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Anthony "Amp" Elmore - Former Five Time World Kickboxing Champion. First Black Super heavyweight World Kickboxing Champion. wrote, produced, directed and starred in “Iron Thunder” based on his life story.
Anthony Ruggiano Jr. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G3kmrHZ4SRk&t=2479s
The Past
Anthony Ruggiano Jr was born into the mafia via his father Anthony ‘Fat Andy’ Ruggiano Sr. in 1953. His mother was distant as opposed to his father who, despite being a mafia hitman, was a warm and loving figure throughout his life. Anthony was born in East New York and moved to Ozone Park when he was five. He has one brother and one sister. Due to his exposure to a life in crime from such a young age, it was only unavoidable he later joined his father and ran his own crew.
Anthony’s father 'Fat Andy' became a made member of the mafia in 1953 under the tutelage of Albert Anastasia, and quickly became a feared boss with one of the biggest crews in New York City. Fat Andy was featured in the beginning of Goodfellas, for having been part of the biggest robbery known to man. For as tough as Fat Andy could be he was also a loving and caring son, father, neighbor and grandfather.
It wasn't until Anthony was thirteen however, that he truly pieced together who his father truly was. Fat Andy took him to clubs where he met the likes of John Gotti, and he began to read up about his father through articles. At the age of 16 Anthony was suspended from high school, and his father asked him what he wanted to do with his life. Anthony said he wanted to work for him, at this point knowing full well what that meant.
Fat Andy kept exposing his son to other bosses and captains like O’Neal, who was the underboss of the Gambino family. At this point, through Fat Andy and his partner Tony Lee's guidance, Anthony began to form his own crew. The NYPD quickly learned who he was and began to arrest him in hopes they could shake off some money from his father. Anthony was also exposed to cocaine and the drug world too.
At twenty-three Anthony was convicted of burglary and grand larceny but due to the lavish party his father threw in his honor, he wasn't aware of the conseconsequences of going to jail. Upon Anthony’s release, Fat Andy moved to South Miami where he began to run a crew, until his arrest and 40-year conviction. At this point, Anthony's addiction began to accelerate and take its toll.
Over the course of the next twenty-one years, Fat Andy and Anthony were either both in prison at the same time or one was out and the other was in. His father continued to run his crew through Anthony and Tony Lee where extreme acts of violence and other crimes were being committed through his blessing.
The Past
Anthony Ruggiano Jr was born into the mafia via his father Anthony ‘Fat Andy’ Ruggiano Sr. in 1953. His mother was distant as opposed to his father who, despite being a mafia hitman, was a warm and loving figure throughout his life. Anthony was born in East New York and moved to Ozone Park when he was five. He has one brother and one sister. Due to his exposure to a life in crime from such a young age, it was only unavoidable he later joined his father and ran his own crew.
Anthony’s father 'Fat Andy' became a made member of the mafia in 1953 under the tutelage of Albert Anastasia, and quickly became a feared boss with one of the biggest crews in New York City. Fat Andy was featured in the beginning of Goodfellas, for having been part of the biggest robbery known to man. For as tough as Fat Andy could be he was also a loving and caring son, father, neighbor and grandfather.
It wasn't until Anthony was thirteen however, that he truly pieced together who his father truly was. Fat Andy took him to clubs where he met the likes of John Gotti, and he began to read up about his father through articles. At the age of 16 Anthony was suspended from high school, and his father asked him what he wanted to do with his life. Anthony said he wanted to work for him, at this point knowing full well what that meant.
Fat Andy kept exposing his son to other bosses and captains like O’Neal, who was the underboss of the Gambino family. At this point, through Fat Andy and his partner Tony Lee's guidance, Anthony began to form his own crew. The NYPD quickly learned who he was and began to arrest him in hopes they could shake off some money from his father. Anthony was also exposed to cocaine and the drug world too.
At twenty-three Anthony was convicted of burglary and grand larceny but due to the lavish party his father threw in his honor, he wasn't aware of the conseconsequences of going to jail. Upon Anthony’s release, Fat Andy moved to South Miami where he began to run a crew, until his arrest and 40-year conviction. At this point, Anthony's addiction began to accelerate and take its toll.
Over the course of the next twenty-one years, Fat Andy and Anthony were either both in prison at the same time or one was out and the other was in. His father continued to run his crew through Anthony and Tony Lee where extreme acts of violence and other crimes were being committed through his blessing.
Michael and Travis Thompson - Nephew and Great Nephew of the 1930's Gangster John Dillinger ... Book coming soon ... Podcast - Digging Up Dillinger ...
Rita Gigante
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0soektqCEVQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrcbxUy-n2E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkBAy6SFxWk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVrG5D21bqw
Rita Gigante grew up in a world swirling with secrets, lies, and multiple sins. Her father, notorious Mafia boss Vincent “the Chin” Gigante, was the leader of the Genovese crime clan and the head of all five New York crime families for decades. But until she was 16, she was kept in the dark about his underworld activities. She unknowingly hung out at mob headquarters and witnessed her dad’s whispered meetings around the dinner table, but only knew what she was told by her mother and siblings about his odd behavior: Dad’s sick. Keep your mouth shut. Don’t talk about the family. Living with the family secret—and other shocking betrayals she was to uncover, then instructed to conceal—plunged Rita into emotional and physical turmoil for years. And then there was the blockbuster secret she herself kept hidden away: As the youngest girl in an old-fashioned, devout Catholic family, how could she confess to the unforgiving Godfather that she was a lesbian? They were all going to hell, she figured . . . unless she could find a way to embrace the truth and find redemption. In The Godfather’s Daughter, Rita details her spiritual journey as she unravels the mysteries of her family and herself, and learns what it means to live in the truth she finds. It’s a real-life father-daughter tale of betrayal and faith, violence and love—and how a young woman escaped from a spiraling darkness to reach the light. And in the end, with his daughter’s healing help, even the Godfather finally learns to live in the light and atone for his sins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0soektqCEVQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrcbxUy-n2E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkBAy6SFxWk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVrG5D21bqw
Rita Gigante grew up in a world swirling with secrets, lies, and multiple sins. Her father, notorious Mafia boss Vincent “the Chin” Gigante, was the leader of the Genovese crime clan and the head of all five New York crime families for decades. But until she was 16, she was kept in the dark about his underworld activities. She unknowingly hung out at mob headquarters and witnessed her dad’s whispered meetings around the dinner table, but only knew what she was told by her mother and siblings about his odd behavior: Dad’s sick. Keep your mouth shut. Don’t talk about the family. Living with the family secret—and other shocking betrayals she was to uncover, then instructed to conceal—plunged Rita into emotional and physical turmoil for years. And then there was the blockbuster secret she herself kept hidden away: As the youngest girl in an old-fashioned, devout Catholic family, how could she confess to the unforgiving Godfather that she was a lesbian? They were all going to hell, she figured . . . unless she could find a way to embrace the truth and find redemption. In The Godfather’s Daughter, Rita details her spiritual journey as she unravels the mysteries of her family and herself, and learns what it means to live in the truth she finds. It’s a real-life father-daughter tale of betrayal and faith, violence and love—and how a young woman escaped from a spiraling darkness to reach the light. And in the end, with his daughter’s healing help, even the Godfather finally learns to live in the light and atone for his sins.
Randy Jurgensen - -credits - Actor credits - The French Connection- Trailer -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T76K3RxJY0A, . The French Connection won five academy awards -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Rx074UTUc - The Godfather - Trailer -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY1S34973zA , Cops And Robbers, Superman, Cruising - trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRSasuf3JoU The Making of -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EYRP23WXzk&t=997s
Maniac, Fort Apache, The Bronx, Vigilante, Thinner, Donnie Brasco. Producer Credits - Associate Producer -
One Down Two To Go, Thinner. Die Hard With A Vengeance - technical advisor- Cruising - Technical Advisor- The French Connection - Technical advisor .
Bio - Randy Jurgensen was an NYPD detective for decades before becoming
a major technical advisor in film and television. He worked with Eddie Egan
and Sonny Grosso in the original case that inspired the French Connection
story, and pursued cop killers both in New York and across the country
until his retirement from the NYPD in the late 1970s.
Made his first break in William Friedkin's French Connection, in which he
played a police sergeant and serve as technical consultant alongside
partners Sonny Grosso and Eddie Egan
Plays regulars cameos as a police officer in several seventies exploitations
including William Friedkin' films.
His character (Lieutenant Lefronsky) in William Friedkin's Cruising was
autobiographic. He really proceeded to the arrest of the real life criminal
who inspired the events of Cruising (and believe it or not the killer made a
cameo in Friedkin's The Exorcist!!!)
Was involved in William Lustig's films Maniac and Vigilante serving as a
police advisor, production manager and even stuntman.
Randy Jurgensen was once involved in a sting operation in Greenwich
Village wherein he arrested Lenny Bruce on an obscenity charge.
Randy Jurgensen was involved in the 1972 Harlem mosque shooting
incident wherein NYPD officer Phil Cardillo was shot and killed. Jurgensen
later co-wrote a book about the notorious story, its investigation, and
media fallout entitled "Circle Of Six.".
Maniac, Fort Apache, The Bronx, Vigilante, Thinner, Donnie Brasco. Producer Credits - Associate Producer -
One Down Two To Go, Thinner. Die Hard With A Vengeance - technical advisor- Cruising - Technical Advisor- The French Connection - Technical advisor .
Bio - Randy Jurgensen was an NYPD detective for decades before becoming
a major technical advisor in film and television. He worked with Eddie Egan
and Sonny Grosso in the original case that inspired the French Connection
story, and pursued cop killers both in New York and across the country
until his retirement from the NYPD in the late 1970s.
Made his first break in William Friedkin's French Connection, in which he
played a police sergeant and serve as technical consultant alongside
partners Sonny Grosso and Eddie Egan
Plays regulars cameos as a police officer in several seventies exploitations
including William Friedkin' films.
His character (Lieutenant Lefronsky) in William Friedkin's Cruising was
autobiographic. He really proceeded to the arrest of the real life criminal
who inspired the events of Cruising (and believe it or not the killer made a
cameo in Friedkin's The Exorcist!!!)
Was involved in William Lustig's films Maniac and Vigilante serving as a
police advisor, production manager and even stuntman.
Randy Jurgensen was once involved in a sting operation in Greenwich
Village wherein he arrested Lenny Bruce on an obscenity charge.
Randy Jurgensen was involved in the 1972 Harlem mosque shooting
incident wherein NYPD officer Phil Cardillo was shot and killed. Jurgensen
later co-wrote a book about the notorious story, its investigation, and
media fallout entitled "Circle Of Six.".
Charles Cosby - Cocaine Cowboys 2 Hustlin' With the Godmother - https://tubitv.com/movies/504493/cocaine-cowboys-2-hustlin-with-the-godmother, Vlad TV - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcv90EucFroh8Mw5uJkf7T9WEYs-8TqXf , Charles Cosby is a former drug dealer from Oakland, California, best known for his romantic and business relationship with the notorious Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco, often called the "Godmother of Cocaine"
Gregory J. Scarpa Jr. (born August 4, 1951) is a former American mobster and caporegime in the Colombo crime family and government informant. He is the son of hitman and fellow caporegime in the family Gregory Scarpa. It is believed Scarpa Jr. had murdered at least 11 people from between 1980 and 1987. Scarpa Jr. was primarily active in bank robbery, illegal gambling, and was also involved in trafficking cocaine, marijuana and heroin. In February 1989, Scarpa Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in prison,[and again in May 1999, Scarpa Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in prison. In November 2020, Scarpa Jr. was released from prison after serving 31 years in prison. Mark Whalberg is starring as Gregory Scarpa Sr. in the forthcoming film entitled By Any Means .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7xbPAj35iI&t=104s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7CW27EmNro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U4BLCZw9wY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7xbPAj35iI&t=104s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7CW27EmNro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U4BLCZw9wY
Veronica Henderson
Veronica Henderson is the subject of American Gangster: Trap Queens (Season 4, Episode 8), detailing how she went from being a bank teller to a criminal mastermind who orchestrated a \(\$20\) million credit card fraud scheme across multiple states before being brought down by her own family
Her true-crime story and life in the streets have garnered significant attention, prompting her to share candid, unfiltered perspectives on what it takes to survive in the industry and remain loyal to loved ones during prison sentences
links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaZ7a85CuYI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJc-Oa-L6OM
Veronica Henderson is the subject of American Gangster: Trap Queens (Season 4, Episode 8), detailing how she went from being a bank teller to a criminal mastermind who orchestrated a \(\$20\) million credit card fraud scheme across multiple states before being brought down by her own family
Her true-crime story and life in the streets have garnered significant attention, prompting her to share candid, unfiltered perspectives on what it takes to survive in the industry and remain loyal to loved ones during prison sentences
links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaZ7a85CuYI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJc-Oa-L6OM
Steve Sweat is an honorary state historian designated by the Tennessee General Assembly, recognized for his 50-plus years of documenting the life, legacy, and lore of the legendary McNairy County Sheriff, Buford Pusser. Buford Pusser was/ is the basis of the Walking Tall movies / franchise and tv series . Official Recognition: Passed by the Tennessee State Senate, Tennessee SJR0856 formally recognizes Steve Sweat as the honorary State Historian for Sheriff Buford Pusser, highlighting his dedication to preserving the sheriff's history. Memorabilia Collection: Sweat owns a vast collection of authentic Pusser artifacts, including weapons, burned wreckage from Pusser's fatal 1974 car crash, and a replica of the 1973 Walking Tall Dodge Polara. Media Appearances: Sweat has dedicated much of his life to keeping the history alive, including making a television appearance on the series Moonshiners and being heavily featured in local history documentaries. Buford Pusser's Legacy
Buford Pusser (1937–1974) was the Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, from 1964 to 1970. He gained national fame for his "one-man war" against bootlegging, prostitution, and organized crime in the South, famously carrying a large oak club. His life and battle with local crime syndicates inspired the hit 1973 film Walking Tall. and subsequent sequels Walking Tall 2 and 3, the Walking Tall series, and the movie starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson - Walking Tall.
Buford Pusser (1937–1974) was the Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, from 1964 to 1970. He gained national fame for his "one-man war" against bootlegging, prostitution, and organized crime in the South, famously carrying a large oak club. His life and battle with local crime syndicates inspired the hit 1973 film Walking Tall. and subsequent sequels Walking Tall 2 and 3, the Walking Tall series, and the movie starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson - Walking Tall.
Joh'Vonnie Jackson - Joh'Vonnie Jackson (born August 30, 1974) is an American author and the youngest daughter of Joe Jackson, famously known as the "secret" half-sister of Michael and Janet Jackson. Born from Joe's 25-year extramarital affair with Cheryl Terrell, she grew up largely isolated from the world-famous Jackson family. The Memoir: She openly discussed her feelings of isolation, rejection, and her experiences meeting Michael Jackson in her 2018 memoir, Bastard Child.
Bill Whitfield was one of Michael Jackson's primary personal bodyguards, protecting the pop star and his three children from December 2006 until Jackson's death in June 2009. Working alongside his partner Javon Beard, Whitfield was one of the few people consistently close to Jackson during his final years. In 2014, Whitfield and Beard co-authored the book Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days. The book offers a firsthand look at Jackson's private life, detailing his struggles with isolation, his financial difficulties, and his deep devotion to his children/ The Film Adaptation: The book was adapted into the 2017 Lifetime television movie Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland
STEVE MANNING
Steve Manning is a longtime publicist and close confidant to the Jackson family, having first connected with them in 1970. He initially ran the official Jackson 5 Fan Club, later living with the family and serving as their global publicist on tour during the 1970s.
Manning remained a deeply trusted friend and advocate for over four decades, even representing other members of the family like Janet Jackson through his own PR firm. He is known for fiercely defending the family’s legacy, publicly debunking false tabloid rumors—such as when he dispelled fabricated reports about Katherine Jackson's health in 2017—and frequently appearing as an expert commentator in documentaries and media regarding the "King of Pop".
Steve Manning on his 40-Year Relationship with Michael Jackson
Speaking on his history with Michael Jackson, Steve Manning has shared personal reflections of their brotherhood and the mutual respect they developed starting from their early days working together.
“Their friendship lasted over 40 years, with Michael calling him ‘brother,’ showing deep trust and loyalty throughout their lives.”
“Manning later founded his own PR firm, representing artists such as Janet Jackson,the Marley family,the Kardashians ,magazines and others.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Professional and charismatic Public Relations Representative with over 20 years of
experience offering expertise in public speaking, advertising and media relations.
Experienced writer and editor who communicates effectively with target audiences through
strategic brand management and PR campaigns. Poised and competent team builder and
leader who thrives in fast-paced corporate environments.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
STEVE MANNING ASSOCIATES New York, NY Founder & President from 1979 to the
present
• Founded a firm dedicated to utilizing creativity, leadership and teamwork to design and
execute solutions that create customer value
• Effectively created marketing and public relations campaigns which conveyed value for clients
both professionally and personally.
• Marketed publicity on Michael Jackson’s first solo album as an adult Off The Wall as well as
the follow-up album Thriller , which is the biggest selling album of all-time.
• Marketed publicity on Janet Jackson’s first four albums including her landmark Control and
Rhythm Nation .
• Prestigious alumni of the company are high profile celebrities, blue chip athletes and major
corporations including but not limited to Michael Jackson, LL Cool J, Patti LaBelle, R. Kelly, Keith
Sweat, Aneheuser Busch, Superfest Concerts, New Edition, Bobby Brown, Bob Marley, Teddy
Pendergrass, Reverend Al Sharpton, Michael Jordan Cologne, Mark Jackson, Allen Iverson,
Charles Oakley, Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Fisher, Lisa Raye, Sean Combs, Teddy Riley, Herbie
Hancock, Bronner Bros., Jermaine Dupri, Whodini, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Karl Kani,Fubu, Gary Byrd, Sugar Hill Records/Sylvia Records, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five,
Beverly Johnson, Tyson Beckford, Donnie Simpson, Brian Hooks, MC Lyte, Jazz At Lincoln
Center, Stanley Clark, Kelly Price, Floyd Mayweather and cast members of the Fox 5 show Empire.
• National press and marketing on The Jackson Family news, appearances and products
• Public Relations and branding of Michael Jordan Cologne.
THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND New York, NY, Public Relations Consultant
from 1999 to the present
• Coordinated the planning of all media events• Celebrity wrangling and video recording of all events for press outlets
• Cultivated and managed relationships with reporters and editors and conducted proactive outreach to
national and special press
• Developed promotional plans and helped with all executional elements for events
• Led team in creating media plan comprising media selection, scheduling and budgeting across TV, print
and radio.
• Supported the Marketing Strategic Planning Manager to design, develop and execute both internal and
external marketing research programs in support of the organization’s strategic marketing plan and
vision.
• Conducted a detailed needs analysis with customers, reviewing the College Fund image, cultivating
ideas with planners, analyzing international trade lines and completion of product statistics.
SPECIAL EVENTS
ORGANIZER, JANET JACKSON WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT BENEFIT Hosted by Debbie
Allen and Blair Underwood. Dec 1, 2023
PRESS REPRESENTATIVE AND WRITER FOR BROOKLYN COUNCILMAN ROBERT E.
CORNEGY JR.
THE ALEX RODRIGUEZ AND SHAWN “JAY-Z” CARTER BENEFIT at the 40/40 club New York,
NY, Public Relations and Marketing 2006
• Promoted the objectives and causes of the benefit and arranged for sufficient finances and to execute
goals
• Contacted eminent celebrity individuals to promote a cause for benefit
• Oversee the marketing functions by composing press releases, announcing achievements, running
websites, making and messaging individuals
UNITED STATES PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON’S FUNRAISER New York, NY,
Public Relations and Marketing 2004
• Responsible for implementing innovative fundraising policies
• Responsible for creating and implementing annual fundraising strategies of the center
• Assigned the tasks of developing a framework for major individuals and donors
• Handled the tasks of providing support and necessary resources to community fundraisers
• Liaised with information professionals to develop various fundraising programs
• Handled the tasks of finding new patrons to raise charity profiles
• Planned and maintained volunteer support strategies for marketing, press, events and
fundraising.
MARK JACKSON CELEBRITY ROAST New York, NY, Public Relations and Marketing 2004• Responsible for strategic planning, implementation and logistics of the event
• Personally looked after entire catering facilities at the event such as menu planning, selection
of the caterer, cost estimation and total event management.
OTHER NOTABLE COLLABORATIVE CONSULTING EVENTS
• Children’s Aid Society Volunteer – 2001 to the present, New York, NY
• Joe Jackson’s 75th Birthday Bash, Hosted by Paris Hilton, at Neverland Ranch, Santa Barbara,
CA
• Michael and James Jordan Foundation in Style Magazine Benefit, New York, NY
• FAO Schwartz Platinum Christmas Party Costa Mesa, Chicago and New York
• LL Cool J 30th Birthday Dinner, Carleton Place, NY
• Michael Jordan Steakhouse Grand Opening in Grand Central Station, New York, NY
• Tito Puente’s Birthday Bash, Hosted by Bill Cosby, at Jimmy’s Bronx Café, New York, NY
QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong communication, ability to articulate clearly with the written and spoken word
• Confident, persuasive and a quick thinker
• Ability to describe and translate complex information
• Goal-oriented team member, resourceful writer and creative multimedia designer utilizing
Adobe suite
• Persuasive interpersonal skills; strong attention to detail
• Proven proficiency in media training, marketing, promotion, expansion, problem description and
solutions and the capability to administer working teams
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Marketing, Media and Public Relations
• Brand Management
• Crisis Communication
• Multimedia Design
• Project Management
• Media Spokesperson
• Strategic Planning
• Communications
• Social Media Marketing
• Corporate Civic Engagement
• Integrated Marketing
• Public Relations
AWARDS
• Thurgood Marshall Leadership Award
• Children’s Aid Society Community Service Award
• 60 Recording Industry Association Awards (including 10 for Michael Jackson’s Thriller album)
CAMEOS
• Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, Entertainment Tonight , CNN, BET, FOX TV, CNBC
EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, City College of New York
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Gayle King, CBS Morning News; Demarco Morgan GMA 3, ABC TV; Sandra Bookman/Tracey Bagley
Here & Now, ABC TV; Shannon Laneir Channel 12 Bronx, Westchester; Kevin Frazier Entertainment
Tonight.
FUN FACT ABOUT STEVE MANNING – He was a featured interviewee and appeared in Spike
Lee’s Off The Wall , a 2016 documentary about Michael Jackson’s life as a child star to the
release of his industry changing album in 1979 Off the Wall . The documentary has aired
internationally on HBO, Showtime and other media outlets.
Steve Manning is a longtime publicist and close confidant to the Jackson family, having first connected with them in 1970. He initially ran the official Jackson 5 Fan Club, later living with the family and serving as their global publicist on tour during the 1970s.
Manning remained a deeply trusted friend and advocate for over four decades, even representing other members of the family like Janet Jackson through his own PR firm. He is known for fiercely defending the family’s legacy, publicly debunking false tabloid rumors—such as when he dispelled fabricated reports about Katherine Jackson's health in 2017—and frequently appearing as an expert commentator in documentaries and media regarding the "King of Pop".
Steve Manning on his 40-Year Relationship with Michael Jackson
Speaking on his history with Michael Jackson, Steve Manning has shared personal reflections of their brotherhood and the mutual respect they developed starting from their early days working together.
“Their friendship lasted over 40 years, with Michael calling him ‘brother,’ showing deep trust and loyalty throughout their lives.”
“Manning later founded his own PR firm, representing artists such as Janet Jackson,the Marley family,the Kardashians ,magazines and others.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Professional and charismatic Public Relations Representative with over 20 years of
experience offering expertise in public speaking, advertising and media relations.
Experienced writer and editor who communicates effectively with target audiences through
strategic brand management and PR campaigns. Poised and competent team builder and
leader who thrives in fast-paced corporate environments.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
STEVE MANNING ASSOCIATES New York, NY Founder & President from 1979 to the
present
• Founded a firm dedicated to utilizing creativity, leadership and teamwork to design and
execute solutions that create customer value
• Effectively created marketing and public relations campaigns which conveyed value for clients
both professionally and personally.
• Marketed publicity on Michael Jackson’s first solo album as an adult Off The Wall as well as
the follow-up album Thriller , which is the biggest selling album of all-time.
• Marketed publicity on Janet Jackson’s first four albums including her landmark Control and
Rhythm Nation .
• Prestigious alumni of the company are high profile celebrities, blue chip athletes and major
corporations including but not limited to Michael Jackson, LL Cool J, Patti LaBelle, R. Kelly, Keith
Sweat, Aneheuser Busch, Superfest Concerts, New Edition, Bobby Brown, Bob Marley, Teddy
Pendergrass, Reverend Al Sharpton, Michael Jordan Cologne, Mark Jackson, Allen Iverson,
Charles Oakley, Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Fisher, Lisa Raye, Sean Combs, Teddy Riley, Herbie
Hancock, Bronner Bros., Jermaine Dupri, Whodini, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Karl Kani,Fubu, Gary Byrd, Sugar Hill Records/Sylvia Records, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five,
Beverly Johnson, Tyson Beckford, Donnie Simpson, Brian Hooks, MC Lyte, Jazz At Lincoln
Center, Stanley Clark, Kelly Price, Floyd Mayweather and cast members of the Fox 5 show Empire.
• National press and marketing on The Jackson Family news, appearances and products
• Public Relations and branding of Michael Jordan Cologne.
THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND New York, NY, Public Relations Consultant
from 1999 to the present
• Coordinated the planning of all media events• Celebrity wrangling and video recording of all events for press outlets
• Cultivated and managed relationships with reporters and editors and conducted proactive outreach to
national and special press
• Developed promotional plans and helped with all executional elements for events
• Led team in creating media plan comprising media selection, scheduling and budgeting across TV, print
and radio.
• Supported the Marketing Strategic Planning Manager to design, develop and execute both internal and
external marketing research programs in support of the organization’s strategic marketing plan and
vision.
• Conducted a detailed needs analysis with customers, reviewing the College Fund image, cultivating
ideas with planners, analyzing international trade lines and completion of product statistics.
SPECIAL EVENTS
ORGANIZER, JANET JACKSON WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT BENEFIT Hosted by Debbie
Allen and Blair Underwood. Dec 1, 2023
PRESS REPRESENTATIVE AND WRITER FOR BROOKLYN COUNCILMAN ROBERT E.
CORNEGY JR.
THE ALEX RODRIGUEZ AND SHAWN “JAY-Z” CARTER BENEFIT at the 40/40 club New York,
NY, Public Relations and Marketing 2006
• Promoted the objectives and causes of the benefit and arranged for sufficient finances and to execute
goals
• Contacted eminent celebrity individuals to promote a cause for benefit
• Oversee the marketing functions by composing press releases, announcing achievements, running
websites, making and messaging individuals
UNITED STATES PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON’S FUNRAISER New York, NY,
Public Relations and Marketing 2004
• Responsible for implementing innovative fundraising policies
• Responsible for creating and implementing annual fundraising strategies of the center
• Assigned the tasks of developing a framework for major individuals and donors
• Handled the tasks of providing support and necessary resources to community fundraisers
• Liaised with information professionals to develop various fundraising programs
• Handled the tasks of finding new patrons to raise charity profiles
• Planned and maintained volunteer support strategies for marketing, press, events and
fundraising.
MARK JACKSON CELEBRITY ROAST New York, NY, Public Relations and Marketing 2004• Responsible for strategic planning, implementation and logistics of the event
• Personally looked after entire catering facilities at the event such as menu planning, selection
of the caterer, cost estimation and total event management.
OTHER NOTABLE COLLABORATIVE CONSULTING EVENTS
• Children’s Aid Society Volunteer – 2001 to the present, New York, NY
• Joe Jackson’s 75th Birthday Bash, Hosted by Paris Hilton, at Neverland Ranch, Santa Barbara,
CA
• Michael and James Jordan Foundation in Style Magazine Benefit, New York, NY
• FAO Schwartz Platinum Christmas Party Costa Mesa, Chicago and New York
• LL Cool J 30th Birthday Dinner, Carleton Place, NY
• Michael Jordan Steakhouse Grand Opening in Grand Central Station, New York, NY
• Tito Puente’s Birthday Bash, Hosted by Bill Cosby, at Jimmy’s Bronx Café, New York, NY
QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong communication, ability to articulate clearly with the written and spoken word
• Confident, persuasive and a quick thinker
• Ability to describe and translate complex information
• Goal-oriented team member, resourceful writer and creative multimedia designer utilizing
Adobe suite
• Persuasive interpersonal skills; strong attention to detail
• Proven proficiency in media training, marketing, promotion, expansion, problem description and
solutions and the capability to administer working teams
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Marketing, Media and Public Relations
• Brand Management
• Crisis Communication
• Multimedia Design
• Project Management
• Media Spokesperson
• Strategic Planning
• Communications
• Social Media Marketing
• Corporate Civic Engagement
• Integrated Marketing
• Public Relations
AWARDS
• Thurgood Marshall Leadership Award
• Children’s Aid Society Community Service Award
• 60 Recording Industry Association Awards (including 10 for Michael Jackson’s Thriller album)
CAMEOS
• Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, Entertainment Tonight , CNN, BET, FOX TV, CNBC
EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, City College of New York
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Gayle King, CBS Morning News; Demarco Morgan GMA 3, ABC TV; Sandra Bookman/Tracey Bagley
Here & Now, ABC TV; Shannon Laneir Channel 12 Bronx, Westchester; Kevin Frazier Entertainment
Tonight.
FUN FACT ABOUT STEVE MANNING – He was a featured interviewee and appeared in Spike
Lee’s Off The Wall , a 2016 documentary about Michael Jackson’s life as a child star to the
release of his industry changing album in 1979 Off the Wall . The documentary has aired
internationally on HBO, Showtime and other media outlets.