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Back to: Echoes of Indiana Avenue
Roy Ayers’ Avenue connections
March 30, 2025
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.
Listen
Indianapolis music legends discuss the history of Naptown funk
April 20, 2025
WFYI recently hosted a screening of the new PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! at the Kan-Kan...
Indiana Avenue’s Bohemian Club
April 13, 2025
During the mid-20th Century, social clubs played a large role in the Black music scene of Indianapolis,...
Freddie Hubbard rap samples
April 6, 2025
Celebrate the birthday of iconic jazz trumpet player, Freddie Hubbard, born in Indianapolis...
The early blues women of Naptown
March 23, 2025
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music featuring the early blues women of Naptown...
The soul women of Indiana Avenue
March 16, 2025
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music from the soul women of Indiana Avenue, including...
Hazel Johnson's Women in Jazz festival
March 9, 2025
Celebrate Women’s History Month as we look back at Hazel Johnson’s Women in Jazz...
The best of The Hampton Sisters
March 2, 2025
Celebrate Women’s History Month with music from The Hampton Sisters, a legendary Indianapolis...
Indiana Avenue Stomp – The music of Montana Taylor
February 23, 2025
Explore the music of Arthur “Montana” Taylor, an important blues and boogie-woogie...
The complete Pookie Johnson - Part 3
February 16, 2025
Listen to the final episode in a three-part series exploring the complete works of Alonzo "Pookie"...
The complete Pookie Johnson - Part 2
February 9, 2025
Listen to the second episode of our three-part series exploring the complete works Alonzo "Pookie"...
The complete Pookie Johnson - Part 1
February 2, 2025
Enjoy the first in our three-part series on the complete recordings of the late Alonzo “Pookie”...
Remembering Reverend Dennis H. Freeman
January 26, 2025
Join us for a remembrance of Rev. Dennis H. Freeman, an important figure in Indianapolis gospel...
MLK, civil rights, and gospel music
January 19, 2025
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with an hour of gospel music from artists who performed...
Origins of the name Naptown
January 12, 2025
For nearly 100 years, the term Naptown has been used as a nickname for the city of Indianapolis....
Celebrating saxophonist Eddie Chamblee
January 5, 2025
Explore the life and music of saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, best known for his work in jazz and...
Indianapolis musicians remember jazz drummer Al Coleman
December 29, 2024
Learn about the legendary Avenue jazz drummer and entrepreneur Al Coleman, who passed away...
Remembering midnight Christmas shows at The Walker
December 22, 2024
Learn about the history of Indianapolis Recorder’s midnight Christmas benefit concerts...
Indiana Avenue’s Black Christmas parade
December 15, 2024
Listen to a tribute to the “Black Christmas Parade”, featuring music from Indianapolis...
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