Chellberg Farm was once a part of the large Swedish settlement that lined the shores of Lake Michigan starting in the 1800s and stretching into the early 20th century. Both are part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and have living history activities that are open to visitors. Guest Roadtripper and travel writer Jane Ammeson, author of Lincoln Road Trip: The Back-Roads Guide to America's Favorite President, suggests that we visit Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm near Porter, Ind.īailly Homestead was established in 1822 as one of the only trading posts between Chicago and Detroit Chellberg Farm, less than half a mile away, spans 150 years of the history of Northwest Indiana. Sometimes called the "Fathers of Indiana Avenue Entertainment," the Ferguson brothers even owned several popular nightspots, including the Cotton Club and the Sunset Terrace Ballroom, which David will discuss during our show. Many of the touring, nationally known entertainers who performed at Indiana Avenue nightclubs - as well as local musicians during the 1940s - were booked by brothers Sea and Denver Ferguson, who are featured in David's book. Relocating to New York, he chose a song by Indiana composer Hoagy Carmichael for his signature number: " Skylark." And Ron Howard, a singer who lived in Lockefield Gardens apartments and appeared in nearby nightclubs on Indiana Avenue.The band went on to back up the Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas and other famous groups. The Highlighters, a band that formed when its members were students at Attucks High School.The group later evolved into the Ink Spots, which became nationally known. The Peanut Boys, a singing, dancing and guitar-playing group that began as sidewalk performers outside the Madam Walker Theatre when the Indianapolis landmark opened during the late 1920s.Other Hoosier musicians we will focus on during the show will include: That was followed by his national success, which unfolded when Sinky lived in Detroit, New York and other cities. During the 1940s, he played the piano on " Toast and Coffee," a popular radio show in Evansville.
Sinky studied music and science at Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University), graduating in 1935. Rebecca is a reporter for the Herald-Bulletin newspaper, which is based in Anderson, Ind. retiree, and Rebecca Bibbs, Sinky's great-niece (and Jeffrey's daughter). Other guests will be two of Sinky Hendricks' relatives who have been researching his life: Jeffrey Bibbs, Sinky's nephew, who is an Eli Lilly & Co. Many are featured in Indianapolis Rhythm and Blues (Arcadia Publishing), a new book by David Leander Williams, a music historian who will be among Nelson's studio guests. In addition to exploring the life and enduring impact of Sinky Hendricks, Hoosier History Live will spotlight other African-American musicians with Indiana connections. 4 on the Hit Parade in 1959, and other songs that continue to be heard across the country today. He also did the arrangements for " Ramblin' Rose," another Nat King Cole hit, " What A Difference A Day Makes," which reached No. Undoubtedly, though, you have heard some of the songs Sinky composed: " It's Just a Matter of Time" (which has been a major hit for several singers, including Randy Travis) " Looking Back," recorded by Nat King Cole " Call Me," which is associated with Johnny Mathis, and " First Star I See Tonight," a song popularized by Patti Page.ĭuring the early 1960s, Sinky was the conductor and arranger for Aretha Franklin's first album at Capitol Records.
The origins of his nickname, Sinky, are unknown.Īnd you may never have heard of Belford "Sinky" Hendricks (1909-1977), a native of Evansville who worked as one of that city's first African-American mail carriers during the 1930s before his career flourished as a composer, pianist, arranger and conductor.