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Blues Women of the Avenue
March 11, 2022
Blues music was one of the most popular forms of entertainment on the Avenue, and some of the earliest blues records ever made were recorded by Avenue women.
Legendary Women of the Avenue
March 4, 2022
This week, we’ll celebrate Women’s History Month by looking back at our interviews with some of the legendary women of the Avenue, including Pam Davis, Charlotte Bailey, Gwen Robinson, and more.
The Naptown Roots of Champion Jack Dupree
February 25, 2022
The blues legend Champion Jack Dupree was born in New Orleans in 1910; but he launched his career here in Naptown, performing extensively on Indiana Avenue.
Deek Watson: Indy’s Hall of Famer
February 18, 2022
Deek Watson was a founding member of The Ink Spots, one of the most influential acts to emerge from the Avenue and the only Indianapolis group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Indiana Avenue at 700 West
February 11, 2022
During the 1970s, Moe Whittemore ran the 700 West record label and recording studio from his family’s home, and he recorded some of the Avenue’s most respected funk and soul musicians.
Avenue Rap Samples Pt. 2
February 11, 2022
The music of Avenue artists, including Echoes of Indiana Avenue host Herman "Butch" Slaughter, has been sampled by some of the biggest names in rap music.
Edgar Bateman
January 28, 2022
This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll celebrate the music of jazz drummer Edgar Bateman. During the 1950s, Bateman lived and worked in Naptown, performing with legendary Avenue players
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 22, 2022
This week we’ll be observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day by listening to songs of peace, love, and justice from the Avenue.
Saxophonist Claude Bartee
January 14, 2022
Meet saxophonist Claude Bartee, one of the unsung legends of the Avenue. In the 1960s Bartee left Naptown, beginning a journey that led to some of the greatest musicians and record labels in music.
The Forgotten History of Country Music on the Avenue
January 7, 2022
This week, we explore the forgotten history of country music, listening to songs from some of Naptown’s Black pioneers in the genre.
In Memoriam 2021
December 31, 2021
This week we celebrate the life and music of the Avenue musicians who passed away this year - including Slide Hampton, Joe Trotter of Amnesty, Herb Gibbs of the Fabulous Moonlighters, and more.
Midnight Christmas Benefit Shows
December 23, 2021
This week we’ll look back at the Indianapolis Recorder’s midnight Christmas benefit shows at the Walker Theatre. Starting in the 1930s, the annual concerts ran from midnight until six in the morning.
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