A Heartfelt Thank You to Bruce and Jan Reynolds
We are incredibly grateful to Bruce and Jan Reynolds for their generous donation to the Indiana Music History Project. Their gift — an original Starr Piano 78 player from the 1920s — is a truly extraordinary piece of Indiana’s musical legacy, and we are honored to add it to our growing collection.
The Starr Piano Company, based in Richmond, Indiana, was not only a major piano manufacturer but also the home of Gennett Records, one of the most important early American record labels. Gennett played a vital role in the development of jazz, blues, gospel, and early country music — recording legendary artists such as Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Hoagy Carmichael, and Jelly Roll Morton. This beautifully preserved 78 RPM record player, produced by Starr, is a tangible connection to that era of innovation and artistry.
Among the many donations recently received, this original Starr player stands out not only because of its rarity, but because of the exceptional care it has received over the years. Thanks to the stewardship of the Reynolds family, the unit remains in excellent working order — a true feat for a piece of equipment that’s more than a century old!
We’re thrilled to announce that this remarkable artifact is now on display in our Broad Ripple Gallery. It’s more than just a historical object — it’s a functioning portal into the sound and spirit of 1920s Indiana music. We can’t wait for you to visit and experience it for yourself.
The Reynolds family has long been supporters of the Indiana Music History Project and champions of Indiana’s artistic heritage. Over the years, Bruce and Jan have continually shown their dedication to preserving and sharing our state’s music story. Their generosity and vision have helped shape what IMHP is today, and we are deeply thankful for their continued involvement and trust in our mission.
We also want to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and families who have recently contributed items to our archive. From one-of-a-kind photos and posters to recordings, instruments, and personal memorabilia — every donation helps us tell the broader, richer story of Indiana music. If you’ve donated recently, stay tuned! We’ll be recognizing all of our contributors and showcasing more items in the months ahead.
Artifacts like the Starr 78 player are reminders that Indiana has played a central role in shaping American music. And thanks to the generosity of people like Bruce and Jan Reynolds — and all of our donors — we can continue to protect and share these stories with future generations.
Come see this amazing piece of history in person, and help us celebrate the music and memories that define our state.
