Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Celebrate the remarkable career of vocalist Alfonzo Surrett, one of the greatest living legends of Naptown soul music.
A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, Surrett began his musical journey singing gospel with his family before making a name for himself with Indianapolis groups including The Implements and the Pushers Show Band. After relocating to Chicago in the 1970s, he became part of a circle of musicians connected to Curtis Mayfield, contributing vocals to recordings by soul icons including Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Curtis Mayfield, and Leroy Hutson.
Along the way, Surrett also established himself as a talented songwriter, co-writing Leroy Hutson's underground soul classic "Closer to the Source," later recorded by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. In 1980, Surrett released his debut album, Comin' Out, on MCA Records.
Join host Rodney Stepp for music celebrating one of Indianapolis's most accomplished and underappreciated vocalists — Alfonzo Surrett.
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#LoveWFYI #OnWFYI #WFYIMusic #EchoesOfIndianaAvenue #Indianapolis #SoulMusic #IndianaMusicHistory #AlfonzoSurrett #TheImplements #PushersShowBand #CurtisMayfield
Celebrate the remarkable career of vocalist Alfonzo Surrett, one of the greatest living legends of Naptown soul music.
A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, Surrett began his musical journey singing gospel with his family before making a name for himself with Indianapolis groups including The Implements and the Pushers Show Band. After relocating to Chicago in the 1970s, he became part of a circle of musicians connected to Curtis Mayfield, contributing vocals to recordings by soul icons including Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Curtis Mayfield, and Leroy Hutson.
Along the way, Surrett also established himself as a talented songwriter, co-writing Leroy Hutson's underground soul classic "Closer to the Source," later recorded by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. In 1980, Surrett released his debut album, Comin' Out, on MCA Records.
Join host Rodney Stepp for music celebrating one of Indianapolis's most accomplished and underappreciated vocalists — Alfonzo Surrett.
FOLLOW WFYI
Instagram: instagram.com/wfyi_indy
TikTok: tiktok.com/@wfyipublicmedia
Facebook: facebook.com/wfyipublicmedia
X: twitter.com/wfyi
The WFYI programs you love are possible thanks to your support. Donate today: wfyi.org/give
#LoveWFYI #OnWFYI #WFYIMusic #EchoesOfIndianaAvenue #Indianapolis #SoulMusic #IndianaMusicHistory #AlfonzoSurrett #TheImplements #PushersShowBand #CurtisMayfield
