5 Detroit Legends Honored With “Spirit Murals” At New Arena

Five Detroit legends – most who are living – are going to be honored with a series of “Spirit Murals” at the new Little Caesars Arena.

The murals were painted by Detroit-based artist Don Kilpatrick III. He’s been in a variety of publications an is the chair of the Illustration Department at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

According to the Detroit Red Wings, the legends may be rotated or added to depending on what’s going on.

Individuals that have defined sports and entertainment in our community will be changed as important anniversaries come up, allowing us to celebrate great moments and mark the historic milestones that made Detroit swell with pride.

The first five legends are:

• Isiah Thomas – Detroit Pistons’ career leader in points, assists, steals, turnovers, minutes played; led the Pistons to their first Eastern Conference Finals 30 years ago, the deepest they had gone in the playoffs since they moved to Detroit from Ft. Wayne.
• Eminem – Greatest selling male Detroit artist of all time and top selling male artist of the 2000s; the landmark Slim Shady EP recorded 20 years ago.
• Aretha Franklin – The Queen of Soul, one of the most influential and important voices in music history, who was also the first female artist inducted rock-n-roll hall of fame; 50 years ago R-E-S-P-E-C-T became a hit and signature song.
• Gordie Howe – Hockey icon (Mr. Hockey), Detroit Red Wings career leader in games, goals, points; Gordie started wearing his legendary #9 in his second season, 70 years ago.
• Joe Louis – One of the greatest boxers of all time, a nationwide World War II hero who broke the color barrier in professional golf and won the heavyweight championship 80 years ago.