Life in Gary, Indiana: The Michael Jackson Family

Around a modest one-story house on 2300 Jackson St. in Gary, Indiana, a little boy sang on street corners and played a stickball version of cricket. That little boy was Michael Jackson. Born on August 29, 1958, in a house situated on a street that bore his family name, Mike as he was called in his neighborhood back then, would transform Gary forever.

Michael Jackson was the seventh born child of Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson and Katherine Esther Scruse. His siblings: Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy and Janet, played a big part in his musical success.

The family had a musical history from the start, with Joe Jackson performing with his brother Luther in an R&B band called The Falcons while working in the steel mills. Michael followed suit and showed musical promise as he performed in a school Christmas recital.

In 1964, Michael joined his brothers in their band, The Jackson Brothers, as a back musician, playing the congas, and soon after started doing backup vocals and dancing. His first gig was performing at Mr. Lucky's, a nightclub in Gary. By eight, Michael had lead vocals, which is when the group changed its name to the "The Jackson 5." Michael's vocal ability was clear and everyone wanted him to sing.

The Jackson 5 went on to win a major local talent show with their performance of Motown hits and James Brown's I Got You (I Feel Good), which was led by Michael.

In 1967, Gordo Keith auditioned the band and signed them to his record label, Steeltown Records. The Jackson 5 went on to record their first two singles with Steeltown Records. However, rumor has it then in 1969, Diana Ross visited Gary and saw Michael and his brothers perform at Roosevelt High school. At that moment, she decided to take the group to new heights and the rest is history.

The house in Gary still stands and mourners gathered in Gary as news of their "Mike's" death began to spread. Even though Michael and his siblings went on to new heights from Gary, Michael never forgot his roots and the people of Gary never forgot him.