Since Hoosier musician Michael Jackson’s song “Thriller” was released December 2, 1983, it has triggered hundreds, if not thousands of dance contests, entered the book of Guinness World Records; the National Film Registry, and the list of “Top 10 Halloween songs” by Billboard magazine.
The vibrant musical legacy of Jackson, born in Gary on Aug. 29, 1958, still brings pride to the challenged region, said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, who noted the contribution of the entire Jackson family.
“ As a child growing up in Gary, the Jackson 5 was one of my most favorite groups,” Freeman-Wilson said in an interview with the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. “Imagine how proud I felt to be from the same city as Michael Jackson when his album took off to make history around the world. “
News that filmmaker John Landis plans a re-release of the 13-minute “Thriller” music video in 3-D format in 2015 has created excitement around the world, and of course, back home in Gary, Freeman-Wilson said.
“I am excited to see that “Thriller” is being released once again,” she said. “This documentary gives Gary residents another reason to stick their chests out because Michael Jackson is indeed our native son.”
The enduring musical legacy of Jackson’s “Thriller” is no surprise, said Indianapolis jazz pianist Reggie Bishop. “I’m not surprised by the longevity of Michael Jackson or “Thriller’s” musical legacy. Michael Jackson was a one of a kind artist and is still loved all around the globe.”
The release of the “Thriller” video on MTV was a stunning event for all generations, Bishop said. “I was a child of MTV so the video, audio concept albums were new and the “Thriller” video premiere was an special event. My family all gathered around the TV to watch Michael Jackson dance around with (actress) Ola Ray and dance like a zombie,” recalled Bishop. “It was amazing to me.”
Singer Cynthia Layne, of Indianapolis, also said she felt a sense of amazement upon watching “Thriller.” “I remember being so excited and thinking ‘wow,’” said Layne. She admitted that even before the release of the album and video, Jackson had captivated her. “I saw him perform at Hara Arena in Dayton Ohio in 1970, I think,” recalled Layne. “The Jackson 5 was my very first concert. I was 6 years old. And I had the biggest crush on him, like every other little black girl in America.”
Beyond Jackson’s larger than life persona as an artist, the unparalleled production values of the “Thriller” album and video comprised a game-changer, said Kenny Phelps, head of Indianapolis-based Owl Music Group.
“The song itself, coupled with the video, was a musical masterpiece,” said Phelps. “I had never heard anything like that. When “Thriller” came out, it changed everything, how these two components were married together, not only for the music industry, but for commercials, everything.”
The high production values were carried over for Jackson’s live performances as well, pointed out Phelps, who recalled his stint as a volunteer stagehand for one of Jackson’s concerts in Naptown.
“Drummer Ricky Lawson came and did a clinic at IRC Music in Castleton, and they (Jackson’s entourage) were in town at Market Square Arena, which is long torn down now,” recalled Phelps. “I was 19 or 20. Myself and a few other guys were stagehands to unload the trucks, the semi trucks, the computers, all the equipment, and it was two days just to unload the trucks.”
The experience left a lasting impression, Phelps said. “Just the level of excellence that went on, how to produce shows, create an impact with lighting, music, he (Jackson) had all that at his fingertips.”
“For the person who watches it and has a fearless mind, he dared to do something different, and his perception totally changed how we played music, viewed music, because we’d never been exposed to that level of production,” Phelps said.
