Kym Mazelle has reached her share of international acclaim as an entertainer.
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The Gary native, credited for bringing “house music” to Great Britain, received a Gary Legends award Tuesday from Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson at the Common Council meeting.
Mazelle, 57, who has enjoyed success in Great Britain, grew up in Gary and attended Mundelein and Columbia colleges in Chicago, before beginning her international musical journey with her first record on the British music charts in 1988.
“It’s always great when I can come back home to Gary,” said Mazelle.
Born Kym Grigsby, Mazelle was raised in the city’s Tolleston neighborhood.
Mazelle said she knew Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mother, and uncle when she was young and lived in Gary.
Freeman-Wilson said Mazelle is proof that Gary has made cultural contributions that go beyond the Jackson 5.
Council President Ronald Brewer was pleased with Mazelle being honored by the city.
“We always manage to find the best Gary has to offer, it shows just how much our city has to offer to the world, even though many don’t realize it,” Brewer said.
During her career, Mazelle has worked with artists ranging from Simon Cowell, Frankie Knuckles, Chaka Khan, Maceo Parker and Mick Jagger. She also has appeared on various international television programs – including Celebrity Weakest Link, Celebrity Master Chef and the MOBO/MTV Awards.
She also has appeared in music theater, with productions of “Thriller Live,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” and a tour production of Ray Charles’ “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”
According to her website, R&B, soul, funk, house music, disco and pop are all represented in her music.
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.