David MacAnally/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Michael Jackson was a huge hit with Hoosier fans from the time he was growing up in Northwest Indiana. He wowed them as an entertainer, as an icon, even as a defendant in a court case.
Michael Jackson was a citizen of the world. But first, he was a citizen of Indiana. He returned to his native Gary six years ago this month. At a city hall ceremony, he was given the keys to the city. He was backing a new performing arts center downtown.
At that time he said "I'm happy that their love is still there. And I love you all so much. And thank you for this wonderful, magical day. I won't forget this for the rest of my life."
The love was shown in downtown Indy too. Michael Jackson walked the Circle Centre Mall to the delight of fans while he was in town fighting a copyright lawsuit.
A local record store owner says fans came in after hearing the news of Jackson's death. He said "They were kind of in shock...They kind of grew up on his music."
"He was a pioneer for everybody. I mean, his music was just wonderful, you know," said a fan on Monument Circle.
Another fan said "I just like his music. And I like the way he danced. Everybody loved the way he danced."
Michael Jackson's memory lives on at Monument Circle. In 1991, when they rededicated the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument after restoration, folks bought plaques for the steps. He bought one in honor of Ryan White who was his friend. And who died in 1990 of complications from AIDS. It says "In honor of Ryan White. His spirit lives in us all. We miss you." It's on the 38th step.
