A man who simultaneously held the best and worst jobs in the music industry has passed away aged just 63. Frank Dileo, who managed the late Michael Jackson’s career during the 1980s, has died in Ohio, outliving his most famous charge by only two years.
According to publicist Karen Sundell, the music executive died of complications stemming from heart surgery he had six months earlier. Dileo was in charge with Jackson on his hit Thriller album, with the moonwalker crediting him for being “responsible for turning my dream into a reality”.
Dileo went on to manage other musicians including Taylor Dayne, Jodeci (remember them??) and Bon Jovi’s guitarist Richie Sambora.
A statement released by Dileo’s wife Linda and his business associates said that they were “deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary, iconic and highly respected music industry figure”.
Dileo started out his career with CBS records in 1968, going on to be the Vice President of Epic Records when he took over managing Whacko Jacko in 1984 at the artist’s prime.
After five years together, the pair had a sudden falling out, with the two suddenly ending heir business relationship. A few years and much water under the bridge saw them team up again in 2009, however, with Jacko asking him to manage him again on the ill fated This Is It tour, which never happened, with Jackson dying mysteriously just before the tour started rehearsals.
Dileo is survived by his wife Linda and their two children, Belinda and Dominic.
