June is African American Music Appreciation Month, and Indiana has no shortage of musicians, singers and songwriters we’d love to highlight.
The Recorder Staff put together a playlist of some of our favorite songs by Black Hoosier artists, past and present, that we’d think our community would enjoy. Take a listen on Youtube or on Spotify.
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Indianapolis Recorder — Black Music Month Playlist
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
“‘Man is the Mirror’ is a legacy and universal message because everyone will be able to relate to it (now and in generations to come),” Rita Wise, strategic media consultant, said. “The heartfelt melodic music and words reflect on pure self-disclosure.”
“Every Time I Close My Eyes” by Babyface
Grammy Award-winning Singer-songwriter and record producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds was born and raised in Indianapolis. Throughout his career, Edmonds has written and produced 26 number-one R&B records, won 13 Grammys and has worked with artists such as Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, and Boyz II Men.
“It’s You” by Alaina Renae
Indianapolis-based singer-songwriter Alaina Renae is an independent recording artist best known for her soulful sound. Her debut album, “The Introduction,” came out in 2023 and shows off her gospel heritage. Renae is also currently providing background vocals for the Jim Irsay collection.
“After seeing her perform live on several occasions, I’ve come to appreciate her natural ability as a storyteller,” Jeana Ouattara, Recorder production manager said. “The narratives she shares during her performances are just as captivating as the music itself, so I already knew I would enjoy the song when it was released.”
Rob Dixon
Jax saxophonist Rob Dixon is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but is currently based in Indianapolis. He graduated from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and now serves as the artistic director for Indy Jazz Fest and director of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Youth Jazz Ensemble.
“Having experienced several of Rob Dixon’s performances at The Jazz Kitchen, I already know when he performs, it’s going to be good,” Ouattara added. “He is an exceptional saxophonist who captivates you from the first note.”
“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5, born and raised in Gary, Indiana, included Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. The musical group made a name for themselves primarily in Motown, releasing “I Want You Back” as their debut song.
“So Amazing” by Bashiri Asad
Described as “the everyday soulsinger,” Indianapolis-based singer-songwriter Bashiri Asad is known as “IndySoul,” crafting a unique sound that blends shoo-wop style singing and classical vocal training.
“Ice Cold” by Swoe Woa and Kenneth Watson
Rapper, songwriter and actor Kenneth Watson, known professionally as “Swoe Woa,” was born and raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Lawrence Central High School. He’s the CEO of Syndicate Music Group.
“Jiggalate” by Dro Man
Adrian Clemmons, known professionally as “Dro Man,” is an emerging rapper and hip hop artist from the far east side of Indianapolis.
“Those two songs, I personally believe, are exceptional representations of Indy’s rap scene over the last two decades,” Noral Parham, senior sports reporter, said.
“Keep Going” by Tiara Thomas
Originally from Indianapolis, the R&B singer/songwriter graduated from Lawrence North High School and Ball State University. She’s known for writing music for H.E.R., including the song “I Can’t Breathe,” which won the 2021 Grammy for Song of the Year.
“Bésame Mucho” by Wes Montgomery
The jazz guitarist and musical legend was born and raised in Indianapolis, where he spent his career as a musician on Indiana Avenue as part of the trio, the Montgomery Brothers.
“Wes Montgomery has so many phenomenal songs, but here he transformed one of my favorite songs into something I can just vibe with,” Chloe McGowan, arts and culture reporter, said. “Bésame Mucho is such a lovely and challenging song to sing, but here it’s completely reimagined — and he did it twice.”
“You” by Jesse Powell
Best known for his 1996 hit “You,” R&B and soul singer Jesse Powell was originally from Gary, Indiana. Born into a family of musicians and artists, Powell was “discovered” at an artist showcase in the ‘90s and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career.
“I believe ‘You’ was one of the most beautiful love songs ever created,” Camike Jones, editor in chief, said. “I remember so many people trying to hit that note he sang at the end, and no one could do it like him! His performance of this song was a powerful legacy to leave behind in music and for the culture.”
“Nothing in this World” by Keke Wyatt with Avant
Keke Wyatt, born Ke’Tara Wyatt in Indianapolis in the 80s, is an R&B, soul and gospel singer-songwriter and TV personality best known for her vocals and emotional lyrics. Wyatt was a founding member of an early iteration of Destiny’s Child called “The Dolls.”
Honorable additions:
“I Thought You” By Trevor Jackson
Actor and musician Trevor Jackson is originally from Indianapolis and made a name for himself in productions like “Let it Shine,” “Grown-ish” and “Eureka.” As a musical artist, Jackson explores modern elements of R&B, soul and hip-hop.
“Red Clay” by Freddie Hubbard
Born Frederick Dewayne Hubbard, the Indianapolis native and jazz trumpeter is best known for bebop, hard bop and post-bop in the 1960s. Hubbard’s style was unmistakable and deeply influential during the golden age of the Indiana Avenue jazz scene.
“My Heart Tells Me” by The Hampton Sisters
Formed in Indianapolis during WWII, The Hampton Sisters were a Black jazz quartet that featured Aletra, Carmelita, Virtue and Dawn Hampton. They were best known for that classic “doo wop” sound.
“Black Keys” by Joshua Thompson
Classical pianist, music sociologist and teaching artist, Joshua Thompson is more commonly known as “Sock Joplin.” Thompson, born and raised in Indianapolis, is the creative partner-in-residence with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
