Podcasts about Indiana Avenue

Decades before Juneteenth became widely observed across Indiana, the Avenue was already celebrating freedom through music. Explore the history of a 1953 landmark concert on Indiana Avenue, one of the first Juneteenth celebrations in Indianapolis. On June 19th, the Avenue's Sunset Terrace club hosted an all-star concert featuring R&B performers Johnny Otis, Marie Adams, Mel Walker, and Redd Lyte. The event was sponsored by Indianapolis's Black firefighters and police officers as a community fundraiser.

Today we head back to Indianapolis with the podcast Urban Roots. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ms. Jean Spears was a young mother and burgeoning preservationist. She saved antiques from houses about to be demolished; she bought a home in a white slum and renovated it; later on, she did the same with a historic home in the black neighborhood near Indiana Avenue. In the eighties, she and some neighbors started digging into this black neighborhood's history, uncovering the names of Black doctors, civic leaders, and other professionals who had lived there, many of whom had worked for Madam C.J. Walker. She helped rename the neighborhood to Ransom Place, in honor of Freeman Ransom, Madam Walker's prodigious lawyer. And in 1991, they succeeded in getting the Ransom Place Historic District included in the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks in no small part to the connection to Madam C.J. Walker, Jean Spears was able to save this pocket of Black history, in an area that — as we explained last episode — the city of Indianapolis had almost erased from memory. But black Indy history is about more than Madam Walker, and other stories and places in the city need protection, too. In this episode, we'll introduce you to three Black women who are carrying on what Ms. Jean Spears started — safeguarding these little-known stories of the past and guiding Indianapolis toward a brighter future. Featuring: Claudia Polley, Urban Legacy Lands Initiative | Kaila Austin, artist and historian | Judith Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Indianapolis | Paula Brooks, the Environmental Justice Program Manager at the Hoosier Environment Council Credits: Urban Roots Podcast: Urban Roots unearths little-known stories from urban history, especially histories of women and people of color that are in danger of being forgotten. Our mission is to elevate underrepresented voices and help preserve the places significant to them. Hosts and Executive Producers: Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and Vanessa Maria Quirk Editor and Executive Producer: Connor Lynch  Mixer: Andrew Callaway.  Music/Composer: Adaam James Levin-Areddy.   Making Contact Credits Episode Host: Salima Hamirani Executive Director: Jina Chung Editor: Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong Engineer: Jeff Emtman Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain   **Music Credits** Roman- Galaxy (inspired up melody) Will Bangs - I'm so glad you exist Learn More:  Part 1: Madam Walker & the Rise and Fall of Indiana Avenue | Urbanist Media  Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.

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.

Each May,  33 IndyCars scream around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 245 mph while  400,000 fans pack the stands. But there's more to the city than the famous race that bears its name. Indianapolis rewards the curious, whether you're chasing checkered flags or chasing a bit of history.In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with two guests who know Indianapolis from completely different vantage points. Scott McLaughlin, the New Zealand-born IndyCar superstar and driver of the No. 3 AAA Travel Chevrolet for Team Penske, joins Angie trackside at the legendary Speedway. Then, Sampson Levingston, founder of Through 2 Eyes and the force behind Indy's celebrated Walk and Talk Tours, takes her through the  neighborhoods, monuments, and overlooked histories that make this city unforgettable.You'll hear what it feels like to stand on the grid as 400,000 fans go silent for Taps, discover a golf course where you can swing a seven iron while IndyCars fly past at race speed, and learn why Indianapolis is one of the most walkable, perfectly planned capitals in the country. From the legacy of America's first self-made woman millionaire, to the hidden stories of Indiana Avenue, this episode will change what you look for the next time you visit Indy.What You'll Learn:3:14 Why race day at IMS moves even the most seasoned drivers to tears11:42 The only golf course in the world where IndyCars are part of the back nine22:18 The surprising history of Monument Circle and what Lady Victory is really watching over29:49 How Madam C.J. Walker built an empire and left an enduring legacy41:18 A local's guide to the perfect Indianapolis itineraryConnect with Scott McLaughlin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smclaughlin93/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smclaughlin93YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Smclaughlin93Website: https://www.scott-mclaughlin.com/Connect with Sampson Levingston:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampson_2/Tour Website: https://www.through2eyes.com/Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkandtalkindy/:What are YOU most excited to discover in Indianapolis? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

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.

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.

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. 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.   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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

WFYI's Kyle Long features Echoes of Indiana Avenue co-host Herman 'Butch' Slaughter on this segment from Cultural Manifesto.

Kyle Long features Echoes of Indiana Avenue co-host Herman 'Butch' Slaughter on this short segment from Cultural Manifesto.

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.  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.

The legendary jazz saxophonist and flutist James Moody was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll celebrate the 100th anniversary of Moody's birth by listening to his work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue.  Moody gave many performances on the Avenue, appearing at the Sunset Terrace in 1952, 1956, and 1957. He also recorded with legendary Avenue musicians, including Larry Ridley, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, and J.J. Johnson. But Moody's connection to the Avenue goes even deeper — his father James Moody Sr. lived in Naptown for decades. Moody Sr. was a trumpet player and bandleader. Moody Sr. played with local bands, including Bob Womack's Bob Cats, Buchanan's Dance-A-Pators, and the Showboat Orchestra. Moody Sr. lived near the Avenue and played in neighborhood venues like the Defense Worker's Social Club.  Join us for music from the saxophonist and flutist James Moody — including rare, unreleased live recordings of Moody performing with the legendary Naptown jazz drummer Larry Clark.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary jazz saxophonist and flutist James Moody. Listen to his work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue, including rare, unreleased live recordings of him performing with the legendary Naptown jazz drummer Larry Clark.

This October, PBS will air a new documentary titled “King of Them All: The Story of King Records.” The film tells the story of the influential King Records label, founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan in Cincinnati, Ohio. King began as a country music label, recording artists such as Moon Mullican and Cowboy Copas, before later expanding into R&B, gospel, and rockabilly. By the late 1950s, King Records had become a powerhouse in R&B and soul music, launching the careers of Little Willie John, Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, and—most famously—James Brown. Located just over 100 miles from Cincinnati, Indianapolis became a reliable source of talent for King Records. Many notable Indianapolis artists recorded for the label, from country star Lattie Moore to jazz legend Jimmy Coe. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we'll share an hour of music from Avenue artists who recorded for King, including The Hampton Family, Flo Garvin, Sarah McLawler, Bill Jennings, Thurston Harris, and more.

August of 2025 marks the 100th birthday of the late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. Listen to music featuring Oscar Peterson's work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue, including Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson and more. Oscar Peterson was born in Montreal, Quebec on August 15, 1925. He rose to international prominence in the 19450s, impressing jazz fans with his dazzling technique and blues sensibility. During his prolific career, Peterson recorded over 200 albums and won 8 Grammy Awards. By the time of his death in 2007, Petersonr was widely regarded as one of the greatest virtuosos in the history of jazz. During the 1950s, and ‘60s, Peterson gave over a dozen performances in Indianapolis. He appeared at venues, including The Embers, The Murat Theatre and Clowes Hall. It's unknown if Peterson visited the Avenue during his time in the city, but he did record with legendary Avenue jazz players and was influenced by Indianapolis musicians like Wes Montgomery.

August of 2025 marks the 100th birthday of the late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. Listen to music featuring Peterson's work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue, including Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson and more.

A downtown event Thursday night aimed to give audiences a better understanding of the role Indianapolis had in the musical road that led to rock ‘n' roll.Noted author and music historian Preston Lauterbach spoke, focusing on the historical significance of Indiana Avenue in the development of American music.Lauterbach is well-known for his extensive research into Black culture and music, as highlighted in his 2011 book, “The Chitlin Circuit and the Road to Rock ‘n' Roll.” The book revealed that the famed touring strategy that many musicians used began in Indianapolis, not the south as many presume.“It was invented by the owners of a club on Indiana Avenue, Denver Ferguson and his brother, C. Ferguson,” Wilkerson explained. “They became not just club owners, but promoters and agents, and provided safe passage (to) places were where black musicians could play.”Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and other famed musicians performed on Indiana Avenue, contributing to its role as, in Lauterbach's view, a “true birthplace of rock ‘n' roll.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Rapture, a legendary Indianapolis funk band led by keyboardist Rodney Stepp. During the late 1970s, Rapture was a dominating force in the Indianapolis club scene. A new compilation of Rapture's music was recently issued by Now Again Records in California. The album features previously unreleased music Rapture recorded in 1977.  Hear interviews with Rapture's Rodney Stepp, Lonnie Williams and Greg Russell. The Indianapolis soul music legend Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds will also share his memories of Rapture. Edmonds' band Manchild was one of Rapture's biggest rivals.  Rodney Stepp was born in Indianapolis in 1952. He was raised in the historic Flanner House Homes neighborhood, directly adjacent to Indiana Avenue. Stepp rose to prominence in the Naptown music scene as a teenager, during the 1960s. His high school band the Diplomats performed with major R&B stars and scored a local hit with the song “Hum-Bug”, issued by Lamp Records in 1969. Stepp's follow-up recording “Young Girl” was issued in 1970 under the name Jazzie Cazzie and the Eight Sounds. During the early 1970s, Stepp toured the world as a keyboardist and assistant music director for The Spinners. Stepp eventually grew tired of working as a sideman with The Spinners. Yearning to explore his own musical concepts, he returned to Indianapolis in the late 1970s to form Rapture.

The keyboardist and bandleader Rodney Stepp is among the greatest living legends of the Avenue neighborhood. A new compilation of Stepp's music was recently issued by the Now Again Records in California. The album features previously unreleased music from a 1977 session Stepp recorded with his band Rapture. During the late 1970s, Rapture was a dominating force in the Indianapolis club scene.  For the next two weeks, listen to an interview with Rodney Stepp as he shares the history of Rapture. Also hear commentary from former Rapture members Lonnie Williams and Greg Russell. The Indianapolis soul legend Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds will also share his memories of Rapture. Edmonds' band Manchild was one of Rapture's biggest rivals.  Rodney Stepp was born in Indianapolis in 1952. He was raised in the historic Flanner House Homes neighborhood, directly adjacent to Indiana Avenue. Stepp rose to prominence in the Naptown music scene as a teenager, during the 1960s. His high school band the Diplomats performed with major R&B stars and scored a local hit with the song “Hum-Bug”, issued by Lamp Records in 1969. Stepp's follow-up recording “Young Girl” was issued in 1970 under the name Jazzie Cazzie and the Eight Sounds. During the early 1970s, Stepp toured the world as a keyboardist and assistant music director for The Spinners. Stepp eventually grew tired of working as a sideman with The Spinners. Yearning to explore his own musical concepts, he returned to Indianapolis in the late 1970s to form Rapture.

For the next three weeks on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about the music of Gilbert “Honey” Hill, an Indianapolis blues pianist. On this week's episode, listen to Hill's early recordings with Little Bill Gaither.

Celebrate the life of the Indianapolis teacher and vocalist Lexie Webster, who passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 96.  Lexie Webster was born in Indianapolis on June 20,1929. Her parents, James and Iva Staples, migrated to Indiana from Tennessee. Webster attended Crispus Attucks High School, graduating with honors at age 16. From there, she attended Knoxville College and later earned a master's degree in education from Indiana University. Webster worked as a kindergarten teacher for the Indianapolis Public School system for 35 years. During that time, she also performed as a vocalist with the Indianapolis Opera Company, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church and many other organizations. Webster was the widow of the acclaimed Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Russell Webster. In 2023, Lexie Webster appeared on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, along with her daughter Bonita Webster-Coleman, to discuss Russell Webster's musical legacy. Hear excerpts from their interview with WFYI's Kyle Long, along with classic recordings from Russell Webster.

The Madam Walker Legacy Center is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the summer this weekend. It's a celebration of legacy, music, and community.The 2025 Legacy Fest kicks off this Friday with a benefit concert headlined by The Isley Brothers. The weekend is dedicated to honoring the life and mission of Madam C.J. Walker.Crews are setting the stage for what's expected to be the biggest Legacy Fest yet. For one weekend each year, Indiana Avenue transforms into a tribute to the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker.Saturday is the free family-friendly block party from noon to 8 p.m. Families will be able to enjoy live performances by up-and-coming artists, eat from local food trucks, connect with vendors, and play games.The fourth annual Legacy Fest wraps up Sunday with an afternoon conversation featuring Madam Walker's great-great granddaughter, author A'Leila Bundles.The benefit concert with The Isley Brothers is a ticketed event, while the block party and book chat are free and open to the public.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In April of 2025, a new Indiana state historical marker was placed in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood honoring the history of the Phillis Wheatley YWCA. During the era of segregation, it was a crucial institution for Black women in Indianapolis, providing a safe space for community, education, and advocacy, and was one of the neighborhood's premier classical music venues. Listen to rare recordings from artists who performed there in this episode.

In April of 2025, a new Indiana state historical marker was placed in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. The marker honors the history of the Phillis Wheatley YWCA. During the era of segregation, the Phillis Wheatley YWCA was a crucial institution for Black women in Indianapolis, providing a safe space for community, education, and advocacy. The Phyllis Wheatley YWCA also offered a space for cultural expression. The Harriet Jordan Music Hall, located within the YWCA building, hosted concerts weekly. Many of these events focused on the artistry of Black classical musicians. During the mid 20th Century, the Avenue was home to a vibrant classical music culture, and the Phillis Wheatley YWCA was one of the neighborhood's premier classical music venues.  Celebrate the musical legacy of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA by listening to music from artists who performed there. Hear rare recordings from local and internationally known performers, including Felicia Weathers, Sarah McLawler, Eva Jessye, Shirley Graham Du Bois, Larry Ridley, David Hardiman and more.

Celebrate Pride month by looking back at the history of female impersonators and drag queens on the Avenue.  Indiana Avenue is known for its legendary nightclubs and historic legacy of jazz, blues and R&B music. The Avenue was also home to a lesser known, but equally vibrant tradition, the art of female impersonation. From the 1930s through the 1950s, Avenue clubs welcomed performers who defied gender norms and social expectations. These artists, known then as “female impersonators,” were more than novelty acts; they were skilled entertainers and cultural trailblazers.  Names including Doris Duchess White and Candy Laverne appeared on marquees alongside jazz greats like Slide Hampton and Jimmy Coe. Their performances dazzled audiences, yet despite their popularity, female impersonators rarely had the opportunity to record, and audio recordings of their work are difficult to find.  Listen to rare recordings featuring the work of female impersonators connected to the Avenue scene, along with interviews featuring Avenue artists who worked alongside these artists.

Phil Ranelin reflects on his work with Wes Montgomery and performing on Indiana Avenue. He will also discuss how his work has been embraced by a new generation of musicians, including Madlib, Kamasi Washington, and Carlos Niño.

This is the second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Phil Ranelin. Listen to classic music from Ranelin, along with a recent interview he recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long.  On this edition, Ranelin will reflect on his work with Wes Montgomery and performing on Indiana Avenue. Ranelin will also discuss how his work has been embraced by a new generation of musicians, including Madlib, Kamasi Washington, and Carlos Niño.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we're talking to Renee Thomas, Purdue University's associate vice provost for student access and community engagement.  For more than 35 years, Renee has increased educational opportunities for thousands of Boilermakers.  In this episode, you will:  Learn how Renee has impacted students' lives by helping them find their community at Purdue.   Explore her profound impact on Purdue's Black Cultural Center as the former director and learn more about the importance of all five university cultural centers.  Get to know how her role as associate vice provost is expanding into Indianapolis and the three pillars her team uses to ensure students feel a sense of belonging at Purdue.  Discover how she creates connections between students and alumni and the rich historical significance of the Black community in Indianapolis, including places like Indiana Avenue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center and more.  Gain valuable advice and insights on how students can find community and belonging on campus.  Find out what it meant to her to receive both the Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission's Achievement in Education Award in 2024 for the recognition of her life-changing work.  You don't want to miss this episode with a Boilermaker who has spent her career making sure Purdue feels like home to every one of its students.  

Today we head back to Indianapolis with the podcast Urban Roots. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ms. Jean Spears was a young mother and burgeoning preservationist. She saved antiques from houses about to be demolished; she bought a home in a white slum and renovated it; later on, she did the same with a historic home in the black neighborhood near Indiana Avenue. In the eighties, she and some neighbors started digging into this black neighborhood's history, uncovering the names of Black doctors, civic leaders, and other professionals who had lived there, many of whom had worked for Madam C.J. Walker. She helped rename the neighborhood to Ransom Place, in honor of Freeman Ransom, Madam Walker's prodigious lawyer. And in 1991, they succeeded in getting the Ransom Place Historic District included in the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks in no small part to the connection to Madam C.J. Walker, Jean Spears was able to save this pocket of Black history, in an area that — as we explained last episode — the city of Indianapolis had almost erased from memory. But black Indy history is about more than Madam Walker, and other stories and places in the city need protection, too. In this episode, we'll introduce you to three Black women who are carrying on what Ms. Jean Spears started — safeguarding these little-known stories of the past and guiding Indianapolis toward a brighter future. Featuring: Claudia Polley, Urban Legacy Lands Initiative; Kaila Austin, artist and historian; Judith Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Indianapolis; Paula Brooks, the Environmental Justice Program Manager at the Hoosier Environment Council. Credits: Urban Roots: Urban Roots unearths little-known stories from urban history, especially histories of women and people of color that are in danger of being forgotten. Our mission is to elevate underrepresented voices and help preserve the places significant to them. Hosts and Executive Producers: Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and Vanessa Maria Quirk Editor and Executive Producer: Connor Lynch  Mixer: Andrew Callaway.  Music/Composer: Adaam James Levin-Areddy.   Making Contact Credits Episode Host: Salima Hamirani Producers: Anita Johnson, Salima Hamirani, Amy Gastelum, and Lucy Kang Executive Director: Jina Chung Editor: Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong Engineer:[ Jeff Emtman](https://www.jeffemtman.com/) Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain Music: Roman- Galaxy (inspired up melody) Will Bangs – I'm so glad you exist   Learn More:  Urbanist Media