Recently, members of the singer’s family watched as local performers staged a medley of his greatest hits, and youngsters mimicked his famous “moonwalk”.

One of the most famous people in this special event was Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, who told 6,000 devotees "This is the origin of it all". Jesse went on to say that this is where Michael first learned to dance and sing.

Mayor Rudy Clay later unveiled a 7 foot memorial to Gary's famous son.