Growing up on Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, often walking in the actual footsteps of the entire musical family of the same name, surely gave Kym Mazelle an extra dose of motivation to pursue her creative calling.

Not only did the explosive singer grow up to become “The First Lady Of House Music,” but joined “Back To Life” British soul superstars Soul II Soul as a co-vocalist on the classic album “Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade” and its visual companion “Live From Brixton Academy,” each including the international single “Missing You,” followed by striking additional solo gold with “Young Hearts Run Free” from Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster film adaptation of “Romeo + Juliet.”

It’s no wonder why she wound up as a VIP guest at the hometown premiere screening of the brand new “MICHAEL” biopic, where Chicago Concert Reviews met Mazelle on the red carpet for a run down of those local roots and a mantra to “Keep On Movin'” towards tremendous collaborations and opportunities.

Being that you’re from Gary, what does it mean to have this film open here?

Kym Mazelle: I think it’s absolutely amazing bringing “MICHAEL” home. It’s a welcome change. It’s a great thing, the Gary International Black Film Festival, the City of Gary, Lionsgate, everybody’s come together. I’ve been seeing all the advertisements about it everywhere. I know they were just in Berlin…”Jaafar, Jaafar, Jaafar, Jaafar, Jaafar” is all I keep hearing people say and he’s been so amazing [portraying his Uncle Michael] in this film, so I’m just looking forward to seeing it and how they pulled this off…To see this [screening happening here] is really beautiful. I’m glad to see the Mayor [Eddie Melton] and everybody involved. Look at all this press here. It’s fabulous.

As a house music legend, surely this music inspired you in some way?

Mazelle: Well absolutely, The Jacksons were one of my formative influences, and the blues and the music from Chicago. I remember Michael being a little boy. We all grew up watching them in the talent show. I remember him being in Gary local stuff, all of The Jacksons, and the next thing I know one day they were on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” so that made me think you can go from standing [in the same neighborhood as me] into a TV. That influenced me cause I was a kid, so all I could think of was standing here and going into a TV!

What was it like for you to have a similar experience being a pioneer in your field?

Mazelle: Actually, it was mind-blowing, because one moment I was in Columbia College. The next thing I knew I was sold out eight nights at Wembley [Arena] in England. So to go from there, the next thing you know I’m working with Mick Jagger. And the next thing you know I’m working with Eartha Kitt. The next thing you know I’m doing the “Romeo + Juliet” soundtrack with Baz Luhrmann and Leonardo DiCaprio, which sells 40 million albums. I know The Jacksons have sold way more, but for me, a girl from Gary influenced by them, I’m like a branch of the tree of Gary.

Give us a glimpse of your Soul II Soul season.

Mazelle: Soul II Soul was amazing, the publishing from some of the music I wrote alone with that, but just touring the world with Jazzie B. We were the number one group in the world. It’s an amazing feeling to be the number one in the world, so you go all over world (laughs) and perform, watching people really love the music and get the message. “Back to life, back to reality.” “Keep on movin’, don’t stop.” “That’s the way I’m missing you…” So many songs, it opened the door for so many things, even lunch with Princess Diana!

---

For additional information on Kym Mazelle, visit OfficialKymMazelle.com.

“MICHAEL” is now playing only in theaters and IMAX. For additional details, visit MICHAEL.Movie.