A remarkable photographic archive containing approximately 2.5 million original press photographs has resurfaced in New York, bringing with it an extraordinary collection of celebrity and historical imagery, including three photographs featuring Michael Jackson.
Known as the Lost AMI Archive of Rare Press Photographs, the collection represents decades of American entertainment journalism and celebrity photography. Alongside the original photographs are approximately 2.5 million negatives, photographer notes, newsroom stamps, captions and editorial markings that provide an insight into how images were documented and published.
Originally associated with publications including Us Weekly, Star, OK! Magazine, National Enquirer, Globe and National Examiner, the archive captures some of the most recognizable personalities and defining moments in modern popular culture.
Michael Jackson Among the Archive’s Highlights
Michael Jackson is among the internationally recognized personalities represented in the collection, alongside Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Princess Diana and the Kennedy family.
Three photographs featuring Michael Jackson are highlighted in connection with the archive, offering glimpses into different moments of his life and relationships with some of Hollywood’s most famous personalities.
Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor After the American Music Awards
One photograph captures Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor together at a party following the American Music Awards at Le Dome Restaurant in Los Angeles. The awards ceremony was held at the Shrine Auditorium.
The photograph reflects the friendship between two of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, who shared a close personal bond over the years.
Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor in New York – June 3, 1992
Another photograph documents Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor at a party held in her honor at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan on June 3, 1992.
Earlier that evening, Elizabeth had been honored by the Fragrance Foundation during its 20th Anniversary Awards Gala and Medals of Honor presentation at the New York Hilton.
At the time, Elizabeth Taylor was promoting her fragrance business, with White Diamonds and Passion among her perfumes. She was also preparing to return to the silver screen with Faithful, her first movie in several years.
Michael Jackson reportedly arrived at the party alongside Donald Trump and Marla Maples. The singer was also preparing for his upcoming Dangerous World Tour, sponsored by Pepsi, following the success of his Dangerous album, which included hits such as Black or White and Remember the Time.
Michael Jackson at Vincent Minnelli’s Funeral – July 30, 1986
The third photograph dates back to July 30, 1986, and captures Michael Jackson alongside Lee Minnelli and Liza Minnelli at the funeral of Vincent Minnelli.
The funeral took place at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California, following the death of the legendary film director, known for his work on classic Hollywood musicals including An American in Paris and Meet Me in St. Louis.
The photograph documents Michael Jackson attending the funeral and offers another rare glimpse into his connections with Hollywood’s entertainment community.
Bringing Photographic History Back to Life
Selected photographs from the Lost AMI Archive are being presented at an Upper East Side gallery in New York City, located at 29 East 72nd Street, in a space formerly leased by Sotheby’s.
The gallery presentation combines large-format photographic displays with original archival materials, allowing visitors to appreciate not only the photographs themselves but also their historical context and original documentation.
The archive’s custodians are also exploring future museum exhibitions, institutional partnerships and historical preservation initiatives, while an ongoing valuation process seeks to establish the collection’s historical and commercial significance.
For Michael Jackson fans and photography enthusiasts, the rediscovery represents another opportunity to revisit moments from the singer’s extraordinary life through original press photography and the historical records surrounding it.
Source: Lost AMI Archive of Rare Press Photographs / History Buffs, LLC
