Former Motown President Jheryl Busby has died

Former Motown president/CEO Jheryl Busby has died. The veteran label executive passed away yesterday. According to sources, although he had some serious health issues including diabetes, he died as a result of slipping in his jacuzzi and striking his head. Our thoughts and prayers to go out to his family and many friends.

The Los Angeles native was 59 years old. He launched his music industry career as a regional rep at Stax Records. In the early '80s he held promotion posts at several labels, including Casablanca, CBS, A&M and Atlantic. In 1988 he became president/CEO of Motown. During his tenure, Busby launched the career of Boyz II Men. Busby was appointed head of the urban division at DreamWorks Records in 1998. In 2004, he was named president of Def Soul Classics, a division of Def Jam Records. Busby's most recent venture was the establishment of Umbrella Recordings, which released Carl Thomas' 2007 album, "So Much Better," and Patti LaBelle's first gospel album, 2006's "The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle."