Billy Foster Oral History

Billy Foster is a respected pianist, composer, educator, radio host, and producer whose career has shaped Indiana’s jazz community for more than four decades. In this oral history interview, Billy reflects on his journey as a performer, from touring nationally with his own groups to sharing the stage with jazz greats including Art Farmer, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Ernie Watts, Tom Harrell, Red Rodney, Jon Faddis, George Coleman, and Bobby Watson. A proud Indiana musician and educator, he recalls building a career as both a bandleader and collaborator, as well as dedicating 35 years to teaching music in Gary public schools and at Valparaiso University.

As leader of the Billy Foster Trio, featuring vocalist Renee Miles-Foster, Billy has performed in concerts, clubs, schools, and festivals across the U.S. for over 35 years. He has recorded projects like Portrait, Journey, and For the Moment, and also contributed as a featured soloist on guitarist Henry Johnson’s MCA releases. Beyond the stage and studio, Billy is the longtime host of “The Billy Foster Jazz Zone” on WGVE 88.7 FM, a popular radio program in Gary that highlights jazz history and keeps the tradition alive for new generations.

With warmth and clarity, Billy shares stories of balancing a life in music with his work as an educator, his studies with the legendary pianist Jaki Byard, and his ongoing commitment to fostering jazz appreciation in Northwest Indiana. His contributions as a performer, teacher, and advocate illustrate the many ways he has influenced both local and national jazz communities.

With support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, this project presents in-depth video interviews with musicians, producers, and other influential figures who have shaped Indiana’s musical landscape. In this oral history, Billy Foster shares personal stories, creative milestones, and cultural insights that offer a deeper understanding of Indiana’s vibrant music scenes—from classrooms and community stages to national and international performances. This page includes the full-length interview, a short edited highlight reel, and a selection of images that help illustrate this Amazing Indiana Music Story.

This short clip from our oral history interview with Billy Foster offers a glimpse into his story. In it, he talks about the teachers and mentors who influenced his early life, his role at Valparaiso University, and the opportunity to play alongside internationally recognized jazz artists at the school’s annual festival. He also reflects on his belief that he serves as a conduit for jazz, allowing the music to reach others through him. The complete interview can be found below for those who want the full conversation.

In this full oral history, Billy Foster reflects on his decades-long journey in jazz—as a pianist, composer, educator, and radio host. He recounts his early musical development, his collaborations with renowned jazz artists, and the recordings that document his artistry with both the Billy Foster Trio and the Valparaiso University Faculty Jazz Trio. He shares memories from his 35-year career as a public school music teacher and university instructor, along with insights into his work on the radio keeping jazz traditions alive in Northwest Indiana. This in-depth interview preserves not only his music but also his stories of education, community, and dedication to the art of jazz as part of the Indiana Music History Project archive.