Posted 5/28/24

Updated 10/25

Music has always been the heartbeat of Gary, Indiana — and now, that pulse is quickening once again.

In this powerful episode of The CJ Moneyway Show, CJ sits down with Kenneth Joseph and the team behind Steel Town Records, the legendary label that first launched the Jackson 5, to explore how they’re breathing new life into a historic sound.

What emerges is more than nostalgia — it’s a mission. A movement to honor the past, empower the present, and build the future of independent music, brick by brick.

The Legacy of Steel Town

Founded by Gordon Keith in the late 1960s, Steel Town Records began as a dream born from the industrial soul of Gary, Indiana. It was a space where young, talented artists — including a teenage group called The Jackson 5 — could record, perform, and be heard.

Keith’s vision wasn’t just about music; it was about hope. He saw potential where others saw limits, and that spark ignited one of the most iconic careers in music history.

Today, Kenneth Joseph and his team are rekindling that same spirit — not just to celebrate history, but to continue writing it.

💬 “Steel Town isn’t just a label — it’s a legacy. Our goal is to give new artists the same chance the Jackson 5 once had.” — Kenneth Joseph

The New Faces of a Historic Label

The episode introduces the passionate minds leading the resurgence:

• Bonita – Handling contracts, marketing, and artist relations with precision and care.

• Britt – Portraying Eddie Silver in the upcoming Steel Town film, blending music and storytelling on screen.

• Merv – The tech-savvy vice president ensuring the operation runs smoothly in the digital era.

• Maurice Rodgers – A historian of sorts, keeping alive the truth about the early Jackson 5 days and Steel Town’s original impact.

Together, they’re modernizing the brand while honoring the people who laid its foundation — from Raynard Jones to Gordon Keith, whose contributions forever changed the sound of American music.

A Story of Film, Faith, and Future Sound

Steel Town Records’ revival isn’t confined to the studio — it’s expanding to the big screen.

The team is currently developing an independent film project inspired by the label’s legacy. The film will weave together the energy of the 1960s and 1970s with a new soundtrack featuring emerging artists.

It’s a perfect blend of old-school soul and modern innovation — the past and present harmonizing to create something timeless.

The group also discussed their grassroots funding efforts, including merchandise sales and community partnerships, as a means to empower the project without sacrificing creative independence.

💬 “We’re not waiting for Hollywood. We’re doing this for Gary, for music, and for every dreamer who deserves to be heard.” — Bonita

Preserving the Past, Building the Future

The conversation also paints a vivid picture of the physical spaces that hold Steel Town’s story — the original home of Gordon Keith, the street named in his honor, and the family properties tied to the early days of recording.

Though some locations have faced loss and decay, Kenneth and his team envision transforming a historic property into a Steel Town Museum, creating a place where future generations can walk through the history of a label that changed the world.

Their commitment to preservation is not just symbolic — it’s actionable. Through community collaboration, they aim to ensure Steel Town remains not just a memory, but a movement.

The Spirit of Steel Town Lives On

The episode closes with a powerful call to action — an invitation for listeners, artists, and supporters to become part of Steel Town’s next chapter.

It’s a reminder that the story of music is never finished — it simply passes the mic to a new generation.

🎧 Listen now to “Reviving a Legacy: Kenneth Joseph and the Rebirth of Steel Town Records”

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