Michael Jackson: The Biggest Culture-Maker in the History of Indiana, USA
Indystar.com has compiled a list of 25 Hoosiers (great figures) from the history of the U.S. state of Indiana. “Hoosier” is a general term for people who live in Indiana, but in this list it specifically refers to the Hoosier who provided a service that helped shape and advance the state’s culture. In this list—where Michael Jackson tops the ranking—names of musicians from blues, pop, country, hip-hop, R&B, rock, classical, jazz, and punk rock, as well as Broadway artists, are featured.
The website introduces Michael Jackson with: 
When Michael Jackson sold forty million copies of the Thriller album, a new era in the world of fame dawned. The album remains the best-selling album in the history of the recording industry.
Born in Gary, Indiana (1958–2009), Michael Jackson earned the title “King of Pop” by creating upbeat dance tracks and humanitarian songs. Throughout a career packed with honors, awards, and chart-topping achievements; in 2006, Jackson was named by Guinness World Records as the “most successful entertainer in history.”
On May 16 this year, the 30th anniversary of the airing of a television special that clearly showcased Michael Jackson’s greatness to the eyes of millions of viewers will be observed. As part of the special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever,” he performed his hugely successful single “Billie Jean” and blended the song with a memorable style (a black hat, a single white glove, and shiny socks) and an unforgettable dance (the first Moonwalk performance).
The Thriller album was accompanied by the hit albums that came before and after it—Off the Wall and Bad—selling 20 and 30 million copies in 1979 and 1987, respectively. In 1985, Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the single “We Are the World,” a turning point in music history.
After Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, Indiana politician and governor Mitch Daniels said:
“In all the years when our daughters were growing up, Michael Jackson’s music was always playing in our home, and I think among our daughters; Cherry would be his biggest fan. His music will stay alive for a long time, and Indiana will always be proud to have the Jackson family.”
Jackson’s singing career began in Gary, where he spent his childhood in a white house the size of two parking spaces, located at 2300 Jackson Street. All nine children of Joseph and Katherine Jackson lived in this house, and the boys of the family—Michael, Tito, Marlon, Jackie, and Jermaine—formed the Jackson 5. The group’s five-member lineup delivered its first performance in 1964 at the Master Lucky Club in Gary.
Seven years later, the successful Jackson Five performed on the television show “Goin’ Back to Indiana” at West Side High School in Gary. In 2003, Michael returned to Gary amid a great commotion after years away, received the key to the city during a ceremony, and met with his fans at City Hall and Roosevelt High School. During that visit, he said:
“Thank you for this magical day that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Despite the accusations, Jackson remained beloved around the world.
After his death, the Indianapolis Star published a special edition titled “From Nabu to Tragedy,” describing the ups and downs of his life.
Michael Jackson lived in the public eye in an unavoidable way. The superstar—whose standard of excellence and prophet-like message was worshipped worldwide—became daily fodder for tabloid newspapers and a source of material for comedy shows.
But Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony—holder of the rights to Jackson’s solo songs under Epic—focuses on Jackson’s musical achievements:
“He was the incomparable songwriter of his generation. A genius whose music reflects passion and innovation. His artistic talent and immense charisma changed the outlook of the music world forever. We have been influenced by his authenticity, innovation, and astonishing body of work.”
In a 2003 interview, Jackson himself said:
“My motto has been: heal the world, we are the world, listen to the earth’s song, save our children, help our planet… and people want to punish me for saying those things. But I’m never harmed by it because my fan community becomes stronger. The more you hit something, the more solid and strong it becomes. And that’s what happens (for me): I’m steadfast, my skin is like rhino skin. Nothing can hurt me. Nothing.”
Here is the list of the 25 Hoosiers of Indiana:
#1: Michael Jackson#2: Cole Porter#3: Wes Montgomery#4: Bill Monroe#5: John Mellencamp#6: John Hiatt#7: Freddie Hubbard#8: Hoagy Carmichael#9: Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds#10: Axl Rose#11: J.J. Johnson#12: Janet Jackson#13: Joshua Bell#14: Kenny Aronoff#15: Paul Mahern#16: Yank Rachell#17: Dale Lawrence#18: Steve Wariner#19: Charlie Fuqua#20: Crystal Gayle#21: Rusty Redenbacher#22: Lisa Germano#23: Bobby Helms#24: Bob Flanigan#25: Scrapper Blackwell
Source: eMJey.com / indystar