Michael Jackson's family home in Gary, Indiana was the scene for a celebration of the singer's life and career, reports The Washington Post.
2300 Jackson St, the home of the King of Pop and his siblings until 1969, was the scene of a vigil on Wednesday, which would have been the stars 54th birthday if it were not for his death in 2009. Fans danced to Jackson's music whilst awaiting the arrival of his mother and children before the remembrance could really begin. "We just want you to know how much he meant to us and the city of Gary," the mayor said of the proceedings. The singer's son and daughter, 14-year-old Paris and 15-year-old Prince Michael, both sported blue Gary t-shirts, but remained subdued and duly signed autographs for adoring fans of their father.
Michael Jackson spent the first 11 years of his life in Gary, the city best known for it's steel mills, before moving out and releasing his first album with Jackson 5, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. The album was a huge hit and launched the band's career, and in turn, Jackson's. He had not returned to grace his hometown many times; aside from a show at West Side High School in 1971, the only homecoming was in 2003 when plans for the Michael Jackson performing arts centre were afoot, although the project was never completed.