Norman Winter, Michael Jackson's Publicist, Passes Away

Norman Winter, Michael Jackson's publicist, passed away yesterday in Las Vegas. His age was not disclosed at the request of his family, though it is believed he was in his eighties. Over his long career in Hollywood, Winter worked not only with Michael Jackson but with figures including James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Queen, Barry White, Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, Rick James, Paul Anka, AC/DC, Donny Osmond, Janet Jackson, Usher, Terry Lewis, and many others. He was instrumental in transforming artists including Elton John, Neil Diamond, Barry White, and Olivia Newton-John into superstars. Winter worked with Michael during the Victory Tour and the Thriller album era, as well as during the acquisition of the Beatles catalog and the Pepsi endorsement deals. John Branca, Michael Jackson's longtime attorney and co-executor of the Estate, offered this tribute: "We mourn the loss of our dear friend Norman Winter. He was very lovable and had a uniquely wonderful personality. He was a great asset to Michael and our team during the Thriller era." Source: eMJey.com / billboard