Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

Published: June 26, 2009

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

New Release From Sony Japan

SonyBMG Japan has just released a 3-disc Limited Edition of ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ (2 CD’s & 1 DVD), entitled ‘Greatest Hits’.

This new edition contains the Japanese version of ‘The Essential Michael Jackson’ and a bonus ‘Number Ones’ DVD.

Here is the full track-listing:

Disc One:
I Want You Back
ABC (The Jackson 5)
The Love You Save (The Jackson 5)
Got To Be There
Rockin’ Robin
Ben
Blame It On The Boogie (The Jacksons)
Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) (The Jacksons)
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough *
Off The Wall *
Rock With You *
She’s Out Of My Life
Can You Feel It *
The Girl Is Mine (Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney)
Billie Jean
Beat It
Wanna Be Startin’ Something *
Human Nature *
P.Y.T.
(Pretty Young Thing)
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett)
Thriller (2003 Edit)

Disc Two:
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel *
Man In The Mirror
Dirty Diana *
Another Part Of Me *
Smooth Criminal
Leave Me Alone
Black Or White *
Remember The Time
In The Closet (Duet by Michael Jackson and Mystery Girl) *
Who Is It *
Heal The World
Will You Be There *
You Are Not Alone *
Blood On The Dance Floor
One More Chance
You Rock My World

* Single Version

DVD
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Rock With You
Billie Jean
Beat It
Thriller
Bad
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Smooth Criminal
Dirty Diana
Black Or White
You Are Not Alone
Earth Song
Blood On The Dance Floor
You Rock My World

You can order this set now at HMV-Japan

Source: SonyBMG Japan, HMV-Japan & MJWN with special thanks to Paul a.k.a. MJ Cool