Amazing Indiana Music Stories:

Vintage Indianapolis Soul

In the late 1960’s, the launch of black-owned WTLC helped the funk/soul scene of Indianapolis become nationally significant.

Local music usually lacks regular airplay; sales are difficult without awareness. WTLC nurtured the artists, who could record and release records knowing airplay might lead to sales and recognition.

Entrepreneur Herb Miller, owner of the Good Vibrations record shops, launched the Lamp label, giving artists a common brand. Other labels sprung up as well.

This led to larger successes. The Vanguards received national airplay and sales. Bands were signed to larger labels, such as Chess and King Records.

Manchild, which released two LP’s, spawned both Reggie Griffin, credited with being a key inventor of techno music, and Kenneth Edmonds, now an international star known as Babyface.

“Funky Naptown” was an exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport, curated by WFYI Radio’s Kyle Long; which included this historical information.

The compilation “Lamp Records: It Glowed Like the Sun” was released in 2019by Now-Again Records and their release page offers historical information.  WFYI’s Kyle Long assisted in the project and the liner notes.

Perfect Sound Forever magazine offers this extensive article on the history of Indianapolis soul and funk music.

Visit Indiana Musicpedia to learn more about Indiana soul, disco and funk artists.

Purchase a copy of David Leander Williams book “Indianapolis Rhythm and Blues” here.

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