The music of Larry Liggett

February 25, 2024

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll explore the music of the late Indianapolis saxophonist, band leader, and music educator Larry Leggett, known professionally as Larry Liggett. We’ll share an hour of rare recordings from Liggett, including his work for the legendary Chicago label Chess Records. 

Larry Liggett was born in Brazil, Indiana in 1921. He began playing music at an early age. At 10-years-old, he became the youngest member of the Brazil High School Marching Band. He continued to distinguish himself in college, becoming the first Black musician in the symphonic band and orchestra, at Indiana State University. 

Liggett moved to Indianapolis during the 1940s and began teaching at Crispus Attucks High School in 1948. He continued working in the Indianapolis Public School system for the next 40 years. During that time, Liggett was performing jazz music at nightclubs across Indianapolis. Liggett also enjoyed success as a recording artist. During the 1950s, his recordings for Chess received national airplay. 

In 2004 his contributions to Indiana music were acknowledged by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, who inducted Liggett into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame.