This week on Cultural Manifesto, we remember some of the notable Indiana musicians and music figures who passed away in 2025. Join us as we honor the lives of artists who shaped funk, rock, music education, and global psychedelia — including: 

Fort Wayne guitarist Gray Brabson, also known as G Money, whose work with the funk band Trust produced the cult-classic 1978 single “Funk Power,” later rediscovered by collectors and reissued by Numero Group.

Indianapolis funk keyboardist DeMorris “Dee Gee” Smith, a deeply connected figure in the city’s soul and funk scene who also performed with national acts including the Bar-Kays, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, and Bootsy Collins.

Indianapolis trumpet player Ron Hedrick, best known for his work with Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign.

Indiana-born bassist Toby Myers, whose career bridged the state’s rock scene and the global stage through his long tenure with John Mellencamp, as well as his earlier work with Roadmaster and later contributions to Lisa Germano’s landmark 4AD release.

Gladys Stone Wright, a pioneering West Lafayette band director, conductor, and composer who helped redefine the role of women in band leadership and co-founded the Women Band Directors National Association. 

And Indianapolis-based writer, scholar, and musician Stan Denski, a central figure in documenting and preserving psychedelic music history. As a co-founder of OR Records, a member of the band Many Bright Things, and a key contributor to the influential Love, Peace & Poetry compilation series, Denski helped bring psychedelic music from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to wider attention.