Echoes of Indiana Avenue

WFYI Public Media
  • 4.8 (12)
  • Music
  • Updated Semimonthly

Produced by Kyle Long and narrated by musician Rodney Stepp, listen each week as WFYI celebrates the legacy and achievements of Black artists and musicians from Central Indiana.

  1. Sep 20

    Winston Walls - The Hammond B-3 legend live

    Explore the life and music of Winston Walls, one of the most remarkable Hammond B-3 organists to emerge from the golden age of soul jazz. He appeared often in the Avenue neighborhood — playing gigs at The Queen of Clubs, The West End, and Walker Theatre. We'll share never-before-heard performances by Walls, recorded live in Indianapolis.

    Winston Walls - The Hammond B-3 legend live

  2. Sep 13

    Les “Bear” Taylor, Naptown’s renowned baritone sax player

    Join host Rodney Stepp for music from Les "Bear" Taylor, featuring his work with Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Doggett, Floyd Smith, Mel Rhyne, Larry Clark, Bill Myers, and more. Taylor was a towering presence on the Indiana Avenue music scene — a big man with a big sound, and one of the most respected baritone sax players to come out of Naptown.

    Les “Bear” Taylor, Naptown’s renowned baritone sax player

  3. Sep 6

    Edgar Bateman - From Naptown to the jazz avant-garde

    Before he became a celebrated figure in Philadelphia’s jazz scene, drummer Edgar Bateman spent part of the 1950s playing alongside legendary musicians in Naptown, including Jimmy Coe, Mel Rhyne and Pookie Johnson. Join host Rodney Stepp for music featuring Edgar Bateman — from his Indianapolis years to his collaborations with some of modern jazz’s most influential musicians.

    Edgar Bateman - From Naptown to the jazz avant-garde

  4. Aug 30

    Celebrating Dawn Hampton, Naptown's queen of cabaret

    Celebrate the music and remarkable career of Dawn Hampton. A member of Indianapolis’ legendary Hampton Family Band, Dawn was a gifted singer, saxophonist, dancer and jazz whistler who grew up in the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. Join host Rodney Stepp as we share rare recordings spanning her career.

    Celebrating Dawn Hampton, Naptown's queen of cabaret

  5. Aug 23

    Jack Wilson and the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue

    Celebrate the 90th anniversary of the birth of the late Fort Wayne, Indiana jazz pianist Jack Wilson. During the 1960s, Wilson released acclaimed albums for labels including Atlantic Records and Blue Note and recorded with iconic names in American music. Join host Rodney Stepp for music spotlighting Wilson’s work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue.

    Jack Wilson and the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue

  6. Aug 16

    Shirley Griffith's Indiana Avenue blues — Part 2

    Hear the final episode in our two-part series on Shirley Griffith — the Mississippi-born guitarist and singer who helped carry the sound of Delta blues to Indiana Avenue. We’ll share rare recordings he made in Indianapolis by folklorist Art Rosenbaum during the 1960s and music from Griffith’s final album, Mississippi Blues, released in 1973.

    Shirley Griffith's Indiana Avenue blues — Part 2

  7. Aug 9

    Shirley Griffith's Indiana Avenue blues — Part 1

    Hear the first episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Shirley Griffith — a Mississippi-born guitarist and singer who brought the sound of Delta blues to Indiana Avenue. Join host Rodney Stepp as we share rare recordings, including music from Griffith’s debut 1961 album, Indiana Avenue Blues.

    Shirley Griffith's Indiana Avenue blues — Part 1

  8. Aug 2

    Pookie Johnson plays and sings the blues

    Saxophonist Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson is a legend of the Indianapolis jazz scene. But there’s another side to his music that you may not know about unless you were there, watching him perform at Naptown clubs — Pookie also sang the blues. Join host Rodney Stepp for never-before-heard recordings of Pookie Johnson performing live in Indianapolis.

    Pookie Johnson plays and sings the blues
See All (294)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Produced by Kyle Long and narrated by musician Rodney Stepp, listen each week as WFYI celebrates the legacy and achievements of Black artists and musicians from Central Indiana.

Information

  • Creator
    WFYI Public Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    294
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 WFYI Public Media
  • Show Website
    Echoes of Indiana Avenue

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