Sharpton, Cochran form group to protect recording artists; Michael Jackson named first member

Jet, July 1, 2002

King of Pop Michael Jackson, considered among the best-compensated artists in the recording business, has become the latest star to call for "justice" in the way music labels treat their artists.

Jackson was named the first member of a coalition formed by the Rev. Al Sharpton and Atty. Johnnie Cochran to investigate whether record companies are financially exploiting artists.

"Record companies have to start treating their artists with respect, honor and financial justice," Jackson said in a statement. "Therefore, I am proud to join this coalition which represents all artists."

Sharpton said too many artists end up bankrupt after years of making millions for record labels.

"It is our intention to break up the kinds of indentured servant-type of arrangement that many in the record industry now have with record companies," he said. "We hope that this initiative would make it possible where one day the artist on the CD is as big as the companies that put out the CD."

The pair said they have been contacted by several artists who have complained about record label practices, including policies that force stars to pay for promotional costs such as videos.

"How would it be if Derek Jeter had to pay for his bats and balls and glove to go out and play for the Yankees?" Cochran asked. "It's unfair."

Cochran and Sharpton said they would be willing to work with the Recording Artists Coalition, which is demanding new relationships with record labels, including fairer contracts and more oversight of accounting practices.

Operating under Sharpton's civil liberties organization, the National Action Network, the new coalition also plans to fight for health care and free agency for artists.

Jackson is considered to have one of the most lucrative contracts in the record business. Jackson's involvement in the Sharpton-Cochran coalition comes as he battles with his longtime record label, Sony Music.