Collection
Black music in the North Star State
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.
53 Collection Items
- Behind the Scenes of DJs: Women Setting the Vibe
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.
- Born 100 years ago and raised in Minnesota, Oscar Pettiford changed the sound of American music
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.
- A moment with Minneapolis musician Cornbread Harris as he rehearses for celebratory show
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.
- Morning Edition takes a look at Cornbread Harris
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.
- Cornbread Harris shares stories and songs from his seven-decade career
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.
- Chastity Brown gave her new album the time it needed
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.
- For these Black Minnesota musicians, Prince still reigns
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.
- Lawmakers pay tribute to Prince, including a "Purple Rain" performance
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.
- Looking back at Prince's career
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.
- The Current broadcast announcement of Prince's death
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.