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Legendary Blues women of Naptown
March 22, 2026
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 girl groups of Naptown
March 15, 2026
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.
Exploring John Coltrane’s connections to Indiana Avenue
March 8, 2026
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.
Remembering Indianapolis gospel artist M.L. Allen Jr. of The Wandering Travelers
March 1, 2026
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.
The original talking bass - Orville “Hoppy” Jones and the Ink Spots
February 8, 2026
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.
Bandleader, teacher, and saxophonist Larry Liggett
January 25, 2026
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.
The Naptown R&B pioneer Enoch “Sonny Boy” Wiliams
January 11, 2026
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.
Indiana Avenue’s Black Christmas Party
December 14, 2025
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.
Celebrating Christmas at Sea Ferguson’s Cotton Club
December 7, 2025
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.
Celebrating the musical collaboration of Wes Montgomery and Jimmy Smith
November 30, 2025
Celebrate the December birthday of the late, great jazz organist Jimmy Smith by listening to his recordings with the Avenue jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.
ARCHIVES: Rap Songs that Sampled the Avenue
November 26, 2025
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.
Thanksgiving night dances on the Avenue
November 23, 2025
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.
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