Indianapolis music legends discuss the history of Naptown funk

April 20, 2025

During the 1960s and ‘70s, funk music flourished in Indianapolis. Local bands like The Highlighters, Amnesty, The Moonlighters, Billy Ball and The Upsetters, and The Presidents packed nightclubs clubs across the city, from Indiana Avenue to East 38th Street. 

On March 16th, WFYI hosted a screening of the new PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! at the Kan-Kan Cinema. The film explores the history of funk music, from its early jazz roots to its rise into popular culture. Before the screening, WFYI’s Kyle Long moderated a panel discussion exploring the history of Indianapolis funk music. The panel featured four important pioneers of Naptown funk: Steve Weakley (Funk Incorporated), Lester Jonhson (Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign), Reggie Griffin (Manchild), and Rodney Stepp (Rapture/The Spinners).

Listen to excerpts from that conversation, along with music from legendary Indianapolis funk bands.