate Michael Jackson Like His Pet Monkey Bubbles?

28 Jun 2009 13:42 Africa/Lagos

Plastic Jacko Drives Bookies Into Meltdown

DUBLIN, June 28/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Shrewd Punters Hatch Michael Jackson Betting Coup

German doctor Gunther von Hagens has given Irish bookmaking outfit Paddy Power a potential EUR80,000 (USD$112,500) bloody nose with his claims that an agreement was in place with Michael Jackson to plastinate his remains upon his death. Von Hagens has caused controversy around the globe with his practice of embalming corpses with preserving polyurethane. The doctor also preserved Michael Jackson's late pet monkey, Bubbles, using the same process a number of years ago

Paddy Power was offering odds of what will happen to Michael Jackson's remains with a traditional burial or cremation the two most likely outcomes. Others options such as blasting into space and recycling were also available to bet on.

One of the most bizarre options however was for the singer's body to be preserved in plastic at very unlikely odds of 100/1. However shrewd punters managed to get wind of von Hagen's plans and placed bets in excess of EUR800 (USD$1,120) on Jackson's remains to be "plastinated". Should this happen Paddy Power will are now facing a payout of EUR80,000.

Paddy Power said "There's no doubt about it; we've got a right kicking where the sun don't shine from these punters. The average bet was less than EUR25 so it didn't show up on our radar until it was too late and now we're faced with a massive payout should Gunther get his way. Just like the German doctor, I take my hat off to these crafty punters, well played!"

Paddy Power are offering numerous Michael Jackson betting opportunities including the odds on the global television audience for the singers funeral (between 750 million and one billion is the odds-on favourite) and the percentage of tweets containing the words "Michael Jackson" that are sent next week.


What will happen Jacko's remains?
13/8 Buried
5/4 Cremated
4/1 Plastinated (from 100/1)
10/1 Donated to Medical Research
33/1 Cryogenically Frozen
100/1 Blasted into Space
500/1 Recycled
1000/1 Frozen in Carbonite

Global television audience for Michael Jackson's funeral
6/1 Less than 500 million
7/4 500 million - 750 million
4/5 750 million - 1 billion
2/1 Over 1 billion

Will Neverland be Michael Jackson's Final Resting Place?
2/5 Yes
13/8 No

Percentage of Global Tweets referencing "Michael Jackson" WC: 29/06/09
5/4 16% - 20% inclusive
2/1 21% - 25% inclusive
5/2 10% - 15% inclusive
4/1 Less than 10%
6/1 26% - 30% inclusive
8/1 31% - 35% inclusive
16/1 36% - 40% inclusive
28/1 41% - 50% inclusive
33/1 Over 50% inclusive

Best Selling Michael Jackson Album of 2009
5/4 Off the Wall
6/4 Thriller
2/1 Bad
6/1 Dangerous
8/1 HIStory
10/1 Invincible
16/1 Ben
20/1 Forever, Michael
28/1 Music and Me
33/1 Got to Be There
(Market excludes compilations)

Name of the Michael Jackson Movie
4/1 Michael
8/1 Invincible
9/1 Thriller
10/1 You Are Not alone
10/1 Leave Me Alone
12/1 Bad
16/1 Prince of Pop
16/1 Dangerous
16/1 Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
18/1 Man in the Mirror
18/1 We're Almost There
20/1 What More Can I Give
20/1 One Day in Your Life
33/1 Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
33/1 I Just Can't Stop Loving You
50/1 Black or White
66/1 Beat it
66/1 PYT (Pretty Young Thing)
100/1 The Lost Children


All prices remain subject to fluctuation.


For more information contact;
Ken Robertson
Paddy Power plc
Mob: +353-87-8528718
ken@paddypower.com

Source: Paddy Power Plc

For more information contact; Ken Robertson, Paddy Power plc, Mob: +353-87-8528718, ken@paddypower.com

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON AND POST YOUR CONDOLENCES

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
26 Jun 2009
21:37	Known Entertainment Executive Ben Brown, the Man Who Discovered Michael Jackson, Issued a Statement Regarding Michael's Recent Passing.
21:14	Schedule Update: TV One to Air All Star Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration Produced by David Gest Tonight at 8 and 11 PM ET
20:39	TV Land Honors the Memory of Two Pop Culture Icons Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett With Programming Dedicated to Celebrating the Life Works and Accomplishments of True American Idols
20:04	Michael Jackson Lags in Celebrity Index
16:47	Statement from BET Networks on Michael Jackson
15:32	VH1 Classic to Celebrate Historic Music Legacy of Michael Jackson Beginning Saturday, June 27
05:26	SIRIUS XM Radio to Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson with Special Programming Across its Music Channels

Michael Jackson Has Gone

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
05:26
SIRIUS XM Radio to Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson with Special Programming Across its Music Channels
05:08
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
04:11
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Mourns the Loss of Michael Jackson
02:05
American Heart Association Extends Sympathy to Family of Singer Michael Jackson
00:56
Tributes.com Establishes Online Memorial for Michael Jackson: A Place to Share Memories and Condolences
00:53
Congressman Chaka Fattah Responds to Death of Michael Jackson
00:24
Michael Jackson's Death Underscores the Tragedy and Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Michael Jackson Dies at 50


Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62
President Obama, LAUSD Board of Education Recognize California Academic Decathletes
PepsiCo Opens First Overseas 'Green' Plant in China as Part of $1 Billion Investment Effort
First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates the National Design Awards with Public Programs and White House Ceremony
Independence Day
Workplace & Careers II Feature Package

The Sound That Changed America: Motown Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

The Supremes

THE SOUND THAT CHANGED AMERICA: MOTOWN CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY



SANTA MONICA, CA January 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — As an irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations,, the The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie & The Commodores,, The Contours, and Martha and the Vandellas., Gladys Knight & the Pips, their music communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregated society, around the world, touching all people of all ages and race. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. With more than 180 No. 1 hit songs worldwide and counting, that influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop, Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company's founding.



Motown, of course, stands for more than just the historic music. The label and its remarkable legacy is a reflection of the hard work of dedicated individuals overcoming incredible obstacles to achieve great success. Nearly a half-century ago, on January 12, 1959, to be exact, a young African-American songwriter named Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records with a loan of $800 from his family, marking the birth of the "Motown Records Corporation." A man of vision, drive, talent and determination, Berry Gordy was also a producer, innovative entrepreneur, and teacher. The phenomenal success of Motown Records is a tribute to all that he embodies and all the talent that he brought out in others. Under his leadership, and through determination and support of the Motown family of artists, Gordy forged new grounds for minorities and made the "Motown Sound" a worldwide phenomenon beloved by millions.

Berry Gordy always learned from all his experiences and applied them to his business. He put the tedious time he spent working on the assembly line at Detroit's Lincoln-Mercury automobile plant to good use: "Every day I watched how a bare metal frame, rolling down the line would come off the other end, a spanking brand new car. What a great idea! Maybe, I could do the same thing with my music. Create a place where a kid off the street could walk in one door, an unknown, go through a process, and come out another door, a star." That little thought that came to him while running up and down that assembly line became a reality we now know as "Motown."
When Motown was housed in its famed "Hitsville U.S.A." offices at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, it was not just a location; history would be made there. In fact, Berry Gordy created a twenty-four hour hit-making and artist development factory, nurturing the artistic talent of the singers, writers, producers, as well as, corporate executives. Today, Motown is not only the greatest pop music hit factory ever heard, but an institution, a state of mind, a way of life, a style, the "Sound of Young America." The distinctive, upbeat and uplifting music brought together pop and soul, white and black, old and young, like never before and continues to this day. Regardless of race or social background, teenage girls admired Diana Ross and teenage boys pretended to be Smokey Robinson. Motown became the heartbeat of American pop music. With multi-platinum artists ranging from the Miracles, Temptations, Four Tops and Supremes to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Jackson 5, the House That Gordy Built had and has no rival. Motown defined the term "crossover" not only on record and stage, but also behind the scenes. After breaking down barriers and having pop radio embrace Motown artists, Berry Gordy set his sights on television. He booked his artists on popular shows such as American Bandstand and the Ed Sullivan Show, making history as the first African-American artists on these shows. After captivating national audiences with repeat performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Supremes were the first R&B act to play the country's most prestigious night club, New York's Copacabana, which paved the way for other R&B acts into the top cabaret circuits around the world.
Motown was the first African-American-owned record label to reach widespread national acclaim, Motown broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American owned business in America.

After Gordy purchased that first Detroit property, he converted the garage into a small recording studio and the kitchen into the control room. The company's first signing was the Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson, and its first release was Marv Johnson's "Come to Me," January 21, 1959. But its first major hit was Barrett Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)," a song co-written by Gordy himself, which reached #2 on Billboard's R&B chart in 1960. A year later, the Miracles would score the company's first million seller with "Shop Around." That same year, teen girl group the Marvelettes landed the company's first pop No. 1, "Please Mr. Postman," while the label signed two young groups, the Supremes and the Temptations. Within three years, those two groups would lead Motown into the mainstream, when the Supremes launched an unprecedented string of five consecutive No. 1 hits, starting with "Where Did Our Love Go," while the Temptations released the eternal Motown classic, "My Girl." In 1968 the company had five records out of the Top 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and accomplished another unprecedented feat by seizing the top three spots for a full month.

Upon his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, Motown's founder was given the following tribute: "Gordy endeavored to reach across the racial divide with music that could touch all people, regardless of the color of their skin. Under his tutelage, Motown became a model of black capitalism, pride and self-expression and a repository for some of the greatest talent ever assembled at one company… Motown's stable of singers, songwriters, producers and musicians took the concept of simple, catchy pop songs to a whole new level of sophistication and, thanks to the music's roots in gospel and blues, visceral intensity… After Motown, black popular music would never again be dismissed as a minority taste… Aesthetically no less than commercially, Motown's achievements will likely remain unrivaled and untoppable."
Today, the label is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). The timeless songs from Motown between 1959 and 1985 are represented by EMI Music Publishing.
From late 2008 to the end of 2009, Universal Music Group and EMI Music Publishing will mark the historic Detroit label's musical achievements with a series of initiatives. Notably, Universal Music Enterprises will issue monthly music releases in both physical and digital formats, with bonus tracks enhancing these packages. Details will be announced as each new package approaches.

Also upcoming throughout the celebration are releases of classic Motown Television specials in a series of DVD collections and INSIDE MOTOWN, a multi-part documentary on how the company was built.

Press Contacts:
Sujata Murthy
UMe
sujata.murthy@umusic.com
310-865-7812
Jonathan Wolfson
Wolfson PR
wolfsonpr@hotmail.com
818-615-0499