Gary has long been known as a city that creates stars. From chart-topping singers to groundbreaking record labels, the city's influence on American music reaches far beyond Northwest Indiana. Now, thanks to the City of Gary’s Love Your Block initiative, that rich musical history is being celebrated in a bold and colorful new way.
Love Your Block, a neighborhood revitalization program supported through Bloomberg Philanthropies, empowers residents to improve their communities through mini grants focused on beautification, public art and placemaking projects. The initiative is designed to strengthen neighborhood pride while creating lasting improvements that reflect the unique character and history of Gary.
One of the most visible results of this effort is a series of striking murals honoring the artists and innovators who helped put Gary on the musical map.
Celebrating Gary’s Musical Icons
Deniece Williams
Located at 25th and Broadway, this mural pays tribute to the Grammy Award-winning singer known for hits like “Free” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” Williams’ powerful voice and successful career continue to inspire generations of musicians, making her a fitting symbol of Gary’s artistic excellence.
Vee-Jay Records
At 2448 Broadway, visitors will find a mural honoring the legendary record label founded in Gary by Vivian Carter and James Bracken. Vee-Jay Records became one of the nation’s first successful Black-owned record companies and helped launch the careers of numerous influential artists. The mural celebrates an important chapter in Gary’s music industry history and the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped it.
The Jackson 5
Few names are more closely associated with Gary than The Jackson 5. Their mural on Lake Street serves as a tribute to the group whose rise from Gary neighborhoods to international superstardom changed pop music forever. The Jackson family remains one of the city’s most celebrated cultural exports and a source of hometown pride.
Janet Jackson
Another Broadway mural honors Janet Jackson, whose groundbreaking career as a singer, songwriter, actress and performer has earned worldwide acclaim. Her influence on music, fashion and popular culture continues to resonate across generations, making her an essential part of Gary’s musical story.
More Than Murals
These vibrant works of public art do more than beautify city streets. They tell the story of Gary’s cultural impact, create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with local history, and reinforce community pride. The murals are part of a broader vision to revitalize neighborhoods, support tourism, and showcase the creativity that has always existed within the city.
Whether you're exploring the lively Lake Street, learning about Gary's musical roots or simply admiring the artwork, these murals offer a colorful reminder that some of America's most influential music legends got their start right here in Gary. Through Love Your Block, their stories now stand larger than life—painted across the city they proudly call home.
