Black music has been a powerful and influential force in Minnesota. Most know of the Minneapolis sound, but there has been a wealth of creativity coming from Black artists in the state for decades, with a breadth of genres that is impressive. MPR Archive presents a sampling of stories from years past to introduce…or re-introduce to Minnesota music lovers.
April 20, 2017 - Although Prince's death had a profound impact on fans of all racial backgrounds, for some black Minnesotans his loss was especially meaningful. MPR’s Doualy Xaykaothao talks with two local musicians who reflect on Prince on a personal level.
May 30, 2017 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles Chasity Brown, a Twin Cities based singer songwriter. Brown talks about the making of her album “Silhouette of Sirens," a collection of musical snapshots of her life drawing on country and soul music. She also says as a biracial queer woman of color living in this day and age, she can't help but be political.
December 27, 2017 - MPR News with Tom Weber presents a full program dedicated to James "Cornbread" Harris, Sr. Earlier in 2017, the 90-year-old rock 'n' roll pioneer (also known as Jimmy "Jam" Harris, Jr.'s dad) visited The Current's studios to record an in-studio session with Local Show host Andrea Swensson and MPR News host Tom Weber to kick off their Summer Music Series. Program includes song performances and sharing stories of his life and career.
April 23, 2018 - Morning Edition takes a look at Minneapolis musician James "Cornbread" Harris who turned 91 on this day. In 2017, Harris stopped by MPR studios and spoke with Tom Weber and Andrea Swensson. While he was here he played a song called "Cool Rider." Harris says he wrote it about the aspirations he had for his son, who would become the highly successful record producer Jimmy Jam Harris.
April 29, 2021 - Morning Edition presents a conversation with beloved Minneapolis blues musician as he rehearses for an upcoming concert at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis to celebrate his 94th birthday.
September 30, 2022 - MPR’s Tim Nelson profiles jazz pioneer Oscar Pettiford. Born 100 years ago and raised in Minnesota, Pettiford changed the sound of American music. He got his start on the stages of the Twin Cities, helping create a "Minneapolis sound" long before Prince. Pettiford’s innovations made him one of the most influential bass players of the bebop era. A century after his birth, that legacy endures.
June 24, 2024 - MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two women local professional DJs, Brittany Wright and YASMEENAH. Companies, sports teams, families, and non-profit leaders hire them to plan music for events and get the party going. The program goes behind the scenes of the DJ world, from the gear they use to the secrets of reading the crowd.