Listen to the interview with Cory Rooney and Chris Apostle
Michael Jackson has entertained the world, with his voice and moves, since age six. His recent death has provoked many questions. More than anything, people around the world want to know why the King of Pop suddenly passed on.
In 1979, Michael released Off The Wall through Epic Records – a division of Sony. The album received critical acclaim, while selling over 20 million copies and netting Jackson Grammys for the first time since the early 70s.
Three years later, the Gloved One would release the most popular album in music history, Thriller. His singing, dancing and performance generalship was unlike anything the world had ever seen, leaving an indelible mark on the music video genre.
In 1993, music executive Chris Apostle began his stint as Vice President of Special Recording Projects at Sony Music Entertainment. He would become better known as Tommy Mottola’s – the company’s topper and a music industry legend – right hand man, working with everyone from Mariah Carey to Jennifer Lopez to Marc Anthony.
For the last 20 years, Apostle has been friends with producer/songwriter Cory Rooney. In 1998, Mottola named Rooney Epic’s Vice President of A&R. VH1 has called Rooney the best kept secret in the music industry. He has written and produced for artists including Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige, and Destiny’s Child among others. During his time at Epic, Cory became friends with Michael Jackson.
While working on music with Michael, Rooney had an opportunity to see a side of Jackson few ever did. For example, in one telling conversation in 2001, Jackson told Rooney that he was done touring and if he ever toured again it would kill him.
Among other things, Cory shares that Michael was easy to work with – contrary to how the media portrayed him. Rooney relates one instance when Michael apologized for being late to a studio session by sending a gift basket with over 100 DVDs and a note that read, “I’m very sorry for not respecting your time.”
Neither Apostle nor Rooney were surprised when Jackson lashed out at then Sony head Tommy Mottola in 2002. Rooney says Michael felt nobody was in his corner, that he wasn’t getting the love and respect he deserved. Both men – major players during pop music’s peak – agree the music business killed Michael.
Most importantly, Rooney and Apostle hope people remember Michael Jackson’s contributions to music and as Apostle says, recognize the musicologist he was.
Ida Ljungqvist: Playboy’s Tanzanian Devil is an Angel
Written by Chris Yandek
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Ida Ljungqvist is the 2009 Playboy Playmate of the Year
Listen to the Ida Ljungqvist interview
The year was 1960 when Playboy founder Hugh Hefner began what was to become a celebrated tradition. With JFK running for president and the Cold War in full gear, Hef was busy selecting the Playmate of the Year. His was the enviable job of choosing the über-beauty embodying his publication, from 12 breath-stealing knockouts who had appeared as centerfolds from January to December.
Keep in mind, the very first edition of Playboy – in 1953 – had none other than Marilyn Monroe as the fledgling monthly’s first centerfold. Talk about a bar set high from the get go.
Fast forward to the present and Hef’s eye for beauty – and promotion – is as sharp as ever. The latest Playmate of the Year, Ida Ljungqvist (pronunciation: Lindquist) is both a stunner and a groundbreaker. Born in Tanzania to a Swedish father and African mother, she becomes the first African born Playmate of the Year. Considering 2009 yielded America its first multi-racial president, Playboy is making sure not to be left behind.
Ms. Ljungqvist, as charming as she is pretty, was surprised to take the crown – okay, the ears – because she wasn’t born in America.
The daughter of a UNICEF employee father, Ida is an open-minded individual who credits her thinking to growing up traveling the world. A free spirit, she believes life should be fun; that happiness is choice and when it comes to charity the most important thing is following your passion.
As Playboy Playmate of the Year, Ida considers herself fortunate even though the perks – like potential movie roles – are accompanied by pesky things like rumors and gossip. For example, contrary to online reports, she is not in the middle of a bitter divorce battle. In fact, her divorce is old news. Alert: Playmate Ljungqvist hasn’t been married since February!
Going forward, Ida is optimistic. On the relationship front, her goal is to meet someone who is real, has a sense of humor and a life. She credits her past experiences with men as an asset in finding Mr. Right. Between her looks and personality, there are sure to be many guys vying for that role.
