Who Belongs on Indiana’s Mount Rushmore? Here Are My Four Picks
On the heels of polling the crowd and asking which four Kentuckians should be included on a hypothetical Mount Rushmore of Kentucky, I thought it would be fun to ask the same thing about Indiana.
READ MORE: Kentucky Needs Its Own Mount Rushmore. Who Gets a Spot?
I happen to live in Owensboro, Kentucky, which is right across the river from southern Indiana. As much time as I spend in Indiana, I am surely an honorary Hoosier at this point. So, I feel qualified to share these picks with you!
It's strange to conceive an Indiana Mount Rushmore that's carved with two members of the same family. So, I have decided to designate one of the two as an honorable mention. However, Janet Jackson could easily have made the Top 4.
Yep! My honorable mention is the woman who united us with her Rhythm Nation.
JANET JACKSON
Like her brother Michael, Janet Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. After appearing on Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes, and Fame, Jackson launched a mid-80s solo career that eventually landed her in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And no, her first name ain’t Baby. As she made clear on 1986’s breakout album Control, it’s Janet. Miss Jackson if you’re nasty.
Since I already tipped my hat to him, there's no doubt that Michael Jackson - the King of Pop - must be featured on Indiana's Mount Rushmore.
MICHAEL JACKSON
When one thinks in terms of defining a musical generation, Michael Jackson fits that bill. The Gary native's album Thriller spent 37 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200. His video for the title track redefined how music videos are made and marketed. His short film for "Bad" premiered in a prime time TV special. Michael Jackson is an international pop culture icon. Controversy aside, his musical influence is undeniable.
LARRY BIRD
One could easily contend that Bobby Knight deserves some Mount Rushmore love for his legendary coaching career at Indiana University. However, I think Larry Bird is the far less polarizing choice. The so-called 'Hick from French Lick' spent 13 seasons playing for the Boston Celtics. He won 3 NBA titles, 3 consecutive MVP awards, and was selected as an NBA All-Star 12 times. For me, Larry Bird is Indiana's most revered sports star.
JAMES DEAN
He's one of Hollywood's most iconic and enduring heartthrobs. And here's the crazy thing. His film career was tragically cut short, but the movies he made were classics: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. In addition to film, James Dean, who was born in Marion, Indiana, commanded audiences on television and Broadway. Sadly, shockingly, he died in a car crash at 24. His untimely death only elevated his legacy. James Dean is a study of what was and what could have been. More than seven decades after his death he remains one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces. His face should absolutely be preserved in granite.
FLORENCE HENDERSON
Here's a story . . . about a lovely lady . . . from Dale, Indiana. Florence Henderson is the pride of Dale and the 'second mom' to every single member of Generation X. As Carol Brady, Florence Henderson is a television legend. I am 54 and I grew up inside that Brady household right alongside Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy. If I missed a life lesson from my own mom, Carol Brady stepped in to pick up the slack. There are lots of famous TV moms, but, for a 'bunch' of kids growing up in the 70s, no one did more parenting than Florence. In reality, that's how we all became part of The Brady Bunch.
So, what about you? Do you agree with my picks or did I leave someone off the list? Who do YOU think should be carved into Indiana's Mount Rushmore?
LOOK: Which movies were filmed in Indiana?
Gallery Credit: Stacker
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