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

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