John W. Bubbles and Todd Duncan of Porgy and Bess

May 26, 2024

John W. Bubbles and Todd Duncan had deep roots on the Indiana Avenue scene, and both were featured in the original cast of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Explore their lives and music on the latest episode of Echoes of Indiana Avenue. 

John W. Bubbles was a streetwise song and dance man who became a star of the vaudeville stage as a young man on the Avenue. Bubbles created the role of Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess. 

Todd Duncan was a classically trained vocalist who studied at Butler University and broke racial barriers in the world of opera. Duncan was George Gershwin’s original Porgy.