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The legendary Naptown gospel keyboardist Ezra Bufford
August 31, 2025
Listen to an interview with the legendary Indianapolis gospel keyboardist Ezra Bufford, known for his work with the Pentecostal Ambassadors.
Bufford was born in Indianapolis in 1952. He’s been playing gospel music in Naptown for over 50 years, earning a reputation as one of finest keyboardists on the local gospel scene. In 1988, Bufford was voted “Instrumentalist of the Year” by the Indianapolis Gospel Music Awards.
In addition to his work with the Pentecostal Ambassadors, Bufford has recorded with Al Hobbs and the Indianapolis Mass Choir, the Indianapolis Pentecostal Mass Choir, Donald Watkins, and many others. He's worked in secular music too, performing with Queen Delphine, Simply United, and Music Box.
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Celebrating the music of Naptown bassist Heavy Swain – Part 3
September 21, 2025
This is the final episode in our three-part series celebrating the work of the bass player...
Celebrating the music of Naptown bassist Heavy Swain – Part 2
September 14, 2025
This is the second episode in our three-part series celebrating the work of the bass player...
Celebrating the music of Naptown bassist Heavy Swain – Part 1
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Celebrate the work of the bass player Leonard Wilson Swain Jr., better known as “Heavy”...
Oscar Peterson and the masters of Indiana Avenue jazz
August 24, 2025
August of 2025 marks the 100th birthday of the late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. Listen to...
The history of Rodney Stepp’s legendary Naptown funk band Rapture – Part 2
August 17, 2025
Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Rapture, a legendary...
The history of Rodney Stepp’s legendary Naptown funk band Rapture – Part 1
August 10, 2025
The keyboardist and bandleader Rodney Stepp is among the greatest living legends of the Avenue...
The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill – Part 3
August 3, 2025
Listen to the final episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Gilbert “Honey”...
The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill – Part 2
July 27, 2025
The second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Gilbert “Honey”...
The music of Naptown blues pianist Honey Hill
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For the next three weeks on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about the music of Gilbert “Honey”...
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...
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