British business magnate Richard Branson has revealed exactly how he managed to tie Janet Jackson down to a record breaking contract with Virgin Records back in 1991.
Branson, 75, co-founded Virgin Records in 1972 as a British independent record label, along with fellow entrepreneurs Simon Draper and Nik Powell, and musician Tom Newman. The label grew to become an international goliath, but signing global superstar Jackson to such a huge deal was still deemed a risk, given the figures involved.
Co-founder Branson took to social media on May 18, the anniversary of the release of Jackson’s iconic 1993 album “Janet,” to explain what he did to convince Jackson to sign.
Richard Branson Says ‘A Hot Air Balloon Ride’ Sweetened Janet Jackson’s Deal
Virgin Records co-founder Richard Branson wrote a lengthy post on his Instagram account about signing Janet Jackson to share with his 4.9 million followers.
It comprised three photographs. Each photograph featured Branson and Jackson, with two of the images giving away what “sweetened the deal” in signing her to Virgin Records. The two images in question showed the pair enjoying a hot air balloon ride.
The caption on the post read, “On this day in 1993, @JanetJackson released her iconic album, Janet, through Virgin Records. Everyone wanted to sign Janet, and I knew I would have to pull out all the stops to sign her.”
Branson’s caption continued, “I convinced Janet to join me on a hot air balloon ride, which sweetened the deal, but I knew in the end her managers would make it all about the upfront money. Throughout my business life I have always tried to keep on top of costs and protect the downside risk as much as possible. This was a rare exception for I knew it would cement us at the hottest label on the planet.”
Further Insight Followed
GettyBranson’s post went on, “After talking with Simon [Draper] and Ken [Berry], I decided to offer Janet the largest amount of money ever to be offered to any singer. On top of this, I decided to break all the rules of the record industry: rather than tying her down for a number of future albums, Virgin would offer her a contract for just one album.”
The caption concluded, “Thankfully, the risk was worth it. Janet loved Virgin and remained signed to us for 17 years – a period in which she released five top selling albums, including ‘Janet’, which sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.”
It was a fantastic insight into the way Branson operates, as well as an insight into his company’s business relationship with Jackson.
Branson’s Followers Loved the Insight
GettyRichard Branson’s Instagram followers loved the insight into his record-breaking deal with Janet Jackson. They flocked to the comments section of his post to have their say about it.
One follower, actor Tyrese Gibson, commented, “Man oh man…. I love when you read and or hear the backstories……. If I ever launched a podcast.. I would wanna interview you fully so that the world could truly finally hear about ALL of the moments over the years and you just simply having the audacity to dream.”
Another Instagram user said, “😍😍 incredible photos!! Janet Jackson is a legend!! Nice one Richard & well done for all your achievements 👏👏.”
Someone else noted, “Oh my what a fantastic partnership that was Simon Draper, Nik Powell & Richard Branson! 🙌 And Gemma Corfield in A&R! 🎶👂”
Finally, another follower wrote, “👏 brilliant 👏 congratulations for empowering her and creating the platform for her to be her greatest self.”
We’d like to wish Richard Branson and Janet Jackson, who recently turned 60, all the very best with their ongoing and future endeavors.
