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Jacksons v AEG Timeline Top Stories
An awful lot of tributes
By CMU Editorial | Published on Friday 26 June 2009
Needless to say, everyone in pop, and a whole load more people, have been lining up to pay tribute to Jacko overnight. Here are some of their statements.
FROM THE INDUSTRY…
Howard Stringer, boss of Sony Corp, owners of Jacko’s label Sony Music, and co-owners with Jackson of the Sony/ATV music publishing company: “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, current boss of Jackson’s label Sony Music: “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”.
Marty Bandier, boss of the music publishing firm Jackson co-owned, Sony/ATV: “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”.
Neil Portnow, chair of the US Recording Academy: “Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael’s career transcends musical and cultural genres, and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news, and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss”.
FRIENDS & COLLABORATORS…
‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ producer Quincy Jones: “I’m absolutely devastated at this news. I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together and allowed us to do what we could do through the 80s. To this day that music is played in every corner of the world, and the reason is because he had it all – talent, grace and professionalism. I’ve lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him”.
Ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley: “I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me”.
Long term friend Uri Geller: “I’m just devastated, very very sad. I pray that his soul is up there now. I’m still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it is not true. It is too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us. Michael was in good shape because he was practising, he was training, he was rehearsing for the shows. Michael was careful with what he ate, he was just fine. Last time I know and heard of what he was doing he was in great shape. And this is why I’m so absolutely shocked by this news”.
Another celebrity friend, Dionne Warwick: “Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with. We have lost an icon in our industry”.
POLITICAL TYPES…
Civil rights campaigner and Jackson friend Al Sharpton: “As a friend of Michael’s for the past 35 years, I call on people from around the world to pray for him and his family”.
Arnie Schwarzenegger, in his capacity as Governor of Jackson’s current home state California: “He was one of the most influential and iconic figures in the music industry… Our hearts go out to the Jackson family, Michael’s children and to his fans worldwide”.
OTHER ARTISTS…
Madonna: “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I’ve always admired Michael Jackson – the world has lost one of its greats but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless”.
Cher: “I’m having a million different reactions I didn’t expect I would feel. He was a great singer – God gives you certain gifts and this child was just an extraordinary child touched by this ability. He could sing like nobody else and he was able to connect with people”.
P Diddy: “Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!”
Wyclef Jean: “He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, you can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him”.
