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 21, 2016 - MPR’s Matt Sepic gets reaction from local Prince fans upon the news of musician’s unexpected death. The Minnesota-born international superstar whose sound revolutionized pop music and put the Minneapolis scene on the map, was found dead earlier in the morning at his Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen.
April 21, 2016 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with The Current’s Andrea Swensson, who describes the scene at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen after the death of Prince at his home complex. There is a miles-long traffic jam leading to his studio and regular concert venue.
April 21, 2016 - MPR’s Tom Crann interviews songwriter Jimmy Jam about the death of music genius Prince. Jimmy Jam shares reflections on Prince and his legacy.
April 21, 2016 - The Current Local Show host Jade Tittle checks in with The Current’s Andrea Swensson at Paisley Park, who verifies on-air that Prince has died. A heart-broken Swensson shares a brief personal account of the musician.
April 22, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr looks back at the career of the famed Minnesota musician Prince, who passed away April 21st, 2016. In profile, Kerr interviews numerous individuals who knew him, worked with, and appreciated the musical genius.
April 26, 2016 - MPR’s Tom Weber highlights state legislators paying tribute to Prince after his death on April 21st, 2016. Segment includes audio of state representatives Peggy Flanagan and Mike Freiberg performing “Purple Rain” on the floor of the Minnesota House.
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.