Back to: Cultural Manifesto

Vivian Carter

Vivian Carter

March 10, 2021

March is Women’s History Month, and this March is also the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vivian Carter, the co-founder of Vee Jay Records. During the 1950s, the label grew from a small independent operation into one of the most influential record labels in the history of American popular music. Today Vee Jay is regarded as the most successful Black owned record label of the pre-Motown era.

Listen

Experimental holiday music from Joyful Noise Recordings
Listen
Experimental holiday music from Joyful Noise Recordings
December 25, 2024

Karl Hofstetter grew up hating Christmas music. But through his label Joyful Noise Recordings,...

Nikki Giovanni / Best of Indiana Music 2024
Listen
Nikki Giovanni / Best of Indiana Music 2024
December 18, 2024

Listen to an interview with the poet, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni, who passed away...

Celebrating the music of Barbara Dane – Part 2
Listen
Celebrating the music of Barbara Dane – Part 2
December 11, 2024

Hear the final episode in our two-part series celebrating the life and music of Barbara Dane,...

Celebrating the music of Barbara Dane – Part 1
Listen
Celebrating the music of Barbara Dane – Part 1
December 4, 2024

Hear the first episode in our two-part series celebrating the life and music of Barbara Dane,...

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Medicine Singers and Supaman
Listen
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Medicine Singers and Supaman
November 27, 2024

Listen to a special episode celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. Learn how...

Fort Wayne, Indiana's Troy Shondell
Listen
Fort Wayne, Indiana's Troy Shondell
November 20, 2024

Fort Wayne’s Troy Shondell was one of Indiana’s first rock and roll stars. He’s...

Revisiting Zerfas with rapper Id Obelus
Listen
Revisiting Zerfas with rapper Id Obelus
November 13, 2024

A new album from the Logansport Indiana rapper Id Obelus celebrates the legacy of Zerfas. The...

Dionne Warwick
Listen
Dionne Warwick
November 6, 2024

Listen to an interview with the legendary vocalist Dionne Warwick. She’ll be performing...

Kenny Aronoff
Listen
Kenny Aronoff
November 6, 2024

Listen to an interview with the prolific rock and roll drummer, and former Bloomington, Indiana...

Zakir Hussain returns to Indianapolis
Listen
Zakir Hussain returns to Indianapolis
October 30, 2024

Listen to words and music with the tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, one of the most celebrated...

Halloween edition: Yung Rev / Truly Terrifying Indiana Music
Listen
Halloween edition: Yung Rev / Truly Terrifying Indiana Music
October 23, 2024

Enjoy a special Halloween episode of Cultural Manifesto. Hear an interview with Yung Rev, an...

Inga McDaniel
Listen
Inga McDaniel
October 16, 2024

Listen to an interview with the Indianapolis musician and producer, Inga McDaniel. A new anthology...

How Women Made Music
Listen
How Women Made Music
October 16, 2024

Hear a conversation with NPR music contributors Ann Powers and Alison Fensterstock. They’ll...

Fall 2024 Pledge Show
Listen
Fall 2024 Pledge Show
October 9, 2024

Listen to a special pledge drive episode featuring 2024 show highlights selected by host Kyle...

Juan Orrego-Salas
Listen
Juan Orrego-Salas
October 2, 2024

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with rare recordings from composer Juan Orrego-Salas. He...

Wishy / Celebrating the music of Ronnie Haig
Listen
Wishy / Celebrating the music of Ronnie Haig
September 25, 2024

Listen to an interview with the Indianapolis rock band Wishy. Their debut album Triple Seven...

Lakecia Benjamin at Indy Jazz Fest
Listen
Lakecia Benjamin at Indy Jazz Fest
September 18, 2024

Listen to an interview with jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin about her breakout year in 2024....

Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals
Listen
Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals
September 18, 2024

Listen to an interview with rock and roll legend Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals, considered...

> View All Audio