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Back to: Echoes of Indiana Avenue
Image Info: Bill Kenny and Orville Hoppy Jones of The Ink Spots perform.
The Original Rapper: Orville “Hoppy” Jones
December 15, 2022
Celebrate the music of Orville “Hoppy” Jones, a founding member of the Ink Spots. Hoppy played bass fiddle, but he was best known for his “talking bass” parts - a spoken-word recitation that was frequently utilized in Ink Spots recordings. Hoppy's talking “bass style” was immensely popular with music fans, and you might say Hoppy was the original rapper.
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J.J. Johnson panel discussion recorded live at The Jazz Kitchen
November 17, 2024
This is the first episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the...
Quincy Jones with the Masters of Indiana Avenue Jazz
November 10, 2024
Listen to the music of Quincy Jones and the masters of Indiana Avenue jazz. Quincy Jones was...
Naptown trumpet player Joe Mitchell
November 3, 2024
Explore the music of the Indianapolis trumpet player Joe Mitchell. He performed with many legendary...
Avenue Halloween Playlist
October 27, 2024
Celebrate Halloween with a spooky playlist of music featuring artists who performed on the...
Doc Wheeler
October 20, 2024
Listen to music from the trombonist, disc jockey, and bandleader Doc Wheeler Morin. Doc’s...
Jerry Daniels and the Ink Spots
October 13, 2024
We're looking back at the life and music of vocalist Jerry Daniels, a founding member of the...
Naptown trumpeter Michael Ridley
October 6, 2024
This week we explore the music of the Naptown trumpet player Michael Ridley. Michael played...
Benny Golson's Avenue connections
September 29, 2024
Listen to a tribute to the Philadelphia saxophonist and composer Benny Golson who passed away...
The music of jazz drummer Paul Parker
September 22, 2024
Listen to music from Paul Parker, an important Indianapolis jazz drummer. Parker was among...
Earl "Fox" Walker - Part 2
September 15, 2024
Listen to the final episode in our two-part series exploring the music of Earl “Fox”...
Earl "Fox" Walker - Part 1
September 8, 2024
For the next two weeks, explore the music of Earl “Fox” Walker, a legendary Indianapolis...
Mr. Trumpet Roger Jones
September 1, 2024
Explore the music of “Mr. Trumpet” Roger Jones, a legendary Indianapolis jazz musician...
Remembering the life and music of Jimmy Guilford
August 25, 2024
Hear a tribute to the famed Indianapolis soul singer Jimmy Guilford, who passed away earlier...
Little Bill Gaither – Part 3
August 18, 2024
Listen to the final episode in a three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither,...
Little Bill Gaither - Part 2
August 11, 2024
The second episode in a three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary...
Little Bill Gaither - Part 1
August 4, 2024
Part one of our three-part series exploring the music of Little Bill Gaither, a legendary Indianapolis...
James Spaulding birthday celebration – Part 3
July 28, 2024
In our second episode in a three-part series celebrating the July birthday of the flutist and...
James Spaulding birthday celebration – Part 2
July 21, 2024
In our second episode in a three-part series celebrating the July birthday of the flutist and...
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