Collection
Minnesota Musicians
Minnesota has claim to a wealth of creativity; music is no exception. Almost every genre can be heard within our state’s borders. The results range from a simple act of joy, to an influence that reverberates far beyond (the “Minneapolis Sound” is a prime example). The collection below is an introduction to the diverse and talented artists who have called Minnesota home, and the art they share with all of us.
451 Collection Items
- 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.
- Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minnesota Orchestra's conductor laureate, dies at 93
MPR’s Euan Kerr shares this profile of a Minnesota classical icon. Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Minnesota Orchestra Conductor Laureate, died at the age of 93 in St. Louis Park.
- Dylan's literary roots went through Hibbing classroom
Bob Dylan's literary roots may be as tangled as the Nobel Prize winner's famously enigmatic lyrics, but at some point they invariably end up in the Hibbing High School classroom of B.J. Rolfzen. MPR’s Dan Kraker profiles the teacher and his future music icon student.
- Prince block party at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis
A block party to honor Minnesota music icon Prince drew hundreds to South Minneapolis. At Sabathani Community Center, formally Bryant Junior High, DJs played famous Prince records and food vendors served carnival treats.
- For this Duluth fiddler, a tiny concert led to big things
MPR’s Marianne Combs visits musician Gaelynn Lea. The Duluth fiddler recently won National Public Radio's Tiny Desk Contest, and as a result is performing in cities across the country. Lea is using the exposure both to build her career and to raise awareness about issues for people with disabilities.