Echoes of Indiana Avenue

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we remember the legendary Naptown funk vocalist Kevin “Flash” Ferrell, who died on May 30, 2026. Flash performed with some of Indianapolis's most influential funk bands, including Rhythm Machine, Redd Hott, and Manchild. Hear music from across his career, along with reflections on his legacy from former Manchild manager Sid Johnson.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll pay tribute to the legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins. He died on May 25th, 2026, at the age of 95. Explore Rollins' collaborations with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue and trace the connections between his work and the musicians who helped define the sound of Naptown jazz.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, meet the show's host Rodney Stepp — a legendary Indianapolis keyboardist and bandleader. We'll hear music from his recent Small Studio Session performance for WFYI, along with a conversation between Stepp and Echoes producer Kyle Long. They discuss his deep roots in the Indianapolis music scene and his years touring the world with The Spinners.

This is our third and final installment of our centennial celebration of Miles Davis. May 26 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth. Join Rodney Stepp as we spotlight the music of Carl Perkins, one of the most important jazz pianists to emerge from Indiana Avenue, and one of Miles Davis' favorite pianists.

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll continue our centennial celebration of Miles Davis — May 26 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth. He influenced musicians around the world, including two of Naptown's most iconic jazz stars: guitarist Wes Montgomery and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Join us for songs featuring Montgomery and Hubbard performing the music of Miles Davis.

On May 26, 2026, music fans around the world will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis — the legendary jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose life stands as one of the defining stories in American music. Join host Rodney Stepp to celebrate Davis' centennial by listening to his work with the legendary Naptown trombonist J. J. Johnson. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society.

Join host Rodney Stepp as we explore “The Lost Sessions,” a new release from one of Naptown's most historic funk bands: Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign. These newly recovered recordings capture the band at a pivotal moment and document a sound in transition, as they added a jazzier edge to its trademark funk style. We'll be joined by the group's co-founder and bassist, Lester Johnson.

Join guest host Rodney Stepp as we explore the history of Words of Wisdom, a popular Naptown soul group of the early 1970s. They released two singles, including a 1973 record on Lamp Records and a 1976 recording for IX Chains. We'll share interviews with members of the group and their manager, Rickie Clark, and examine the contributions of songwriter Charles “Moose” Amos.

Join guest host Rodney Stepp for the final episode in our two-part series celebrating the music of the late drummer Jozell Carter. On this week's show, we focus on Carter's work in the Naptown jazz scene, featuring performances with Billy Wooten, Steve Weakley, Jonathan Wood, and the Small Talk Quintet.

Earlier this year, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation announced its 2026 inductees for the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame, including the late drummer Jozell Carter — a pioneering force in soul jazz music known for his bold, powerful sound. For the next two weeks, join guest host Rodney Stepp, as we explore Carter's music and legacy. This week's program spotlights his recordings with vibraphonist Johnny Lytle.

Guest host Rodney Stepp pays tribute to John Terrell, founder of KnapTown Records. His label created opportunities for young local musicians, including Stepp. In 1970, his group, Jazzie Cazzie and the Eight Sounds, released a single with them. Hear rare recordings from the KnapTown catalog and conversations with the artists behind it, including The Sentimentals.

Celebrate Women's History Month with guest host Debbie Nelson, featuring music from the legendary blues women of Naptown. Blues was one of the most popular forms of entertainment on Indiana Avenue, and some of the earliest recordings in the genre were made by women.

The Avenue was home to many legendary girl groups. Join guest host Debbie Nelson as we celebrate Women's History Month with a tribute to these groups, featuring the Pearls, the Indys, the Stovall Singers, the Chordelles, Joy Upton, Josephine Cheatham, Ethel McCane, and Pam Tanner.

In the 1960s, girl groups like The Supremes, The Ronettes, and Martha and the Vandellas helped define the sound of rhythm and blues and shape the course of American popular music. The Avenue was home to many legendary girl groups. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, join guest host Debbie Nelson as we celebrate Women's History Month with a tribute to Naptown's own girl groups. Join us for an hour of words and music featuring the Pearls, the Indys, the Stovall Singers, the Chordelles, Joy Upton, Josephine Cheatham, Ethel McCane, and Pam Tanner.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Coltrane, one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Join guest host Rodney Stepp as we celebrate Coltrane's centennial by exploring his connections to Indiana Avenue.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Coltrane, one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Join guest host Rodney Stepp as we celebrate Coltrane's centennial by exploring his connections to Indiana Avenue. Indianapolis musicians were part of Coltrane's story from the very beginning. Coltrane credited the Naptown bandleader Joe Webb with providing one of his first professional gigs. Coltrane himself appeared on the Avenue at least twice during his career, including a week-long residency at the Chateau de Count & Eve. Join us for music exploring Coltrane's work with Naptown musicians including Joe Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Ray Appleton, and Buddy Montgomery.

Celebrate the life and legacy of M.L. Allen Jr., a legendary Indianapolis gospel songwriter and guitarist who passed away on January 26 at the age of 89.

Celebrate the life and legacy of M.L. Allen Jr., a legendary Indianapolis gospel songwriter and guitarist who passed away on January 26 at the age of 89. Allen's music helped shape the sound of gospel in Indianapolis, beginning with his rise in the 1950s alongside the Wandering Travelers of Indianapolis. For over 15 years, the group performed in neighborhood churches across Naptown—from Indiana Avenue to Haughville and Martindale-Brightwood—leaving a lasting mark on the city's gospel scene. After the Wandering Travelers dissolved, Allen continued performing as a solo artist, accompanying himself on his guitar, “Magic.” Beyond music, he was a successful entrepreneur, owning a record shop and a dry cleaner in Haughville, and a devoted mentor, opening a karate studio and teaching at the Boys and Girls Club.

Celebrate the life and music of Orville “Hoppy” Jones, a founding member of the Ink Spots, a legendary vocal group with roots in the Indiana Avenue scene. Hoppy developed a unique “talking bass” — a spoken-word recitation that helped define the group's sound.

Celebrate the life and music of Orville “Hoppy” Jones, a founding member of the Ink Spots, a legendary vocal group with roots in the Indiana Avenue scene.   As the Ink Spots' bass vocalist, Hoppy developed a unique “talking bass” — a spoken-word recitation that helped define the group's sound. Immensely popular with listeners in the late 1930s and 1940s, its rhythmic, narrative delivery has led some music historians to describe Hoppy as a forerunner of later spoken-word and rap traditions.  Though his life was cut tragically short at age 39, Hoppy left behind a sound and a style that helped shape American popular music.

Explore the music of the Indianapolis saxophonist, bandleader, and music educator Larry Leggett, known professionally as Larry Liggett. In 2004, his contributions to Indiana music were acknowledged by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, which inducted Liggett into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame. We'll share rare recordings, including his work for the legendary Chicago label Chess Records.

Explore the music of the Indianapolis saxophonist, bandleader, and music educator Larry Leggett, known professionally as Larry Liggett. We'll share rare recordings from Liggett, including his work for the legendary Chicago label Chess Records.  Larry Liggett was born in Brazil, Indiana in 1921. He began playing music at an early age. At 10-years-old, he became the youngest member of the Brazil High School Marching Band. He continued to distinguish himself in college, becoming the first Black musician in the symphonic band and orchestra, at Indiana State University.  Liggett moved to Indianapolis during the 1940s and began teaching at Crispus Attucks High School in 1948. He continued working in the Indianapolis Public School system for the next 40 years. During that time, Liggett was performing jazz music at nightclubs across Indianapolis. Liggett also enjoyed success as a recording artist. During the 1950s, his recordings for Chess received national airplay.  In 2004 his contributions to Indiana music were acknowledged by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, who inducted Liggett into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame.

Listen to music from Enoch “Sonny Boy” Williams, a Rhythm & Blues pianist and vocalist from Indianapolis. He began performing professionally in 1935, quickly establishing himself as a regular presence at Indiana Avenue venues.

Listen to music from Enoch “Sonny Boy” Williams, a Rhythm & Blues pianist and vocalist from Indianapolis.  Williams was born in London, Kentucky in 1917, but he was raised in Indianapolis. He began performing professionally in 1935, quickly establishing himself as a regular presence at Indiana Avenue venues including The Cotton Club, The Rhumboogie, and Sunset Terrace, where he became known for his energetic piano playing and engaging vocal style. In the early 1940s, Williams achieved national recognition through a series of recordings made for Decca Records. Among his most remembered records was the 1943 single “Reverse the Charges,” which became a modest hit. The song was influential enough that later artists such as Bud Powell and Etta Jones recorded their own versions.

On December 19, 1970, the Indianapolis affiliate of the Southern Leadership Conference's Operation Breadbasket held a “Black Christmas Parade” on Indiana Avenue. Listen to a tribute to the parade, featuring an hour of music from Indianapolis funk bands that performed there.

On December 19, 1970, the Indianapolis affiliate of the Southern Leadership Conference's Operation Breadbasket held a “Black Christmas Parade” on Indiana Avenue. The parade featured marching bands, floats, and local celebrities. The grand marshal of the parade was the Soul Saint, an Afrocentric version of Santa Claus. The “Black Christmas Parade” was part of a full day of events that also included a keynote speech by Reverend Jesse Jackson. The day ended with a “Black Christmas Party” at Foster's Motor Lodge, featuring some of the greatest funk and soul bands in Indianapolis, including the Highlighters, the Moonlighters, the Turner Brothers, Indy 5, the Perfections, and others. The purpose of the “Black Christmas Parade” went beyond spreading holiday cheer. A spokesperson for Operation Breadbasket said the parade was created to raise awareness of the services and products available through local Black business owners and to develop a sense of Black pride within the Indianapolis community. Listen to a tribute to the “Black Christmas Parade,” featuring an hour of music from Indianapolis funk bands that performed at the event.

Celebrate the Christmas holiday at Sea Ferguson's Cotton Club — a legendary Avenue nightclub that hosted the greatest stars in American music, from Ray Charles to Louis Armstrong.

Celebrate the Christmas holiday at Sea Ferguson's Cotton Club — a legendary Avenue nightclub that hosted the greatest stars in American music, from Ray Charles to Louis Armstrong. Along with his brother, Denver Ferguson, Sea played a key role in shaping the Avenue's entertainment scene. Sea was born in Brownsville, Kentucky, in December of 1899. He came to Indianapolis during the 1920s, and by the 1930s, he had become one of the most prominent businessmen on the Avenue. His influence as a civic leader in Naptown was recognized in 1938, when Sea was voted “Mayor of Bronzeville” — an informal title used in Black communities during segregation for someone who held real power and leadership in everyday life, at a time when official political power was often out of reach. Today, Sea is best remembered for his connection to the Avenue music scene. In 1931, he opened the Trianon Ballroom. The club's official grand opening took place on Christmas Eve of that year. The ballroom occupied the third floor of a building located at the corner of Vermont and Senate Streets. In 1933, Sea expanded to the first floor, opening a restaurant and bar called the Cotton Club. Before long, the name “Cotton Club” stuck, and locals used it to describe the entire building — not just the bar. Sea Ferguson hosted legendary concerts at the club, and on this week's show, we'll celebrate the season by listening to holiday music from the artists who performed there, including Fats Waller, Ray Charles, Big Maybelle, Charles Brown, Louis Armstrong, Lowell Fulson, and more.

Celebrate the December birthday of the late, great jazz organist Jimmy Smith by listening to his recordings with the Avenue jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.

Celebrate the December birthday of the late, great jazz organist Jimmy Smith by listening to his recordings with the Avenue jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Jimmy Smith was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1928. He began his career on piano before switching to the organ in the early 1950s, developing a revolutionary sound that blended bebop and blues with deep gospel roots. In 1956, Smith signed with Blue Note Records, where he quickly became a sensation with groundbreaking albums like The Sermon, Back at the Chicken Shack, and Midnight Special. Today, Jimmy Smith is recognized as one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz—and the most important figure in establishing the Hammond B-3 organ as a leading instrument in the genre. Jimmy Smith performed on Indiana Avenue in 1961 at the Pink Poodle nightclub. But his strongest connection to Naptown came in 1966, when he entered the studio with guitarist Wes Montgomery. Those sessions produced two albums: Jimmy & Wes: The Dynamic Duo and The Further Adventures of Jimmy and Wes. At the time, Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery were two of the most recognizable instrumental voices in jazz, each with a massive audience of devoted listeners. Expectations were high for their collaboration. Jazz fans were not disappointed. Jimmy and Wes shared a rare chemistry in the studio, and critics have since cited these sessions as some of the finest recordings of Jimmy Smith's career.

The music of Indiana Avenue has been sampled dozens of times, by famous artists including Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more. Listen back to this archived episode to hear some of the most sampled artists from the Avenue.

The music of Indiana Avenue has been sampled dozens of times, by famous artists including Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more. Listen back to this archived episode to hear some of the most sampled artists from the Avenue.

Very few Hoosiers are aware of the Avenue's important rock and roll history. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll pay tribute to the early rock and roll heroes of Naptown, including music from Roosevelt Johnson, Toni Cavanaugh, Lois Blaine, Thurston Harris, Tiny Brown, Bobby Lewis and more.

Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday by looking back at Thanksgiving night concerts and dances held on Indiana Avenue. For some Avenue residents, Thanksgiving didn't end at the dinner table. Holiday gatherings often continued late into the night at neighborhood ballrooms and clubs, where music was as important as turkey and pumpkin pie.

Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday by looking back at Thanksgiving night concerts and dances held on Indiana Avenue. For some Avenue residents, Thanksgiving didn't end at the dinner table. Holiday gatherings often continued late into the night at neighborhood ballrooms and clubs, where music was as important as turkey and pumpkin pie.  From the 1940s, to the 1960s, the Avenue's Thanksgiving stages drew some of the biggest names in American music — including Dinah Washington, Lionel Hampton, Roy Hamilton, and Earl Bostic — along with local favorites, including The Presidents. Join us on this episode, as we revisit those Thanksgiving nights when music, dancing and community were as important as the holiday feast.

Indiana Avenue played an important role in the development of rock and roll. Artists like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Fats Domino played their first Indiana concerts on the Avenue, and Naptown artists like the Ink Spots, and Leroy Carr influenced the development of rock and roll. But very few Hoosiers are aware of the Avenue's important rock and roll history. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll pay tribute to the early rock and roll heroes of Naptown, including music from Roosevelt Johnson, Toni Cavanaugh, Lois Blaine, Thurston Harris, Tiny Brown, Bobby Lewis and more.

Revisit Indiana Avenue's history as the birthplace of Hoosier rock and roll. Hear live performances and recordings of artists like Chuck Berry, the Ink Spots, and Champion Jack Dupree.

Revisit Indiana Avenue's history as the birthplace of Hoosier rock and roll. Hear live performances and recordings of artists like Chuck Berry, the Ink Spots, and Champion Jack Dupree.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of blues icon B.B. King. We'll celebrate his birthday by exploring his connections to Indiana Avenue and its musicians, including multiple dates at the Sunset Terrace and the Walker Theatre.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of blues icon B.B. King. During his historic career, King made many appearances on the Avenue, including multiple dates at the Sunset Terrace and the Walker Theatre, and his music was shaped by Avenue musicians. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll celebrate King's 100th birthday by exploring his connections to Indiana Avenue. King's strongest connection to the Avenue was his association with pianist Millard Lee. Born in Franklin, Indiana, in 1909, Lee began working on Indiana Avenue in the early 1940s. From the mid-1950s until his death in 1961, he served as a keyboardist and bandleader for B.B. King. Lee played on many of King's greatest recordings and released a series of solo singles on King's record label. King was also deeply influenced by Indianapolis guitarist Bill Jennings. Born in Indianapolis in 1919, Jennings recorded with artists including Brother Jack McDuff, Louis Jordan, Little Willie John, Bill Doggett, and Willis Jackson — helping to bridge swing, blues, R&B, and modern jazz. King named Jennings as one of his favorite guitarists and praised Jennings' rhythm and technique.

On October 26, 2025, the legendary jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette passed away at the age of 83. DeJohnette was one of the greatest drummers in modern jazz. During his six-decade career, DeJohnette led numerous ensembles and recorded prolifically, including six classic albums with Naptown jazz icon Freddie Hubbard.

On October 26, 2025, the legendary jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette passed away at the age of 83. DeJohnette was one of the greatest drummers in modern jazz. He released more than 50 albums as a bandleader and appeared on hundreds of recordings as a sideman — including landmark sessions such as Miles Davis' “Bitches Brew”, Wayne Shorter's “Super Nova”, and Keith Jarrett's “Standards”, among many others. DeJohnette also recorded six classic albums with Naptown jazz icon Freddie Hubbard. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll share music highlighting Freddie Hubbard's collaborations with Jack DeJohnette.  Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette began his musical journey studying classical piano before switching to drums — a duality that shaped his melodic sensibility behind the kit. He rose to prominence in the 1960s through his work with jazz luminaries including Charles Lloyd, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, and Miles Davis. During his six-decade career, DeJohnette led numerous ensembles and recorded prolifically, creating a distinctive sound that fused jazz traditions with abstract and avant-garde influences. A National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and Grammy Award winner, DeJohnette was a guiding force in the evolution of modern jazz.

Explore the music of Brooks Berry, an important Naptown blues vocalist and guitarist. Though she left behind just a handful of recordings, the artistry and emotional depth of her music have ensured that her legacy lives on. Brooks worked extensively with the Naptown guitar master Scrapper Blackwell and all of her recordings feature Blackwell on guitar or piano.

Explore the music of Brooks Berry, an important Naptown blues vocalist and guitarist. Though she left behind just a handful of recordings, the artistry and emotional depth of her music have ensured that her legacy lives on. Brooks worked extensively, with the Naptown guitar master Scrapper Blackwell and all of her recordings feature Blackwell on guitar or piano.  Brooks Berry was born in April of 1900 in the small Kentucky town of Sturgis. As a teenager, Brooks left Kentucky and moved north to Indianapolis, joining a wave of Black southerners seeking better opportunities in the Midwest. At the time she arrived in Naptown, the city was developing a thriving blues scene centered around the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. Musicians like Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell made Naptown an important hub for blues music. Brooks quickly found a place in this scene, and after the death of Leroy Carr in 1935, she formed an enduring creative partnership with Scrapper Blackwell.  During the 1920s and ‘30s, Brooks lived in the Avenue area, including addresses at 724 Torbett Street, and 802 West 11th Street. She spent her final years living at the Barton Tower at 555 Massachusetts Avenue.