Echoes of Indiana Avenue

Listen to a tribute to the “Black Christmas Parade”, featuring music from Indianapolis bands that performed at the event on Indiana Avenue on December 19, 1970.

Listen to a tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes. He passed away last November at the age of 99. Hear classic jazz music from Haynes, featuring his work with the jazz masters of Indiana Avenue.

Listen to the final episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis. We’ll focus on Johnson’s work in third stream music—a blend of classical and jazz music.

Listen to the second episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis. On this edition, we’ll focus on Johnson’s work in bebop and hard bop music with legends like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach, and many others.

This is the first episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis. On this edition, listen to a discussion recorded live at the Jazz Kitchen, featuring an all-star panel of jazz musicians discussing Johnson’s work.

Listen to the music of Quincy Jones and the masters of Indiana Avenue jazz. Quincy Jones was a legendary producer, musician, composer, and arranger. He died earlier this month at the age of 91.

Explore the music of the Indianapolis trumpet player Joe Mitchell. He performed with many legendary bandleaders including Ray Charles, Count Basie, Jimmy Coe, and Earl Bostic.

Celebrate Halloween with a spooky playlist of music featuring artists who performed on the Avenue like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and more.

Listen to music from the trombonist, disc jockey, and bandleader Doc Wheeler Morin. Doc’s music influenced some of the biggest stars of big band music, including Tommy Dorsey.

We're looking back at the life and music of vocalist Jerry Daniels, a founding member of the world-famous Ink Spots, founded around 1933. Listen to music featuring Daniels’ early work with the Ink Spots, and his last recordings during the 1980s.

This week we explore the music of the Naptown trumpet player Michael Ridley. Michael played with some of the biggest stars in American music, but he’s best known for his work in jazz.

Listen to a tribute to the Philadelphia saxophonist and composer Benny Golson who passed away recently. Throughout his career, Golson performed with legends of the Indiana Avenue jazz scene, including Freddie Hubbard and J.J. Johnson.

Listen to music from Paul Parker, an important Indianapolis jazz drummer. Parker was among the most respected drummers on the Avenue jazz scene.

Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Earl “Fox” Walker, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer. This week’s show focuses on Walker’s recordings with the Indianapolis music legend Jimmy Coe.

For the next two weeks, explore the music of Earl “Fox” Walker, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer. This show will focus on Walker’s recordings with the Lionel Hampton band from 1946 to 1949.

Explore the music of “Mr. Trumpet” Roger Jones, a legendary Indianapolis jazz musician who was considered the top trumpet player in Indianapolis in the mid-20th century.

Hear a tribute to the famed Indianapolis soul singer Jimmy Guilford, who passed away earlier this month. We’ll share a 2019 interview Guilford recorded with WFYI’s Kyle Long and rare singles he recorded with the Lamplighters and Four Sounds.

Listen to the final episode in a three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary Indianapolis blues singer and guitarist. On this week’s edition, hear a selection of music from Gaither’s final recordings.

Part two of our three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary Indianapolis blues singer and guitarist. This show’s focus is on Gaither’s interpretations of Leroy Carr’s music.

Part one of our three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary Indianapolis blues singer and guitarist.

In our second episode in a three-part series celebrating the July birthday of the flutist and saxophonist James Spaulding, we’ll hear music from Spaulding’s work as a session leader.

In our second episode in a three-part series celebrating the July birthday of the flutist and saxophonist James Spaulding, we’ll hear music from Spaulding’s work in experimental jazz.

Part one of our birthday celebration of the saxophonist and flutist James Spaulding, one of the greatest living legends of the Avenue jazz scene. This week’s edition focuses on Spaulding’s work for the famous Blue Note label.

Part two about Sonny Johnson, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer best known for his work with Wes Montgomery. This episode includes live recordings of Johnson and Montgomery performing together.

Learn about Sonny Johnson, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer best known for his work with Wes Montgomery. This is the first of two episodes and features Johnson’s early recordings with the Art Farmer Septet.