Gary, Indiana, and Michael Jackson

NARRATOR: This Indiana Bicentennial minute is made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and the law firm of Krieg DeVault.

Black and white images are shown of Gary, Indiana. Images of the town, as well as the steel mill is shown.

PAULEY: Gary, Indiana was founded in 1906 by the U.S Steel Corporation as the site for a huge new mill. Immigrants from Eastern Europe came for grueling and low paying jobs. While the plant became the world’s largest steel producer, at one point employing over thirty-thousand.

Images of the Jackson family, Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson is shown.

PAULEY: One of those employees was a crane operator by the name of Joe Jackson. His children became Gary’s most famous export and starred a kid named Michael.

Videos of Michael Jackson, posing with fans, accepting awards and performing is shown.

PAULEY: As the King of Pop, Michael Jackson revolutionized the music industry producing 13 number 1 hits and Thriller, the top-selling album in history. “It’s where it all began,” said Michael Jackson of his hometown. “Gary was the first place I danced with joy.” I’m Jane Pauley with this Indiana Bicentennial Minute.

NARRATOR: Made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and the law firm of Krieg