KINGVENTION 2025

KV NYC: HIStory Begins.

HIStory continues in New York!

KV NYC | HIStory Begins brought Michael Jackson fans to the very heart of HIStory — The Hit Factory, where much of the iconic album was crafted. In this intimate, once-in-a-lifetime gathering, attendees experienced exclusive interviews, unseen archival content, never-before-heard stories, and even the original HIStory statue mold on display for the first time in 30 years. With key creative and marketing figures who helped shape the HIStory era, rare photography moments recreated, and special behind-the-scenes revelations, KV NYC celebrated the legacy of Michael’s most personal and powerful album in the place where it all began.

DATE: Saturday 25 October 2025
Number of Fans attended: 95
Number of Fans Live Streaming: 55

Our Guest Speakers:

  • Diana Walczak

    Sculptor and creator of the HIStory Statue.

    Diana Walczak is an American sculptor, computer graphics pioneer, and filmmaker renowned for creating the iconic Michael Jackson HIStory statue.

    In 1994, Walczak sculpted a statue of Michael Jackson that became the centerpiece of his 1995 album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. The sculpture was digitized and featured on the album cover, as well as in a global marketing campaign. A monumental version of the statue was also erected in London, floating down the Thames River during the album's promotion.

    Beyond her work with Jackson, Walczak co-founded Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company, a pioneering studio in computer-generated imagery. She has contributed to visual effects in films such as Stargate, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, and directed commercials featuring athletes like Kobe Bryant.

    In addition to her artistic endeavors, Walczak has directed numerous short films under the name Harmless Little Bunny Productions and has served on the boards of the Norman Rockwell Museum and Images Cinema.

  • Steven Paul Whitsitt

    Michael Jackson Photographer.

    Steven Paul Whitsitt is a Photographer and Visual Artist from Port Huron, Michigan.

    Best known for his time as Michael Jackson’s personal photographer from 1994 to 1996, Whitsitt captured some of the most iconic images of Jackson during the HIStory era. His work includes promotional photos for singles like “Scream,” “You Are Not Alone,” and “Smile,” as well as behind-the-scenes moments from music videos and global appearances. Whitsitt was handpicked by Jackson for his ability to visually translate emotion and story through photography.

    Outside of his work with Jackson, Whitsitt has built a diverse career photographing artists such as Pearl Jam, Neil Young, and Aerosmith, and later transitioned into architecture and design photography. He has published multiple photography books and continues to share his personal stories and images from his time with Michael Jackson at events and exhibitions worldwide.

  • Dan Beck

    Former VP of Marketing for Epic Records.

    Dan Beck is a Music Executive, Creative Strategist, and Author from New York City.

    With a career spanning over four decades in the music industry, Beck served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Epic Records during the height of Michael Jackson’s career. He played a key role in shaping the marketing campaigns for Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory, and was instrumental in bringing Jackson’s visionary concepts to life—both visually and globally. His close collaboration with Jackson gave him rare insight into the artist's creative process and the business dynamics behind some of pop culture’s most iconic moments.

    Beyond his work with Jackson, Beck has contributed to the success of a wide range of artists and was an early pioneer in cross-platform music marketing. In 2024, he published a book reflecting on his time working with Michael Jackson, offering personal stories and professional insights from behind the scenes.

    Today, Beck continues to consult within the music and media industries, drawing from a lifetime of experience at the intersection of artistry and commerce.

  • La’Verne Perry-Kennedy

    Former Vice President, Media Relations, Sony Music.

    La’Verne Perry-Kennedy’s 35 year career at CBS/Sony Music began as a receptionist at Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records at the time, eventually Sony Music. She held several positions in the Promotion Department before landing a position in the Publicity Department as administrative assistant to the VP of Urban Music.

    With an attention to detail and her enthusiastic, yet composed personality, Perry-Kennedy was promoted to Manager, followed by Associate Director and then Vice President, Media Relations, a position she held until her retirement in 2005. As VP, in addition to her affiliation with Michael Jackson, (as one of his many Publicists,)she initiated press campaigns and worked very closely with Sade, Luther Vandross, Miami Sound Machine and Alexander O’Neal to name a few. As VP, she was responsible for scheduling television, radio and print media interviews, as well as press receptions. She also worked with new artists in their early development in the areas of imaging and Artist Development and would, on occasion, provide her own clothing to insure a successful photo shoot.

    Currently, Perry-Kennedy operates a store on Ebay where she sells her personal designer clothing . She has incorporated her fashion savvy sense in her volunteer work at the Bottomlesss Closet, an organization that helps to empower NYC women in need, to enter the workforce.

  • Linda Ury Greenberg

    Former VP of Market Research for Sony Music.

    Linda Ury Greenberg is an independent marketing and consumer research consultant with experience in higher education, music, and advertising. Most recently, she was Director for Marketing Research at Columbia University, leading alumni engagement studies to guide outreach, programming, and new initiatives across the university. Previously, at Sony Music, she conducted research on artists, brands, and products, as VP of Consumer Research. She is now a Board of Trustee member of We Are All Music (WAAM); a nonprofit creating tools and programs to strengthen and save lives through music. Linda holds a B.A. from Wellesley College, an Ed.M. from Harvard, and an M.S. in Strategic Communication from Columbia.

  • Lisa Kramer

    Former VP of International Marketing & Artist Development, Epic Label, Sony Music International, an Vice President International Marketing Epic Records.

    In Lisa’s 25 year career at CBS Records/Sony Music she rose through ranks from secretary to Vice President, International Marketing. She spent in England working for CBS Records UK.

    Lisa has been lucky enough to work with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Cyndi Lauper, Pearl Jam Gloria Estefan, Men at Work and Luther Vandross. She worked closely with Sony Music affiliates around the world overseeing and coordinating album releases, marketing, promotional tours, publicity and live tours for the artists.

    Her understanding and respect for different cultures made her particularly adept in this role. She was particularly involved in the international coordination and release of both Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and History albums.

    She currently lives in New York City and is Vice President of Operations for an interior design firm.

  • Lori Lambert

    Senior Director of Product Management for Epic & Liaison for Corporate Synergy with other Sony Divisions.

    Lori Lambert is a seasoned marketing executive turned real estate professional, bringing over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to the world of property and lifestyle. Born in Manhattan and now based in the Hamptons, Lori built a dynamic career forging high-profile brand partnerships in the music world. She collaborated with iconic artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Cyndi Lauper, Enrique Iglesias, Nicki Minaj, and Celine Dion, and worked with major brands and organizations including Pepsi, the Gap, Calvin Klein, Budweiser, and the NFL.

    Her deep understanding of branding, negotiation, and client relations now fuels her success in real estate, where she offers clients the same level of discretion, creativity, and strategic insight that defined her work in music. Whether navigating luxury markets or helping clients find their perfect home, Lori brings unmatched energy and expertise to every transaction.

We Made it!

The NYC 2025 Edition included:

  • 3D Screening of Michael Jackson’s HIStory Short Films

  • The HIStory Statue displayed puplicly for the first time in 30 years by Diana Walczak

  • Steven Whisitt’s orgininal Photo backdrop from Lisa Marie Presley & Michael Jackson photoshoot

  • Dan Beck’s “You Got Michael” book signing

  • Club 30’s after-party

kingvention updates