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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.