Gary Indiana pays tribute to Michael Jackson

July 10, 11:22 PMCable TV ExaminerChristine Nyholm

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Gary, Indiana, the birthplace of pop star Michael Jackson, held a tribute to the legendary performer on Friday, July 10, 2009. The tribute, held at the U.S. Steelyard in Gary, was televised live on the Chicago Tribune channel CLTV. CNN Larry King Live also aired segments of the tribute in between his coverage of the Michael Jackson news.

The Gary tribute was not the sleek production of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, but was a community event with church groups and local entertainers performing. Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson appeared at the event and said a few words tot he audience. Rev. Jesse Jackson was also at the event and led the crowd in prayer.

Larry King interviewed Jackson via video and Jesse Jackson called the tribute phenomenal. Jesse Jackson went on to talk about Michael Jackson's three children and the custody issue. Jackson stated that the children would be brought up in a two parent home, alluding to the home of Katherine and Joe Jackson. Joe Jackson has stated that he intends to be involved in bringing up the three children. Michael Jackson desired his mother to be the guardian of the children. Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson have been living apart for years but are still married.

The Jackson family lived in a small house in Gary until Michael was 11. The Jackson 5 got their start in Gary, preforming locally. The group was brought to the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy by Gladys Knight and the group was signed to the record label. Michael was just 5 when he started singing with his older brothers, but he soon broke out as the lead singer. When Michael was 11 the Jacksons moved to Los Angeles.
 

The tribute in Gary took about three hours. Community groups performed the zombie dance from Thriller and other Jackson favorites. The crowd held up candles as they sang “We are the World.” Toward the end of the tribute the Chi – Lites performed.
 

The tribute in Gary brought out a community of people who adored Michael Jackson are showed their pride in their hometown son.

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