Adrian England, Joshua Santosh and Jaime Cardoza
In a symphony of extraordinary talent, the city of Indianapolis and IUI (Indiana University Indianapolis) were recently graced by the incomparable funk virtuoso Herman ‘Butch’ Slaughter, a cornerstone of our city’s musical and cultural heritage for decades, with his longtime friend and co-musician Gary Amos. Over the past near-half year, Slaughter has become nothing short of a guiding light for our city’s scholars in the IUI “Rhythm and Revolution – Music and Social Change” course, offering profound grace and wisdom to the next generation through lectures, interviews with current scholars and musicians, and even performing an impromptu song at an end-of-the semester benefit show (“Night of the Comet”) which raised over $2300 for area domestic violence prevention nonprofit organizations, including Coburn Place, The Julian Center and Eskenazi Center for Hope. Additionally, in recent years, Slaughter has become an award-winning journalist with WFYI Public Radio, with the prodigious Kyle Long. This article delves into the remarkable journeys of Butch Slaughter and Kyle Long, including their collaborative efforts and the profound impact they’ve had on social change.
Herman ‘Butch’ Slaughter, a seasoned vocalist, and Kyle Long, a prodigious journalist and respected local DJ, each carved unique paths in the realm of funk and jazz. Long’s early departure from high school at age 16 paved the way for his emergence as a journalist and DJ, while Slaughter’s distinct vocal style earned him a prominent place in concerts and various venues throughout the years, such as The Twenty Grand, Netto’s, The In Crowd and The Function Junction.
Long’s passion for music extended beyond performance, leading him to a successful journalism career at NUVO, Indy’s alternative weekly. As a curator of music for institutions like The Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Mayor’s Office of International and Cultural Affairs, Long’s research delved into the historical roots of jazz, highlighting figures like Erroll “Groundhog” Grandy.
Herman ‘Butch’ Slaughter, a product of Crispus Attucks High School, recorded radio hits at a young age and drew inspiration from his mother-in-law, Flo Garvin, a groundbreaking vocalist who recorded with Jimmy Coe on the King Records label. Slaughter’s dynamic artistry as a vocalist became a cornerstone of the city’s jazz and funk cultures, leaving audiences mesmerized with each performance.
While visiting IUI on several occasions this Spring, Slaughter and friend/fellow musician Gary Amos made lasting impressions as sharing musical histories dating back to the late 1960s, and provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of funk, soul, blues, and jazz. Scholars learned that Slaughter’s impact extended to mentoring and providing shelter for young musicians, and forming the soul band “Words of Wisdom” in the late 1970s. Touring with legends like James Brown, Bettye Swann, Brooke Benton, and Solomon Burke, the band became a testament to Slaughter’s influence on the music industry. He is also known for his sampling, which has been used by various artists such as Kayne West and Kendrick Lamar. “Most of us are thankful for sample,” Slaughter said during his visit to IUI. “They gave us a new career.”
During his visits, Slaughter additionally mentioned he has started a non-profit, Naptown Revue Tours, which helps unprivileged and local funk artists in Indianapolis. He also spoke specifically to the ability of music to effect social change, citing tracks like The Temptations’ “Ball of Confusion” and Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam,” where music became a powerful tool for expressing resistance and sparking conversations about racial inequality and injustice.
Slaughter also relayed that, in a surprising turn, he and Long transitioned to become WFYI broadcasters for “Cultural Manifesto,” showcasing Indianapolis’ musical legacy. Their collaboration has since earned them the regional Edward R. Murrow Award for second show, “Echoes of Indiana Avenue,” a testament to their unwavering commitment to our city’s musical heritage.
Despite lacking formal broadcasting training, Butch Slaughter and Kyle Long stand as representatives of Indianapolis’ musical legacy, with a keen focus on funk, soul and jazz. Their passion, combined with a deep knowledge of past, present, and future generations of artists, musicians, and singers, cements their place as iconic figures in the city’s vibrant musical tapestry.