Echoes of Indiana Avenue
Roy Ayers’ Avenue connections
The legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers passed away earlier this year. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1940, Ayers is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in jazz, funk, and soul music. Ayers released over 30 albums and performed with iconic jazz musicians including including Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Joe Henderson and many more. During his early career, Ayers worked extensively with Indiana musicians, including the Fort Wayne pianist Jack Wilson and the Indianapolis bassists Leroy Vinnegar and Monk Montgomery. On this episode, listen to music featuring Ayers' work with Naptown musicians.
The early blues women of Naptown
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music featuring the early blues women of Naptown. During the 1920s and ‘30s, Indiana Avenue was a Mecca for blues music, thanks in part, to the legendary Indianapolis blues duo of Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell. Women also played a large role in the early Naptown blues scene, including Alura Mack, Bessie Brown, Laura Smith, and Nina Reeves, her 1923 single “Indiana Avenue Blues” was among the first wave of blues records released.
The soul women of Indiana Avenue
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music from the soul women of Indiana Avenue. From the 1950s to the 1970s, R&B, soul, and funk music flourished in the nightclubs of Indiana Avenue. Women played a large role in the Naptown soul scene, from girl groups including The Indy’s and The Pearls, to solo singers like Johnnie Mae and Lois Blaine. Hear music from Debbie Nelson, Pam Tanner, Elaine Livingston, Josephine Cheatham, Care Package, Charlotte Bailey and more.
Hazel Johnson's Women in Jazz festival
Celebrate Women’s History Month as we look back at Hazel Johnson’s Women in Jazz festival. The festival ran from 1986 to 1991 at the Madam Walker Theatre and featured many important women from the Indianapolis jazz scene, including Flo Garvin, Aretta La Marre, Mary Moss, Cherryl Hayes, Vickie Daniels, Anita Walker, Brenda Walls, Margaret Floyd, Cyann Proffitt, Salathiel Latrell, and others. Listen to music from artists who performed at the festival, including never-before-heard live recordings of Hazel Johnson. Johnson started the Women in Jazz festival, to provide young and veteran women an opportunity to perform together. In a 1987 article published by the Indianapolis Star, Johnson said, “For many years men have dominated the jazz field. We feel the time is right for women to step out and receive the recognition we’ve been told we deserve.” The first Women in Jazz festival was held on October 12, 1986 and was hosted by the legendary Indianapolis broadcaster Barbara Boyd. Johnson was born in Indianapolis in 1944. She grew up in the Avenue neighborhood and attended Crispus Attucks High School. Johnson began singing as a child. By age 14, she was performing professionally with the Naptown bandleader Larry Liggett. During her long career, Johnson played at many Avenue venues and she performed with many significant Indianapolis musicians, including Pookie Johnson, Jimmy Coe, Mel Rhyne, Thurston Harris, Carl Bailey, Johnny Dial, Errol Grandy and many more. During her final years, Johnson spent much of her time managing the Inner-City Music School, a program she co-founded in 1994 with her husband Mack Strong. The school provided free music education for Indianapolis youth. Johnson’s contributions to jazz music were honored in 2007, when she was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame. Hazel Johnson died in 2011. She was 67 years old.
The best of The Hampton Sisters
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music from The Hampton Sisters, a legendary Indianapolis jazz quartet featuring Dawn, Virtue, Carmelita, and Aletra Hampton. They were born in Middletown, Ohio. Their birth dates spanned from 1915, when Aletra was born, to 1928, when Dawn, the youngest sister, was born. Their parents, Deacon and Laura Hampton, were both musicians. They had 12 children and together, they toured across the country as the Hampton Family Band. The experience they gained as children would serve them well later in life, as several members of the family pursued music as a professiom, including Slide Hampton, who became a world-renowned trombonist and arranger. In 1938, the Hampton Family settled in Indianapolis. During the 1940s and ‘50s the Hampton family band were stars on the Avenue. They appeared at local clubs including George’s Bar, Walker Casino, Rum Boogie, Sky Club, Cotton Club, Paradise, Sunset Terrace, and the P&P Supper Club. The Hampton Family also performed at legendary venues outside of Indianapolis, including the Apollo, Carnegie Hall, and the Savoy Ballroom. The Hampton Sisters formed as an independent band during World War 2, when many male musicians were serving in the Armed Forces.
Indiana Avenue Stomp – The music of Montana Taylor
Explore the music of Arthur “Montana” Taylor, an important blues and boogie-woogie pianist who performed on Indiana Avenue during the 1920s. Montana is best known for a series of recordings he made in 1929 with the Vocalion Record Company. Among those recordings was an instrumental composition titled “Indiana Avenue Stomp”. Very little is known about Montana Taylor’s early life. Some sources say he was born in Indianapolis in 1903, others list his place of birth as Butte, Montana. In a 1947 interview with Jazz Record magazine, Montana recalled growing up in Indianapolis. He began playing piano at 16 and by the age of 20 he was performing on the Avenue. Montana worked in Avenue venues including the Golden West Cafe and the Hole in the Wall. Montana was discovered by Vocalion Records while performing on the Avenue, when the label’s Indianapolis talent scout, John Guernsey, spotted Montana playing in a neighborhood bar. During his career as a recording artist, Montana cut over a dozen tracks, including instrumental compositions and collaborations with blues singers Chippie Hill and Lil Johnson.
The complete Pookie Johnson - Part 3
Listen to the final episode in a three-part series exploring the complete works of Alonzo "Pookie" Johnson, a legendary Indianapolis jazz saxophonist. Johnson was a veteran of the Avenue music scene and performed with many legendary Naptown jazz musicians, including Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard. On this edition, we’ll share music from Johnson’s 1996 album “Legacy” and his 2003 recording with The Hampton Sisters.
The complete Pookie Johnson - Part 2
Listen to the second episode of our three-part series exploring the complete works Alonzo "Pookie" Johnson, a legendary Indianapolis jazz saxophonist. On this edition, we’ll share rare and unreleased recordings featuring Johnson’s work with Uncle Funkenstein, Jimmy Coe, Billy Wooten, and Steve Allee.
The complete Pookie Johnson - Part 1
Enjoy the first in our three-part series on the complete recordings of the late Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson, a legendary Indiana Avenue jazz saxophonist. This episode explores his early recordings. Many local jazz fans consider Johnson to be one of the greatest saxophonists in Indianapolis history. During his six-decade career, Johnson performed with the greatest jazz players in Naptown, including Wes Montgomery, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Coe, Carl Perkins, Virgil Jones, David Baker, Errol Grandy, Freddie Hubbard, and many more. Johnson was born in Indianapolis in October 1927. He studied music at Crispus Attucks High School, and the Jordan Conservatory. Johnson was a veteran of the Avenue club scene, performing at legendary venues such as the Sky Club, George’s Bar, The P&P Club, Henri’s, the Golden West, Sunset Terrace, and the British Lounge.
Remembering Reverend Dennis H. Freeman
Join us for a remembrance of Rev. Dennis H. Freeman, an important figure in Indianapolis gospel music. Freeman passed away on January 15, 2025, at 84. Listen to a 2021 interview WFYI’s Kyle long recorded with Freeman, along with rare recordings of his music. Rev. Dennis H. Freeman was a keyboardist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and choir director. In a monumental career, that stretched over eight decades, Freeman performed alongside the greatest names in gospel music, including James Cleveland, Dorothy Love Coates and the Gospel Harmonettes, The Caravans, Raymond Raspberry, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dorothy Norwod, The Soul Stirrers, The O’Neill Twins, and many others. Freeman began working professionally in music as a teenager in the 1950s, playing organ at churches around the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. In 1959, he formed the Freeman Singers, a talented ensemble of singers that included the Indianapolis jazz vocalist Everett Green. By the 1960s, Freeman had become a fixture of gospel music in Indiana. Freeman took part in many historic events in Hoosier gospel music, including Mahalia Jackson’s 1966 concert at Clowes Hall, and the first Indiana Black Expo in 1971. Freeman’s music was heard across the country, on the many albums, singles and tapes he released.
MLK, civil rights, and gospel music
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with an hour of gospel music from artists who performed on the Avenue, as we explore the connection between gospel music and the struggle for civil rights. Also hear an interview with the Indianapolis-based historic preservationist Claudia Polley, she attended King’s 1959 speech in the Avenue neighborhood. Gospel music played a profound role in the civil rights movement, serving as both a source of spiritual nourishment and a rallying cry for social change. Enjoy music from local and national artists, including The Wandering Travelers, Staple Singers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, and more.
Origins of the name Naptown
For nearly 100 years, the term Naptown has been used as a nickname for the city of Indianapolis. The origin of the term Naptown has been a subject of debate for many decades. While the exact origins may never be known, the usage of Naptown was popularized on Indiana Avenue, and the name was spread nationally by local blues and boogie-woogie musicians. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to music celebrating Naptown from local jazz, blues, and soul musicians.
Celebrating saxophonist Eddie Chamblee
Explore the life and music of saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, best known for his work in jazz and R&B music. Chamblee worked with many legendary performers, including Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Memphis Slim, and Dinah Washington. In fact, Chamblee was married to Dinah Washington in 1957. Eddie Chamblee was born, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1920. By 1928, he was living in Indianapolis. His father, Robert Chamblee, was president of the Citizens Life Insurance Company. Their offices were located at 229 Indiana Avenue. After spending several years in Indianapolis, Chamblee’s family moved to Chicago. But Chamblee would eventually return to Indianapolis. From 1953, to 1955, Chamblee held down a series of steady gigs at the Indiana Avenue club George’s Bar, where he became famous for playing his sax while swinging from the club’s rafters. During the 1950s, Chamblee performed at many Indiana Avenue venues, including Sunset Terrace, the Walker Theatre, and Ferguson Hotel.
Indianapolis musicians remember jazz drummer Al Coleman
In February of 2024, the legendary Avenue jazz drummer and entrepreneur Al Coleman passed away. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about Coleman’s life. Hear interviews with his brother, organist Phil Coleman, and his friend and bandmate, guitarist Steve Weakley. Al Coleman was born in Indianapolis in 1927. He graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and studied music at the Jordan Conservatory. During his career, Coleman played with legendary Naptown musicians, including Wes Montgomery, Leroy Vineggar, and Jimmy Coe. But he’s best known for his work with the Three Souls, a jazz trio he co-founded during the late 1950s. Coleman was also a celebrated entrepreneur. He owned a vending machine company, car wash, and the Cole-Smith Manor motel. But his best-known business venture was Al’s British Lounge, an Indiana Avenue jazz club. The British Lounge has been called the last great jazz club on the Avenue. Coleman also gave back to his community. In 1978, he opened the Jacer Inn Family Retreat in Rochdale, Indiana. The Jacer Inn offered a variety of health and social services to inner-city residents.
Remembering midnight Christmas shows at The Walker
Learn about the history of Indianapolis Recorder’s midnight Christmas benefit concerts at the Walker Theatre. The concerts featured up to 60 acts and ran from midnight until 6 in the morning. Some of the greatest jazz, funk, and R&B musicians in Naptown performed at the midnight Christmas shows — including Wes Montgomery, Thurston Harris and Slide Hampton. But the entertainment wasn’t limited to music alone — there were drag queens, burlesque dancers, fire-eaters, snake handlers, body builders and comedians. The concerts developed from the Indianapolis Recorder Cheer Fund. Established in 1929, the Cheer Fund was an annual holiday fundraiser that supported families in financial need. During the 1930s the Cheer Fund evolved into a benefit concert. These concerts attracted star performers, including the legendary tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson who performed at the Recorder’s 1938 benefit show. The Recorder's midnight Christmas benefit concerts thrived until the 1980s. Listen to interviews with Indianapolis musicians and media personalities who performed at the Christmas benefit shows, including Henry Hinch, Josephine Cheatham, Rodney Stepp, Reggie Gammon, Debbie Nelson, Tyrone Caldwell, Richard Hamilton, Eunice Trotter, Geno Shelton and the late Joe Trotter.
Indiana Avenue’s Black Christmas parade
On December 19 of 1970, the Indianapolis affiliate of the Southern Leadership Conference’s Operation Breadbasket held a “Black Christmas Parade” on Indiana Avenue. The parade featured marching bands, floats, and local celebrities. The grand marshal of the parade was the Soul Saint, an Afrocentric version of Santa Claus. The “Black Christmas Parade” was part of a full day of events, that also included a keynote speech from Reverend Jesse Jackson. The day ended with a ”Black Christmas Party” at Foster’s Motor Lodge, featuring the greatest funk and soul bands in Indianapolis, including The Highlighters, The Moonlighters, The Turner Brothers, Indy 5, The Perfections, and others. The purpose of the “Black Christmas Parade” was bigger than spreading holiday cheer. A spokesperson for Operation Breadbasket said the parade was created to raise awareness of the services and products available through local Black business owners, and to develop a sense of Black pride in the Indianapolis community. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, listen to a tribute to the “Black Christmas Parade”, featuring music from Indianapolis bands that performed at the event.
Roy Haynes’ Avenue connections
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. Roy Haynes was among the greatest and most influential drummers in the history of jazz music. Though Haynes spent the majority of his life in New York, he performed with many legends of the Indiana Avenue jazz scene, including Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Larry Ridley, Bill Jennings, James Spaulding and more. Haynes was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1925. He began playing drums professionally, as a teenager during the early 1940s. His crisp and distinctive sound on the drums earned him the nickname “Snap Crackle”. By the end of the 1940s, Roy was playing with the greatest stars in jazz, including Lester Young, and Charlie Parker. In the following decades, Roy continued to be a dominating force in jazz, performing with Sarah Vaughan, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Chick Correa, and dozens of other iconic jazz artists.
J.J. Johnson centennial celebration - Part 3
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. On this edition, we’ll focus on Johnson’s work in third stream music––a term coined by the conductor and composer Gunther Schuller in 1957 as a blend of classical and jazz music. Johnson was involved in the early development of third stream music and the genre left a lasting influence on his work. Johnson composed several important third steam works, including “Perceptions”, a composition for solo trumpet and large jazz orchestra. The piece was commissioned by the jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie and recorded for Verve Records in 1961. Hear excerpts from “Perceptions” and other third stream compositions by Johnson.
J.J. Johnson centennial celebration - Part 2
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. Johnson worked with many of the greatest legends in bebop, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach, and many others.
J.J. Johnson panel discussion recorded live at The Jazz Kitchen
Listen to 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. The event was moderated by WFYI’s Kyle Long, and features commentary from musicians Phil Ranelin, Steve Turre, Rob Dixon, Steve Allee, and Pharez Whitted. Johnson’s widow Carolyn Johnson also made a special appearance onstage.
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