Sony Music Australia and New Zealand CEO and Chairman spoke to Undercover following the death of Sony Music`s biggest star Michael Jackson.
“Sometimes the word legend gets overused but Michael was a true legend, a pioneer in many ways and paved the way for some many in the industry,” Denis tells Undercover News. “I look back to when the ‘Thriller’ album first came out and just how impressed we all were with the creative brilliance of those songs and those videos. Every song and every video turned out to be an event really and of course it is the biggest selling album of all-time. Look, you know, it is a terrible sad lose but the music will live forever”.While Jackson was often portrayed in the media as “wacko Jacko” and written up for his antics, Denis points out that there was a charitable side to the man that was rarely spoken about.
“I don’t think he got enough credit for was the amazing work he did for charities,” he says. “He was very committed to the youth foundations and the under-privileged kids. He was very committed to it and I have to say he truly loved Australia. This was one of his favourite countries in the world. I was involved with him in those tours of ’87 and ’96 and he just loved the adoration. He loved the way people would turn up at airports. People would almost camp overnight out front of hotels. It was just fans who were passionate and obsessed with him. He had that brilliance to capture all of the emotion in the songs and he lived every song.”
Other Song executives joined Denis with their praise for 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.”
Watch Denis Handlin’s comments on Michael Jackson here:
