Jay Dee Springbett, a former judge on “Australian Idol” and senior director of A&R at Sony Music Australia, has been found dead in his Sydney apartment. He was aged just 36.
Police officers found Springbett unconscious in his flat late on Thursday. Paramedics were called but he was already dead by the time they arrived. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
British-born Springbett was a popular character in the Australian music fraternity. Executives and artists who spoke with Billboard.biz today were shocked to learn of Springbett’s death.”
All of us at Sony Music are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of Jay Dee,” comments Denis Handlin, Sony Music chairman and CEO Australasia and president South East Asia and Korea. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family in Australia and in the U.K.. Jay Dee was so very enthusiastic and passionate about his family, his music projects and his plans for the future,” Handlin adds in a statement.
Springbett joined Sony Music Australia in 2004. Before that, he worked in London as a consultant with Warner Music U.K. for the band Artful Dodger, and prior to that he served for four years as creative director at Shalit Global Music, where he worked with Jamelia and Big Brovaz.
In his time at Sony Music Australia, Springbett played a hand in the rise of many local signings, including Jessica Mauboy, Human Nature and Rogue Traders.
“Jay Dee was a great friend and larger than life charismatic character who will be missed enormously,” adds Handlin.
Springbett replaced Kyle Sandilands for the seventh and final season of Ten’s Australian Idol in 2009, after the breakfast radio announcer was given the sack
He is survived by his partner, Louisa McCole and two children.