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The Music Industry Pays Tribute To Michael Jackson
Michael leaves behind a legacy of trend-setting innovation, not only musically but with dance, fashion and media as well
Kenny Gamble And Leon Huff "Extremely Saddened" By Death Of "Dear Friend" Michael Jackson
Legendary producers and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Kenny Gamble And Leon Huff, who brought Philadelphia soul music ("The Sound of Philadelphia") to "people all over the world" and recorded two albums with the Jacksons, said this morning they are "extremely saddened by the sudden death of our dear friend Michael Jackson."
The Jacksons recorded their first two albums after leaving Motown in Philadelphia with Gamble and Huff songs and the Philadelphia International production crew. When the Jacksons came to PIR, they were transitioning away from the brand name of the Jackson Five. In 1976 and 1977, Gamble and Huff produced and co-wrote songs for the albums The Jacksons and Going Places, as part of a double imprint deal with CBS/Epic Records, the Jacksons' new label. Several hit songs came out of that production effort, including "Enjoy Yourself" and "Let Me Show You the Way to Go."
"Michael was a great and wonderful artist and performer," said Gamble and Huff in a joint statement. "We were privileged and honored to record him and his brothers here at Philadelphia International Records.
We are very honored to have been a part of Michael Jackson's music and creative career in helping to write and produce his own music with his brothers," Gamble and Huff continued this morning. "We know his music and legacy will live on for a very long time".
Statement From Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager On Michael Jackson's Passing
"I am shocked, saddened and still in disbelief over the death of Michael Jackson, said Oscar-winning songwriter Carole Bayer Sager. "He was one of, if not THE greatest entertainer of all time, and was without question the ‘King of Pop.' He was also my friend. He recorded a song of mine on his 1979 ‘Off The Wall' album and in 1981 we sang a duet together. We spent a considerable amount of time together in 2001 at my home music studio and I saw him in a totally different light - as a nurturing and caring father. I was so honored that he dedicated that album to me.
My heart and prayers are with his family, his three children, my friend Elizabeth Taylor, and all us who are mourning the premature loss of his very precious life."
Sony Comments On The Passing Of Michael Jackson
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."
The Recording Academy Statement Regarding Michael Jackson
"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."
Neil Portnow, President/CEO, The Recording Academy
BMI Mourns The Loss Of Its Icon & Songwriter Michael Jackson
"BMI mourns the passing of Michael Jackson. A BMI Icon, he was one of the greatest entertainers of our era. His songwriting skills, composing both music and lyrics, were as influential as his singing, dancing, personal style and humanitarianism. In an era in which most songs are composed by teams, Michael was the sole composer of dozens of songs that endeared him to audiences around the world. A BMI songwriter since 1976, his catalog contains more than 150 songs, more than 20 reaching multi-million performance status on American radio and television. Our hearts are with his family, especially his children, at this sad time. He will be missed by millions, but we can be comforted that he will live on, young and vibrant, in his music and videos."
Del Bryant, President & CEO, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
Statement Of AFM President Thomas F. Lee On Death Of Michael Jackson
"The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Michael Jackson. A musician, singer, composer, dancer, choreographer and businessman, Mr. Jackson was much more than a performer. He was a revolutionary, a visionary, who changed the face of music forever and influenced musicians and our industry for more than forty years.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Jackson."
AFTRA Members Mourn the Death of Michael Jackson
AFTRA members mourn the loss of a true original in the pop music genre, Michael Jackson. Michael joined AFTRA in September 1969 when he was just 11 years old, as a member of The Jackson 5. He continued on, creating one of the most successful solo careers in history and earning recognition as the "King of Pop."
AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon remembers Michael saying, "For more than 40 years, Michael has stood as a cultural icon, his influence on music and culture in general can not be denied – so much of what modern pop has become can be traced back to his original style. The dynasty of credits that Michael leaves us with is formidable, the larger-than-life personality that has made him a media generating presence year after year will not be seen again anytime soon. Although he may be gone, Michael Jackson will continue to inspire current and future music lovers alike."
RIAA Reaction To The Passing Of Michael Jackson
RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Bainwol commented on the death of Michael Jackson: "There is no measure of the loss of one of the greatest recording artists, cultural icons and significant figures in all of human history. There is only one Michael Jackson, and there will forever be only one Michael Jackson. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and his legions and generations of fans."
Related News from Mi2N:
» Kenny Gamble And Leon Huff "Extremely Saddened" By Death Of "Dear Friend" Michael Jackson
» Statement From Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager On Michael Jackson's Passing
» The Recording Academy Statement Regarding Michael Jackson
» BMI Mourns The Loss Of Its Icon & Songwriter Michael Jackson
» Statement Of American Federation Of Musicians Of The United States And Canada President Thomas F. Lee On Death Of Michael Jackson
» AFTRA Members Mourn The Death Of Michael Jackson
» RIAA Reaction To The Passing Of Michael Jackson
» Sony Comments On The Passing Of Michael Jackson
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