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On Thursday, August 17, WFYI’s “Echoes of Indiana Avenue” celebrates the August birthday of the late Anna Mae Winburn, bandleader and vocalist for the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, said broadcaster Kyle Long.
The ensemble was the greatest all female band of the 1940s, said Long, who produces the award winning program with Herman “Butch” Slaughter.
“Anna Mae was raised in Kokomo, Indiana. She played some of her earliest professional gigs in Naptown, working under the name Anita Dorr. In the late 1930s, Anna Mae began working with the great Indiana Avenue bandleader Rupert Harris. Anna Mae toured the country with Harris' Patent Leather Kids band.
The notoriety Anna Mae gained with Rupert Harris led to an opportunity to join the International Sweethearts of Rhythm - a trailblazing multi-racial/all female big band that was active from 1937 to 1949. The Sweethearts performed often in Naptown, making many appearances at Indiana Avenue's Sunset Terrace,” said Long.
“Anna Mae deserves far greater recognition as a Hoosier music pioneer. So join us for an hour of music from the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.”
Echoes of Indiana Avenue airs Thursday 8pm EST, with a new episode Sunday 7pm EST on 90.1 WFYI Indianapolis.
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