The New Jackson 5 Gary Indiana Mural 2025
The Wish TV. com Article:
‘I’ll Be There’: Gary to dedicate new Jackson 5 Mural honoring musical legacy, city’s culture!
For Local News 8 by: Hanna Mordoh
Posted: Jun 26, 2025 / 09:55 AM EST
GARY, Ind. (WISH) — The city of Gary says leaders will host a dedication event for a new Jackson 5 mural on Friday.
The ceremony will be held in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood at 4 p.m. at 610 S Lake St. Mayor Eddie Melton is also expected to announce a major expansion of public art installations funded by the city at the end of the event.
Organizers say the mural is a privately sponsored tribute to Gary’s musical heritage and represents the city’s ongoing commitment to public art, cultural preservation, and tourism development. East Chicago artist Felix Maldonado is the mind behind the work.
People first knew Michael as a child in the late 1960s. Michael and four of his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, formed the band in Gary in 1964. The Jacksons’ youngest brother, Randy, also had a spot in the group, eventually replacing Jermaine in 1976.
Michael was the second youngest brother and the lead singer of the Jackson 5, showcasing No. 1 hits such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”
Michael was 50 years old when he died in 2009. His death came as he was preparing for what would have been a series of 50 concerts.
While Motown Records catapulted the Jackson 5 to international fame, Indiana continues to nurture musical innovation through its vibrant community of artists.
One group involved in this musical mission is the Indiana Music History Project, which collaborates with local musicians to ensure that their contributions are documented and celebrated for future generations.
Executive Director Rick Wilkerson told News 8 in an interview last year that the program aims to preserve and celebrate the state’s contributions to the musical landscape.
“People often underestimate Indiana’s influence on music,” Wilkerson said. “Our mission is to change that perception by preserving these stories and artifacts—showcasing the resilience and creativity that define our state’s musical legacy.”
The project also shed light on the formative years of the Jackson 5, long before they became Motown sensations. Wilkerson shared insights into the band’s humble beginnings in Gary.
“They were a very popular local band, playing small venues like VFW halls,” Wilkerson recalled at the time. “Their journey from these intimate performances to signing with Motown in ’69 is a testament to their talent and the supportive community that fostered them.”
The Wish TV. com Article Source:
Gary, Indiana will host a dedication event for a new Jackson 5 mural on Friday. The mural is a tribute to the musical legacy of the city.
www.wishtv.com