Sony 1999 Annual Report Download - page 22

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20
page
Sony Corporation Annual Report 1999
MESSAGE FROM TOP MANAGEMENT
Sony Music Entertainment Inc. (SMEI), responsible for Sony’s Music business
outside Japan, achieved a record year, reaching new heights financially, cre-
atively, and competitively. We bettered the previous fiscal year’s results by
expanding our artist and business development efforts and anticipating mar-
ketplace changes.
We are also effectively deploying our resources to meet the challenges of the
digital era. The advent of internet technologies presents us with new ways to
extend the impact of our artists, while digital distribution will provide us with
enhanced means of reaching consumers. As new lifestyles, businesses, and forms
THOMAS D. MOTTOLA
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Music
of entertainment emerge, SMEI’s global resources, infrastructure, and talent position us to take
advantage of these opportunities and play a key role in redefining the future of our business.
HIGH NOTES
SMEI increased its investment and involvement in artist development, successfully introducing
on a world stage new million-selling artists from every major region around the world.
Albums by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Lauryn Hill, and the Titanic soundtrack, each sold
more than eight million units, while releases from Ricky Martin, George Michael, Offspring,
Savage Garden, Will Smith, and Dixie Chicks, and the Armageddon and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
soundtracks, each sold over five million units worldwide. More than 35 other releases sold
between one and five million units.
ARTIST AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Debut and developing artists selling over one million units during the year included B*Witched,
Eagle-Eye Cherry, Charlotte Church, Des’ree, Dixie Chicks, Fatboy Slim, Ginuwine, Lauryn Hill,
KoRn, Maxwell, Shawn Mullins, Offspring, and Savage Garden.
SMEI expanded and protected its participation in the digital domain as a founding member
of the Secure Digital Music Initiative, and furthered its internet capabilities through strategic
alliances, investments, and acquisitions. SMEI realized worldwide agreements with leading mu-
sic and family entertainment producers such as Emilio Estefan, Rodney Jerkins, Chiquititas, and
Sunbow Productions.
R