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Bobby Lewis - Naptown's biggest rock and roll star
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Bobby Lewis - Naptown's biggest rock and roll star
March 10, 2024

Explore the music of Bobby Lewis, Indianapolis’ biggest rock and roll star. His 1961 single “Tossin’ and Turnin’” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 7 straight weeks.

Millard Lee - From the Avenue to B.B. King
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Millard Lee - From the Avenue to B.B. King
March 3, 2024

Explore the music of the pianist and bandleader Millard Lee, an unsung Indianapolis music legend. Lee is best known for his collaboration with the blues star B.B. King. Lee worked as a keyboardist and bandleader for King from the mid-1950s, until his death in 1961.

The music of Larry Liggett
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The music of Larry Liggett
February 25, 2024

Explore the music of the late Indianapolis saxophonist, band leader, and music educator Larry Liggett, including his work for the legendary Chicago label Chess Records.

Wes Montgomery Live in Naptown 
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Wes Montgomery Live in Naptown 
February 18, 2024

Celebrate Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery by listening to classic recordings of Wes Montgomery's performances in Indianapolis. And hear from Indianapolis musicians who performed with Wes, including Phil Ranelin, Everett Greene, Wanda Stafford, Jimmy Gilford and Johnny Shacklett.

Thurston Harris – Indianapolis' first rock and roll star
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Thurston Harris – Indianapolis' first rock and roll star
February 11, 2024

On this week’s show, we’ll explore the music of Thurston Harris, Indianapolis’ first rock and roll star. He’s best known for his recording of “Little Bitty Pretty One,” a Top 10 hit in 1957.

Naptown Gospel Classics
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Naptown Gospel Classics
February 4, 2024

Classic Naptown gospel music, featuring rare recordings from the quartets, choirs, and songwriters that made history in the Circle City. Plus, interviews with Indianapolis gospel artists M.L. Allen, Reggie Gammon, Reverend Dennis Freeman, Henry Hinch, Everett Greene, and more.

The Ink Spots' influence on rock and roll
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The Ink Spots' influence on rock and roll
January 28, 2024

Explore the Ink Spots’ influence on rock and roll. The only Indianapolis act to be inducted into the Rock and Hall of Fame, the Ink Spots remain one of the most influential acts to emerge from the Avenue.

Les McCann and Leroy Vinnegar
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Les McCann and Leroy Vinnegar
January 21, 2024

We’re celebrating the life and music of Les McCann by listening to his work with the Indianapolis bass player Leroy Vinnegar.

Best of 2023 - Part 2
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Best of 2023 - Part 2
January 14, 2024

Part two of our look back at some of our favorite music and interviews of 2023. Indianapolis music legends Rodney Stepp and Allen “Turk” Burke will discuss their work with The Spinners, and R&B vocalist Debbie Nelson will share her memories of growing up on the Avenue.

Best of 2023 - Part 1
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Best of 2023 - Part 1
January 7, 2024

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll look back at some of our favorite music and interviews of 2023. Tune in for words and music from Phil Ranelin, George Chandler, Claudia Polley, and more.

New Year's Eve Dance Party
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New Year's Eve Dance Party
December 31, 2023

It's a New Year’s Eve dance party on Echoes of Indiana Avenue with classic dance music from Naptown funk and soul artists. We’ll also revisit local dance crazes like the “Hum-Bug” and “Funky 16 Corners.”

Christmas at the Pink Poodle
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Christmas at the Pink Poodle
December 24, 2023

This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we’ll celebrate Christmas at the Pink Poodle, a legendary Avenue nightclub. The club featured the biggest stars in jazz, comedy, and R&B music – including Aretha Franklin, Redd Foxx, Moms Mabley, Max Roach, Etta James, and many others.

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