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Branson, 68, the maverick British businessman
behind Virgin Group ventures into airlines, record stores and
space travel, unveiled his star with the help of singers Lance
Bass and Ben Harper - two of the many musicians he signed to his
Virgin Records label.
"Running a record company can be a lot of fun, and yes, it did
involve sex, drugs and rock 'n roll," Branson said.
Branson, who was knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth in 2000,
regaled crowds of well-wishers at the Hollywood ceremony with
tales of taking Janet Jackson in a hot air balloon ride to
entice her to sign with Virgin, giving British singer Boy George
a refuge when he was trying to kick a heroin habit, and
encountering Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards naked.
Branson said he was especially delighted to sign the Rolling
Stones to Virgin Records in 1992.
"That night, I'm told, we had a party that none of us can
remember," quipped Branson, wearing a black leather jacket,
jeans and open necked white shirt.
Branson founded Virgin Records in 1972, choosing the name
because he lacked business experience. It went on to sign some
of the biggest names in music, including the Spice Girls, the
Sex Pistols and Roy Orbison, before being sold in 1992 to fund
Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airways venture.
Branson also opened Virgin Megastores, selling music, games and
DVDs around the world, before most were closed about 10 years
ago due to the rise of digital music.
"This man is such a dreamer and has inspired so many of us,"
said Bass, a member of former boy band NSYNC. "Please, never
stop dreaming."
(Reporting by Reuters Television; Writing by Jill Serjeant;
Editing by Sandra Maler)
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