LOS ANGELES —

Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson on Tuesday recalled an era of sex, drugs, and rock’n roll as he added a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to his list of accomplishments.

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,” 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 in the buff.

— Reuters

Branson said he was especially delighted to sign the Rolling Stones to Virgin Records in 1992. 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.” — Reuters