Norio Ohga, Musical Pioneer and Former Sony Chairman Dies at Age 81

Norio Ohga (大賀 典雄) former Sony chairman passed away in April 23,2011 at the age of 81 due to multiple organ failure. 

His training as a musician led him to push the CD to have a 75 minute capacity so that listeners can hear the entire 9th symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven without any interruption. He was also the one who launched Sony in the game business by releasing the PlayStation. And he was also in control of Sony when it bought Columbia Pictures in 1989.  

"By redefining Sony as a company encompassing both hardware and software, Ohga-san succeeded where other Japanese companies failed. It is no exaggeration to attribute Sony's evolution beyond audio and video products into music, movies and games, and subsequent transformation into a global entertainment leader to Ohga-san's foresight and vision," Sony Chief Executive Howard Stringer said in a statement.

"I offer my deepest condolences on his passing and pray that he may rest in peace."

Read more on Norio Ohga here

Sources: Shopao's post in Facebook, CNN.com, blu-ray.com