Indianapolis-associated jazz legends of the 1950s and 1960s–(l to r) David Young, Jimmy Coe, David Baker, JJ Johnson, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Larry Ridley, and Wes Montgomery–adorn the side of Musicians Repair & Sales, which was established in 1946 and supplied instruments to several of the artists pictured. Duncan Scheidt, a well-known Indianapolis-based jazz documentarian, shot the classic images that served as inspiration for the mural; the artist, Pamela Bliss, included his portrait on the far left as well.

This tribute to Indiana’s rich jazz heritage is a fitting gateway to nearby Indiana Avenue, where many of these artists got their start.  Bliss, based in Indianapolis and a jazz fan herself, consulted people in the jazz community for ideas on whom she should include.

The mural was one of 46 murals commissioned by the Arts Council of Indianapolis as part of its nationally renowned 46 for XLVI murals initiative.