Not Just Background Music

Not Just Background Music
Article By: Michael Harrelson - April 17, 2009
written for www.nightclub.com


Picture of The Tattoo Bar in Washington DC


Not Just Background Music:

Music is a must in any hospitality setting. Whether it’s a busy bar or restaurant, a laid-back lounge or a high-energy club, the music programming serves a critical purpose: engaging the guest to stay and spend. The “soundtrack” of the space can serve to slow down or speed up the pace of a guest’s stay, infusing it with energy or imparting a soothing vibe. Music can also signal to a customer that he’s in the right place or it can turn him away.

Indeed, studies show that playing the right combination of music at any establishment where guests have come to relax and enjoy themselves contributes to overall customer satisfaction and the likelihood that the guests will come back.

In short, whether generated by a band, a DJ or a pre-programmed playlist, music is a mood-creator and a money maker. And the house that truly seeks to get the jump on the competition would do well to give the good vibrations that trigger a customer’s natural instinct to stay some serious attention.

Specifically in programming playlists, operators can control the dynamics of a guest’s visit.
Music is always on the menu at Jack Astor’s, a restaurant and bar chain with nearly 30 locations in Canada and two in the United States. Dave Barton, a regional director for Jack Astor’s in Toronto, ranks music up there with food, specialty beverages and service in terms of its importance to the Jack Astor’s brand.

“We choose different types of music for lunch, dinner, evening and late night,” Barton says. “We are all about the environment. We want high energy and fun, and music plays a huge role in that.”

With 10 years experience in planning the music playlists for seven Jack Astor’s locations in Canada, Barton says he does not have to take a written survey of his own guests to know that the music programming is working for a given store location.

“We can gauge its success by the reaction of guests and the energy levels of the space,” he says. “We have guests asking, ‘Who is that? I remember this song.’ You can see it in their body language and also in the spirit and energy of the employees.”

Although there are many ways Barton could spend the several thousand dollars he allocates to music programming each month, he says the money is well spent based on the return it nets for the house.

“I would say it creates that energy and party environment that helps you sell some product and keep the guests longer.”


A Live DJ is Recommended to Pin Point The Mood of A Room


Tune Town:

Is Barton a DJ in disguise? No. In fact, he turns to the experts to help him make the right music mix appear effortless. Toronto-based Hitmen Entertainment Services creates music playlists for Jack Astor’s, and advises the company on the music programming format, essentially delivering a secret weapon to compete in the city’s vibrant hospitality trade.

Finding the right vibe to fit the room is just the first step, says Hitmen Entertainment president DeMarinis. What separates the amateurs from the pros in stacking the music, he explains, is the ability to control the dynamic of the entire room and maintain the energy level throughout the night.

“Seventy-five percent of the job has nothing to do with the equipment or the way you look,” DeMarinis says. “It’s about picking the best songs, playing them in the right order and playing them at the right time. You want to keep the flow going. The worst thing that can happen is to play something that takes patrons out of their vibe.”

As DeMarinis advises clients that include bar, club and restaurant operators in Canada and the United States, live DJs as well as music derived from playlists each have their own harmonious place on the musical roster.

“On a Friday or Saturday or a Thursday, you are probably better off hiring a live DJ,” he says. “A live DJ has presence. The person is actually there. What that also means is, a DJ can actually pinpoint the mood and atmosphere of the room.”



Reading and Rocking The Crowd is an Important Part of a DJs Job

The artistry and skill of a DJ is not just measured in his or her ability to read a crowd, however, DeMarinis adds. It will also be apparent, even if only on a subconscious level among guests, in the seamlessness of the house’s music tapestry.



“If you are playing Sinatra for an older crowd and for whatever reason, the next song is Justin Timberlake, and then you jump to AC/DC, there is no rhyme or reason. You are not going to enhance anyone’s stay. A good DJ will be able to get from playing Sinatra to Justin Timberlake. It might take three or four songs to get there, but the difference is, you are not taking people out of the moment.”Still, DeMarinis suggests operators be circumspect in how they select a DJ for a special event or a weekend kickoff.


“You should consider your options,” he says. “Not all DJs can play for every type of crowd. They don’t get into it. Some guys love music and some love a specific kind of music.” Above all, DeMarinis cautions, management needs to communicate openly with the DJ selected for the gig.




DJ AM One of The Worlds Best Variety DJs http://www.djam.com/



“It is very important to be straightforward about the kind of music you want played and the kind of clientele you want. And you should also listen to what a DJ has to say, because they have music expertise.”





DJ Emir a DJ Well Versed in All Kinds of Music Genres www.djemir.com


Flow Maintenance:

At the Loose Moose Tap & Grill in Toronto, assistant general manager Sean Russo says music programming plays a huge part in branding and legitimizing his establishment in the eyes of the public.

“We are a rock ‘n’ roll party bar, so music is a very important aspect of our operation,” he says. “If there is no continuity or flow to the music that you are playing, you run into an identity crisis because you really are not what you are claiming to be.”

In his own experience, it is next to impossible for independent operators to create music playlists that work for the average patron.

“You may know good songs, but most operators don’t comprehend the continuity and the flow of music like a DJ does.”Video DJ Roonie Griffeth, a veteran club music director and a partner in Martini’s lounge in Birmingham, Ala., says that just as many people believe they can sing, nightclub owners and music directors often have a distorted sense of their own music programming expertise.

“There are a lot of club owners who do not know the technical flow of the musical format,” says Griffeth, now a regularly featured DJ at the Mirage Casino’s Jet nightclub in Las Vegas. “They think they do. They know what they want, but it is not just about business and numbers. Music is art, and art is very subjective.”

Russo likes the convenience of sitting down with music programmers from Hitmen once a month and gauging the mood of the musical programming selection for the coming month. And even better, he says, once the playlists have been completed, is the way the music is delivered to the bar and the ears of patrons.

“At 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, they can program love music to come on,” Russo says. “They actually do the programming from their studio. They upload it to us on the Internet, and they can program it to start automatically any time of day. It is one less thing you have to worry about as a restaurant or bar.”

For his part, Griffeth appreciates the fact that music programming companies do all of the considerable legwork for him in an ever-changing club music environment. He’s engaged Orlando, Fla.-based Promo Only, a provider of music on CD and music video on DVD designed to meet the specific needs of various entertainment venues.

“The thing is, music changes every day, and Promo Only is a one-stop shop,” he says. “You are being updated constantly. I know that I am going to get the latest stuff, and I know that I am not going to have to spend another 10 hours a week looking for it.”

At the end of the day, Griffeth, a self-described “big believer” in music outsourcing, says he’s buying consistency.

“Your customers know what to expect, and they come back to get it.”

- Nightclub & Bar Magazine
www.nightclub.com

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Other Spots for New Hit Music for DJs, Radio and Venues include:
www.hitmusicservice.com
.


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DJ Big Spade Ear Candy and White Party Mixtapes

DJ Big Spade Ear Candy Volumes 1 & 2

Story by: Trent Williams

DJ Big Spade has been busy all summer Deejaying for Denver's hot celebrity parties and nightclub events at Club 303, Theorie, Sutra, and other locations as well as doing Fly Magazine's special event parties and Fly Girl of the month calander parties.

With DJ Big Spade's busy nightclub schedule and his pursuit of yet another College degree it's hard to imagine him finding the time to produce some hot mixtapes. Yet DJ Big spade does accomplish just that, producing several hot mixtapes each year the most memorable being the White Party mixtape, his Obama Mixtape and the Ear Candy Mixtape.

Now who could ever forget the cover on DJ Big Spade's Ear Candy Mixtape? Made a brother start wondering how the hell can I hook up with this bad CGI model chick other than in my fantasies! LOL

In any case, DJ Big Spade put out a hot R&B mixtape called Ear Candy Vol. 1 (Unwrap the R&B) which featured a really hot album cover design and a great mix of R&B hits and blends mixed by DJ Big Spade. A special blend remix of Jamie Foxx's mega hit "Blame it on the Alcohol" is featured on this hot mixtape as is Bobby Valentino and Lil Wayne's "Miss Officer" and Keri Hilson's "Turning Me On"

The first volume of Ear Candy has been out on the streets making the rounds for a little while. Now DJ Big Spade is scheduled to release another hot R&B mixtape, the second volume in the series which features a Spearamint Green Mint Version of the original mixtape cover. We eagerly await the arrival of this mixtape and will also be looking forward to even more hot mixes by DJ Big Spade.

DJ Big Spade mixtapes are available at DJBigSpade.biz
and at most DJ Big Spade nightclub events and special parties.

You can catch DJ Big Spade in some of Denver's hottest nightclubs or touring around the US in Cities like New York and Atlanta. for tour dates visit DJ Big Spade's Website DJBigSpade.biz or his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/djbigspade1

To Book DJ Big Spade Call 303-257-3033

The Graphic Design for the mixtapes and poster were created by the Graphic Design Teams at www.djemir.com/design-services.html call 303-995-0875 for graphics

To Book DJ Big Spade Call 303-257-3033

For Album Cover Designs, Flyer Designs and Graphic Design Call 303-995-0875

- Trent Williams Contributing Journalist

Dangerous Dan Goes Hard at Martini Ranch

Martini Ranch Party with Special Guest DJ "Dangerous Dan Worldwide"
Story By: Vanessa V. Night Club Diva

One hot Night in June DJ Dangerous Dan turned Martini ranch into the party headquarters Denver has been needing!


DJ Dangerous Dan Worldwide at Denver's Martini Ranch Nightclub

We have been going to Martini Ranch Saturday nights for a while now. We love DJ Frank-E, we love the music he produces and wish him great fortunes and great experiences. We will miss him when he leaves to California and hope he will always remember and honor his Denver roots.

Denver's Martini Ranch has been rotating in DJs every few weeks to fill in for their Saturday night Resident DJ Frank E (Justin Franks) now that his production work has been taking off.

Frank-E, The Producer of the Flo-Rida hit song "Right Round" and Pitbull's "Go Girl" (to name a few) has been ultra busy producing new hot tracks for Flo-Rida, Madonna and several up and coming hot new music artists. Frank-E came up learning production at various locations and perfecting his skills with Adelio at Side-3 Studios in Denver Colorado. His production work is now taking him away from Denver Colorado, to Sunny Los Angeles California. With his more frequent trips and eventual move to California, Martini Ranch has been rotating in several DJs to cover Frank-E's vacant nights.

In their search for a possible new Saturday Night Resident DJ, Martini Ranch has tried out quite a few guest DJs. There have been quite a few Good DJs, a few decent DJs a few total bombs that probably should never be allowed to DJ again, and finally there were One or Two very strong DJs. This story is about One of the strong DJs that came through and anihalated the Martini Ranch back in June.

One hot Night in June DJ Dangerous Dan turns martini ranch into the party headquarters Denver has been needing! The night featured here is about one of the great party nights at Denver's Martini Ranch. DJ Dangerous Dan was on the turntables on this night and did a fantastic job blending and mashing up all the best music from so many different Genres we simply stopped counting. His extensive musical knowledge and ability to rock the crowd from open to close made this one of the more memorable Martini Ranch nights of the year.

Dangerous Dan must have started rocking the turntables hard early in the night, cause when we arrived at 10:30 it was already insanity on the dancefloor. Not to mention there was a small line forming in the downstairs section of Martini Ranch to gain access to the top floor area where Dangerous Dan was laying down the heat.

We blazed past the lines with the help of our other close DJ buddy, DJ Emir who had just finished an early private graduation party at another local nightclub. Dan had called for Emir to bring over a microphone cause the club didn't have One available on that night. Once in the booth with DJ Dangerous Dan and Emir we started taking pictures of the already packed out night at Martini Ranch.

We hadn't seen an early crowd rock like this since DJ Emir's performances in Las Vegas and at Denver's Posh nightclub earlier in the year. Both of these DJs seem to have exactly what it takes to get parties started and keep them rocking properly.



DJ Emir in The DJ Booth with Dangerous Dan worldwide at Martini Ranch



DJ Dangerous Dan was Deejaying like a man on a mission. Even early in the night one could see a huge difference between the other substitute DJs Martini Ranch had used in the past and Dangerous Dan's much more aggressive and energetic deejaying style. The early crowd response was a huge indicator that this was going to be a great night at Martini Ranch. The crowd was real camera friendly and enjoyed the extra element of professional photography brought in by Dan's close friend DJ Emir.


Ladies Dancing on the mini Stage in fron of The DJ Booth at Martini Ranch

The ladies were abundent and beautiful and the crowd was very sexy and energetic. The ladies definitly came out in full force on this night and were getting into the music early. The fellas soon followed suite. By 11:30 Bottle service booths were all packed out, there were all kinds of chicks dancing on the mini stage in front of the DJ both, hands going up in the air, people were buying shots left and right and people were chanting along with certain songs. DJ Dangerous Dan had the crowd eating out the palm of his hands. He made sure to throw in something that would please everyone and blended it all in with a fast mix style that kept the energy going the whole night.



Hands up all night at Martini Ranch for DJ Dangerous Dan


DJ Dangerous Dan's music spanned from Electro House, to Rock favorites, to Top 40 hits, Hip Hop and the best of the 80's and 90's which fit perfectly with the variety of people that were there at Martini Ranch on this particular night. Cameras were abound on this night and DJ Emir brought in his professional Nikon digital camera and took an abundance of great shots of this amazing party which are available in the Picture Gallery Section of DJ Emir's Website www.djemir.com




DJ Dangerous Dan with the Ladies Looking On


By the end of the night Dangerous Dan had everyone chanting songs with him and even had the entire top floor and lower level chanting to the tune of "Sweet Caroline" We all watched in amazement as the entire crowd not just chanted this song, but locked arms around each others shoulders and rocked back and forth while singing it. It was as if everyone in the building were super close friends with One another, we never could have seen that coming. This night totaly transformed Denver's Martini Ranch into the type of party headquarters Denver has been needing for a long time now.

Hopefully we'll see more nights like this at Martini Ranch and at other nightclubs in town. Of course that would mean Denver Nightclubs would need to step up their ability to recognize great DJ talent, and recognize that it does actually make a difference in the quality of their club nights. Well lets just pray they do.


Dangerous Dan is the Resident DJ at Jackson's Hole Denver CO. and tours across the United States and a few other countries under the moniker "Dangerous Dan Worldwide."

To book Dangerous Dan for all major events call 303-931-3010

To book DJ Emir Call 303 995-0875

For Music Studio Production and Video Production visit side3.com
or call Side 3 Studios at: 303 459-4888

Story By: Vanessa V. Night Club Diva

Rappers and Music Artists with a Beer Budget Shouldn't Expect Champagne!

Music Artists with a Beer Budget Shouldn't Expect Champagne!

Brain Gaffey, Music Distributor, PR Specialist and Music industry insider had this to say about the countless lost souls that feel they are deserving of fame without working for it.-

"So.. Over the last several months, I feel like I've been giving the same free advice to every random rapper or manager who calls my phone. This consists of:

• If you have a beer budget, don't expect champagne.
  
• If you have a beer budget, you might not want to even try this music thing from jump.
  
• Yes, there are other people that sound like you. Your still just a rapper.
  
• There's nothing i can do for you if you don't want to work on your own
  
• There's a lot of good music out there, not a lot of smart business people behind the music.
  
• Get your internet presence to incredible levels before you even try to approach radio.
  You can hire somebody to do that, but 5 smart interns can do it too.
  
• Film everything you do and everywhere you go
  
• Go out of town weekly and meet DJs in your region. Keep building relationships.
  
• Hire somebody trustworthy and with a track record to work your record to radio
  
• Yes, radio promotion is expensive. If you don't have the money to go all in, don't expect to have a hit.
  
• If you don't have your hometown poppin' on your own, how can u expect me to do it for you?
  
• You may/may not need to sign a record deal. If you have the means to keep everything in house, do it. But it's very expensive on the front end.
  
• Gig, Gig, Gig, and when your tired, Gig some more.

It seems pretty simple right? I'm sure anybody reading this would think all of that is completely obvious. Well, in my experiences since being on my own, there's a lot of stupid people out there that either want to be rappers or manage somebody who wants to be a rapper. "

**One, Brian Gaffey UNbassadors Entertainment Group**

United Airlines Breaks Guitars!

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - A Canadian musician has become an Internet sensation after posting a song on YouTube about United Airlines breaking his guitar.



Dave Carroll's video for the song "United Breaks Guitars" was posted on site earlier this week and has received more than 600,000 hits by Thursday evening.

"I was thinking I'd definitely get some action on (YouTube) because the song has been resonating so well with audiences as I've been performing it, but I didn't know it would take off like this," Carroll said.

Carroll, a guitarist for the pop-rock group "Sons of Maxwell", has since been fielding calls for appearances around the world, including a call from the Oprah Winfrey show Thursday.
The song recounts Carroll's yearlong struggle to get compensation for what he calls "a vicious act of malice" at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago last year.

Carroll was flying between Halifax and Nebraska when he switched planes in Chicago. The passenger next to him noticed baggage handlers tossing guitar cases outside the plane.
Carroll's Taylor guitar required 1,400 Canadian dollars (U.S. $1,200) in repairs. He said it still doesn't play the way it used to but he keeps it for sentimental reasons.

The 41-year-old songwriter spent the past year trying to get compensation from United Airlines. When the airline refused to take responsibility, the songwriter made the humorous music video and posted it online.

Taylor Guitars in California has said they'd be happy to see if they could repair the damaged guitar. They also promised a big discount on his next purchase.

United also called to say it wants to discuss the situation. Carroll said officials for the airline said they liked the video and want to use it as a textbook case on how to handle customer complaints in the future.

The video shows friends dressing up as flight attendants and musicians. Volunteer firefighters played the baggage handlers who are shown playing catch with the guitar case and tossing it like a hammer throw.

Carroll initially told United he would write three songs about his broken guitar. He plans to debut the second song soon but hasn't written the third one yet.

He also recieved CNN coverage and coverage on several other news stations
Which was labeled: "A PR Nightmare for United Airlines"

Michael Jackson's Family Wants Fans to Keep Michael Alive in Their Hearts

Michael Jackson's Family Wants Fans to Keep Michael Alive in Their Hearts
"Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever."

Two days after Michael Jackson's death, his family issued a statement to fans on Saturday, conveyed by family patriarch Joseph Jackson. It reads:

"In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times."

"We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you — who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.

"In addition, Joseph Jackson wishes to personally convey: 'My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson.'
Joseph Jackson & Family"

On NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, President Obama's senior advisor David Axelrod said the president had written to the Jackson family to express his condolences. While Obama did not issue a statement following the singer's death, he did express condolences to Jackson's family and fans through his press secretary Robert Gibbs.

MTV will be paying tribute to MJ throughout the weekend with music videos, exclusive performances and calls and tweets from celebrity admirers and friends. For complete coverage of the life, career and passing of the legendary entertainer, visit "Michael Jackson Remembered."

Other close friends that were like family to Michael Jackson have als expressed their feelings on Michaels life and legacy.

Quincy Jones: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80’s. To this day, the music we created together on “Off The Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”

Berry Gordy: “He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities. Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived,” Gordy tells ET. “When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person. I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.”

Diana Ross: “I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

Is Joe Jackson Ruining Michael Jackson's Legacy?

Is Michael Jackson's father tainting the late singer's legacy with his public antics? by Jimi Izreal at www.theroot.com

On the red carpet at the BET Awards, as CNN’s Don Lemon interviewed him, Joe Jackson was contemptuous and put-off, willing to give only terse, perfunctory answers to complicated questions. Jackson, resembling a baked potato in a pair of cheap sunglasses, came off more as a gold miner eager to stake a claim than the grieving father of his world-famous son.

I have friends who have lost parakeets, dogs, guinea pigs and wino uncles, and they’ve spent more time in mourning than Michael Jackson's father. I've been more distraught over bad sushi. He struck me as someone with a hurried agenda—in a hurry to cash a check—more than a man who has lost a son. What kind of grieving father pulls in publicists to give a statement about their grief, or a lawyer/yes-man, or some kind of micro-pimp huckster in a wide-brimmed hat to talk up some bootleg Blu-ray disk scheme?

At the BET Awards, Joe Jackson seemed far less interested in his son’s legacy, the lingering questions surrounding his death and the children he left behind. Instead, he took the opportunity to try to market some new brand of pop-music smack on the world. It was a bad look.

Later Jackson held a press conference—with Rev. Al Sharpton at his side—to offer some clarification on his red carpet demeanor. The press conference stank like cheap cigars and old malt liquor. It seems that he just wanted people to know that he and the family name will go on. But who needs spin at a time like this? I can’t think of anyone less qualified than Sharpton to be a Jackson family representative. Maybe bin Laden? Mike Tyson?

The Jackson family circus doesn’t need any more attractions right now. Sharpton’s appearance stokes the media madness and taints the solemnity of the moment. At the press conference, Jackson also talked about how he and his wife were taking responsibility for MJ’s children, but the couple have been estranged for years—they live in separate homes. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but in my way of thinking, they probably aren’t the ideal couple to take on the responsibility of raising young children.

It’s notable that only Katherine Jackson has been granted temporary custody. He recently joined the petition, but all of it is quite sketchy.

In so many ways, there seems to be two Joe Jacksons. Rock-and-roll folklore gives us the portrait of the hard-working, blue-collar dad who looked into the eyes of his children and saw the flame that became The Jackson 5 and the force that was his uber-talented son, Michael. Then there is the other Joe Jackson, the one Michael remembered as hard-driving and abusive, the taskmaster hanging his dreams on the backs of his boys. The other Jackson children tell similar stories about their dad “motivating” them to perform with emotional and physical abuse.
So what will Joe do for his granchildren? “We gonna take care of them and give them the education they supposed to have,” he said at his press conference. The idea of this man trying to grandfather children who are probably already traumatized is, as Sharpton might say, "troubling" at best.

Under no circumstance should Joe Jackson be involved in raising these kids. We know how that turns out. And at 79, Katherine Jackson is not the ideal person to take custody of the children either. It may be time for mother Debbie Rowe to re-assume a role in her children’s life; there is too much at stake. I don’t know what kind of woman sells her children, but I feel better about her parenting skills than the Jacksons'.

Sad, right?

But it’s one of those choices between the evil you know versus the one you don’t. Someone needs to protect these children, and I don’t think Joe Jackson is cut out for that. I don’t doubt that Joe Jackson loved his son. But I doubt he is the best person to tend to his legacy.

Sony Music Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

Sony Music Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – 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.

Micheal Jackson is the only artist to have kept the entire world on the edge of their seats waiting on the huge multi-network world premiers of his intense music videos. To this day many remember the world premiers of his videos for Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Remember the time and many other world famous Michael Jackson world premier videos. No other artist ever held the entire world captivated and anxiously waiting to watch a new video like we all did for Michael. He is a legend and a true music Icon who's absense affects not only the music world but everyone in the world we live in.

Micheal Jackson Tribute Mixtape by J. Period

Seems like every DJ and every blogger has been up all night putting together their Michael Jackson tributes. J. Period sent this next mix over this morning. Along with a written dedication that sums up how many feel about MJ's Music.

"In the world of DJs, it is common practice to pay tribute to an artist the moment they pass. Biggie, 2Pac, Jay Dilla: stature grows exponentially the moment life expires, and once-critics praise genius once deceased. Artists become icons, and followers abound. As a DJ, I have always resisted the posthumous-tribute trend. Until now.

Last night, when I heard the news of Michael Jackson’s death, I thought first about the man: damaged, bizarre, cartoonish, tragic. I sighed the way you do when a sad story comes to an end.
But then I turned on his music. Song after song, album after album - like listening for the first time - and I was floored. Years of tabloid gossip, freakshow antics and facial reconstruction may have poisoned our perception of the man… but nothing can poison this music. And it occurred to me, more than anything else, that will define the legacy of Michael Jackson.

In the history of music’s bizarre personalities and tragic stories, no artist’s music will ever eclipse the perversity of the man quite like Michael Jackson. Our love of Kanye can only survive so many ego-rants. Not even R.Kelly’s brilliant songwriting can outshine his extra-curricular activities forever. But no matter what Michael Jackson did during his life, nothing could change the way we feel about his music.

So today, in an unprecedented move, I join the ranks of what will undoubtedly be 8 million DJ tributes with my own Michael Jackson tribute, entitled “Man or the Music.” It is no “greatest hits,” no “best of” mix like J.Period fans have come to know. It is simply a stream-of-consciousness mix of my own personal favorite Michael Jackson records, plus some unreleased rarities and demo versions of MJ classics. No matter what you think of the man, I hope you enjoy the music." - DJ J. Period

Listen to the Mixtape, Right Click and Save the Mixtape File Below
J.Period “Man or the Music”Michael Jackson Tribute31 TracksRuntime: 71:43

http://www.jperiod.com/upload/michaeljackson/jperiod-mj-tribute.zip

How Will You Remember Michael Jackson?

With Michael Jackson Passing Away How will You Remember The King of Pop?

Michael Jackson has died at age 50 after being rushed to UCLA Medical Center, NBC News has confirmed.

Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the L.A. Times that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home and CPR was performed.
TMZ.com reported that he may have suffered cardiac arrest.

Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.

The shows for the 50 London concerts sold out within minutes of going on sale in March.
His lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
He lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation.
There were concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors.

A life in music Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael — first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.

Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released “Thriller” in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.
The next year, he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance move while performing “Billie Jean” during an NBC special.

In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.

Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism.

As far as rememberance. We here at The Great Music Blogspot will allways remember Michael Jackson for all the great music he created rather than his later shinanigans and escapades in his later years. With so many younger generations not knowing him or his music quite as well we ask: How will you remember Michael Jackson the KING Of POP?

Micheal Jackson Dies of Heart Attack Age 50

Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50. June 25th 2009




LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Pop icon Michael Jackson died Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest, the entertainment website TMZ.com reported.
The website reported that Jackson, 50, suffered a heart attack just after 12:00 pm (1900 GMT) local time and paramedics were unable to revive him.

Jackson's manager Tohme E. Tohme was not immediately available for comment when contacted by AFP. Officials at UCLA Medical Center where Jackson was treated also could not be reached for comment.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Devin Gales would not confirm Jackson's identity but said paramedics went to an address corresponding to the star's home at 12:21 pm (1921 GMT) and the person was taken to UCLA Medical Center.

TMZ reported "We've just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50. Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. A cardiologist at UCLA tells TMZ Jackson died of cardiac arrest.Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive.We're told one of the staff members at Jackson's home called 911.La Toya ran in the hospital sobbing after Jackson was pronounced dead.Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II."

Michael Jackson was scheduled to release 3 more albums. We can only hope that he was able to record them before passing away. We will miss Michael Jackson and give our condolences to his remaining family members and wish them all well.