× 12/22: This website is no longer being updated. Thank you for your support over the past 25 years!

Jazz Murals

Beginning in 1997, Richmond began to commemorate its jazz heritage with the completion of several murals on various buildings throughout the community. Mural: The Cradle of Recorded JazzThese murals were painted by an outstanding local artist, Pam Bliss Ferguson.

Laurel Gennett Martin, wife of the late Henry Gennett Martin of the former Gennett Recording Company, presented these unique pieces of art to the community to further encourage Richmond to embrace its History of Recorded Jazz.

Formerly seen at the corner of South 9th and South "A" Street, you'll now find the Jazz Mural titled "Remembering the Immortals" in Richmond's historic Depot District, on the west side of North 8th Street, between North D and E Street.

Louis Armstrong & Hoagy Carmichael
The Jazz artists featured on this mural are Bix Beiderbecke and his Rhythm Jugglers, Tommy Dorsey, Don Murray, Howdy Quicksell, Tommy Gargano and Paul Mertz. The picture has been dated to January 26, 1925.

On the corner of South 8th and Fort Wayne Avenue, you will find this mural of Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmichael on Paulee's Restaurant.

Detail: "Gennett Firsts"This next mural recognizes many of the recording artists that recorded at the Gennett Recording Company and also Fred Gennett, who was instrumental in bringing these artists to Richmond.

Richmond's Record Roots
It is located on the west side of the building at 911 North "E" Street and easily viewable from the railroad overpass on North 9th Street (U.S. 27 North).

In the center is Fred Gennett. Starting at 1:00 and going clockwise - Louis Armstrong, Lil Hardin-Armstrong, Lawrence Welk, Gene Autry, Jelly Roll Morton, and Bix Beiderbecke.

Honoring Richmond's record producing roots, a mural completed in June of 1999 by Pam Bliss Ferguson, features Charles Mosey. It is located on the north side of the building on Fort Wayne Avenue between North E and North D streets. Hoagy Carmichael MuralIt is easily seen by looking to the right when heading south over the railroad overpass on North 9th Street (U.S. 27 North).

The wording on the mural says: Richmond's Record Roots. Charles Mosey, president of Mosey Manufacturing, began his notable career by making record dies in 1945. Mural donated by Laurel Gennett Martin.

Visitors headed north on U.S. 27 through downtown Richmond will see a mural honoring Hoagy Carmichael, who recorded "Stardust" at the Gennett Recording Studio in 1927.

For More Information and Links:

FacebookYouTubeFlickrTwitter

For More Information

Starr-Gennett Foundation
33 South 7th Street
Richmond,, IN 47374
765.939.3325
info@starrgennett.org

Old National Road Welcome Center
5701 National Road East
Richmond,, IN 47374
800.828.8414

WayNet is Sponsored by:
Reid Health
We R Richmond - Richmond Community Schools
Morrisson-Reeves Library
City of Richmond, Indiana
Belden

Featured Member

The Olde North Chapel

Did You Know?

Richmond was long known as "The Rose City" due to being home to Hills' Roses. Founder, E. G. Hill, was a gifted rose hybridizer, and introduced countless roses to the world. Hills' was once known as the largest grower of roses under glass. Hill Floral Products stopped growing roses in 1995.