Frank DiLeo, Michael Jackson's former manager, dies

 　　LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Frank DiLeo, the late King of Pop Michael Jackson's former manager during the 1980s, has died at his home in eastern Ohio Wednesday. He was 63.

　　The music industry veteran, who was often seen toting a cigar, passed away from complications following a heart surgery which he underwent six months ago, TheWrap.com, a news portal site covering entertainment and media, reported.

　　Born in Pittsburgh, DiLeo served as executive with Epic¹ Records and was credited for taking Epic Records from the number 14 label in the U.S. market to number two.

　　He was voted executive of the year for Epic Records and was honored with 80-plus gold and platinum² awards. He also appeared in several movies including Martin Scorsese' s classic "Goodfellas" as mobster Joe Pesci' s murderer.

　　DiLeo began to manage Michael Jackson's career after the record-shattering release of 1984's "Thriller," serving as executive producer of Jackson's movie "Moonwalker" and was instrumental in negotiating the pop icon's commercial deal with Pepsi.

　　He also managed the singer's Bad World Tour -- one of the highest grossing tours of all time.

　　The pair parted ways on February 14, 1989 when their business relationship was abruptly³ terminated, without any public explanation. However, it was reported in 2009 that DiLeo was back in the management scene and remained with Jackson until his final days.

　　Jackson, 50, died of acute propofol intoxication⁴ at his newly rented Holmby Hills estate on June 25, 2009 when he was preparing for his London comeback concerts.

　　DiLeo is survived by wife Linda and two children. Funeral services are scheduled in Pittsburgh next week.

1 epic   

n.史诗，叙事诗；adj.史诗般的，壮丽的

参考例句：

• I gave up my epic and wrote this little tale instead.我放弃了写叙事诗，而写了这个小故事。
• They held a banquet of epic proportions.他们举行了盛大的宴会。

2 platinum   

n.白金

参考例句：

• I'll give her a platinum ring.我打算送给她一枚白金戒指。
• Platinum exceeds gold in value.白金的价值高于黄金。

3 abruptly   

adv.突然地，出其不意地

参考例句：

• He gestured abruptly for Virginia to get in the car.他粗鲁地示意弗吉尼亚上车。
• I was abruptly notified that a half-hour speech was expected of me.我突然被通知要讲半个小时的话。

4 intoxication   

n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning

参考例句：

• He began to drink, drank himself to intoxication, till he slept obliterated. 他一直喝，喝到他快要迷糊地睡着了。
• Predator: Intoxication-Damage over time effect will now stack with other allies. Predator:Intoxication,持续性伤害的效果将会与队友相加。