George Jackson; Urban Film, TV Producer

George Jackson, a pioneer and leader in the youth-oriented urban film, pop music and R&B; music industries, died Thursday in New York after suffering a stroke. He was 42.

Jackson, a former president and chief executive of Motown Records, was best known for his executive role in Elephant Walk Entertainment, a major film and television production company which he co-founded and ran with longtime partner Doug McHenry.

Jackson co-produced UPN’s “Malcolm & Eddie” situation comedy under the Elephant Walk banner.

He co-produced the films “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” starring Martin Lawrence, “New Jack City” with Wesley Snipes and “Krush Groove” starring Blair Underwood. His other films included “Jason’s Lyric” and parts two and three of the “House Party” series that featured the hip-hop duo Kid N’ Play.

“In a business that is very self-centered and is very tough to stay in, George helped everyone, whether he was in competition with them or not,” McHenry said Friday. “He contributed with his big heart in everything he did.”

Jackson had most recently established Urban Box Office Network, or UBO, along with partners Alan Kidron and Frank Cooper. UBO was described as a “next-generation” media company providing a unique online and offline cultural and commercial platform for the “urban mind-set.” McHenry said that to honor Jackson, UBO will establish a media lab in Harlem in his name.

The Harvard-educated Jackson was named president and chief executive of Motown in 1997, replacing Andre Harrell, who had been ousted after an unsuccessful two-year run.

He oversaw several acts, including the teen group 98 Degrees and the Temptations, and ushered the legendary record label through its 40th anniversary.

In his partnership with McHenry, Jackson said they were determined to make films that were true to their concept of “edutainment”--movies that educated as well as entertained. Said Jackson in 1991: “What we try to do is connect all of the many aspects of our community into our stories.”

Jackson is survived by his wife, Yuko; daughter, Kona Rose; mother, Henie Hogan Jackson Stancil; sister, Dr. Sharon Jackson; and brother, Bobbie Stancil.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Paul the Apostle Cathedral, 405 W. 59th St., New York City. Memorial contributions can be sent to the George Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o De La Salle Academy, 200 W. 97th St., New York, NY 10025.