05/02/2026
With the HUGE success of the “MICHAEL” movie ,I would like to take the time to say thank you to my mentor,friend and publicist -Steven Manning,for his contribution to the CULTURE and many of our lives…
*Steve Manning met Michael Jackson in 1970 when he was just 15 and started the Jackson 5 Fan Club.
He ran the fan club from his mother's apartment while working in a mailroom and even gained support from Motown's Berry Gordy.
Invited by the Jackson family, he visited their home in California and became close to Michael and his siblings.
By 1974, Manning was living with the family, acting as their publicist and traveling globally on tour.
He helped the Jacksons through key moments like their switch to Epic Records and Michael's role in The Wiz, and played a part in Michael's solo success with Off the Wall.
Manning later founded his own PR firm, representing artists such as Janet Jackson,the Marley family,the Kardashians,magazines and others. Their friendship lasted over 40 years, with Michael calling him "brother," showing deep trust and loyalty throughout their lives.