Michael Jackson Manager Frank Dileo Is Dead

Frank Dileo, who managed the late Michael Jackson's career during the 1980s, has died in Ohio at age 63.

Publicist Karen Sundell said the music executive died of complications from heart surgery he had six months ago.

Dileo worked with Jackson on his hit 'Thriller' album, with the star crediting him as being “responsible for turning my dream into a reality”.

He went on to manage other musicians including Taylor Dayne, Jodeci and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.

Dileo's wife Linda and his business associates said in a statement they were “deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary, iconic and highly respected music industry figure”.

Beginning his music career in 1968 with CBS Records, Dileo was vice-president of promotions at Epic Records when he became Jackson's manager in 1984.

In his book ' Moonwalk ', Jackson wrote that Dileo's “brilliant understanding of the recording industry proved invaluable” as he helped drive sales of ' Thriller ' past 29 million copies.

Dileo managed Jackson's Bad Tour and executive-produced the singer's 1988 movie, 'Moonwalker' .

But after five years together, the pair abruptly ended their business relationship without explanation.

However, they reunited in 2009 after Jackson asked Dileo to manage him again while launching his ill-fated 'This Is It' tour. Dileo was his manager when Jackson died on 25 June that year.