Insider Reveals Michael Jackson's Intimate Photo Curation for 'HIStory'

In 2025, former Epic Records executive Dan Beck is set to release a book titled "You've Got Michael: Living Through HIStory," providing an insider's account of his close collaboration with the late Michael Jackson. One chapter focuses on Beck's experience working with Jackson on the 'HIStory' album in 1994.

At the time, Jackson had moved his team to New York City, renting an apartment in Trump Tower just steps away from Beck's office. The two worked closely on preparations for the 'HIStory' release, including selecting photos for the CD booklet. Beck and Epic's art director Nancy Donald visited Jackson's apartment, where they were greeted by a skid of boxes containing thousands of 8x10 photos from Jackson's life and career.

Over an all-night session, the trio reviewed the photos one by one, with Jackson excitedly approving certain shots, saying "Must have... or will die!" The process was both exhausting and exhilarating, as they whittled down the selection to 52 pages for the booklet. Beck marveled at Jackson's dedication, noting "Not many artists of any stature would have collaborated the way he did that night."

The exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse offers a rare window into Jackson's creative process and the intimate relationship he shared with his record label team during the making of one of his most iconic albums.