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Back to: Echoes of Indiana Avenue
Leroy Carr
January 12, 2021
Explore the work of Leroy Carr, one of the earliest stars of Indiana Avenue and a singer-songwriter and pianist whose songs became blues standards and have been performed by musical luminaries from Eartha Kitt to Eric Clapton.
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Remembering the vocalist and teacher Lexie Webster
July 13, 2025
Celebrate the life of the Indianapolis teacher and vocalist Lexie Webster, who passed away...
The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 3
July 6, 2025
Listen to the final episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Reunald Jones,...
The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 2
June 29, 2025
Listen to the second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Reunald Jones,...
The music of Indiana jazz trumpeter Reunald Jones – Part 1
June 22, 2025
Listen to the first episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Reunald Jones,...
The musical legacy of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA
June 15, 2025
In April of 2025, a new Indiana state historical marker was placed in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood...
Exploring the history of female impersonators on the Avenue
June 8, 2025
Celebrate Pride month by looking back at the history of female impersonators and drag queens...
Remembering Naptown funk musician DeMorris “DeGe” Smith
June 1, 2025
In May of 2025, the Indianapolis keyboardist DeMorris “DeGe” Smith passed away....
Phil Ranelin – Part 3: Remembering his work and friendship with Freddie Hubbard
May 25, 2025
Enjoy the final episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Phil Ranelin, a legendary...
Phil Ranelin – Part 2: Reflecting on his work with Wes Montgomery
May 18, 2025
Phil Ranelin reflects on his work with Wes Montgomery and performing on Indiana Avenue. He...
Phil Ranelin – Part 1: New releases and return to Indianapolis
May 11, 2025
Celebrate the anniversary of Phil Ranelin’s birthday by exploring his work in music....
The early years of Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign’s Lester Johnson
May 4, 2025
This week on Echoes of Indiana, we're joined by bassist and Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign co-founder...
Naptown pianists Herve Duerson and Turner Parrish
April 27, 2025
Listen to music from Herve Duerson and Turner Parrish, two important pianists who were active...
Indianapolis music legends discuss the history of Naptown funk
April 20, 2025
WFYI recently hosted a screening of the new PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! at the Kan-Kan...
Indiana Avenue’s Bohemian Club
April 13, 2025
During the mid-20th Century, social clubs played a large role in the Black music scene of Indianapolis,...
Freddie Hubbard rap samples
April 6, 2025
Celebrate the birthday of iconic jazz trumpet player, Freddie Hubbard, born in Indianapolis...
Roy Ayers’ Avenue connections
March 30, 2025
The legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers passed away earlier this year. Born in Los Angeles, California...
The early blues women of Naptown
March 23, 2025
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music featuring the early blues women of Naptown...
The soul women of Indiana Avenue
March 16, 2025
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music from the soul women of Indiana Avenue, including...
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