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.
January 19, 1994 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles Twin Cities jazz singer Debbie Duncan. Segment includes interview with Duncan about her song repertoire and CD release.
February 21, 1994 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews teacher and author Judy Henderson about recording and preserving the music of African American communities in Minnesota over the course of state’s history. Henderson compiled a book w/accompanying CD titled “African American Music in Minnesota.”
February 19, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles early Rhymesayers Entertainment collective Headshots, consisting of Beyond, Abstract Pack, Urban Atmosphere and Full Circle.
December 23, 1996 - On this Voices of Minnesota feature, an interview with St. Paul jazz vocalist Roberta Davis. Subjects of racism, family and the complexity of jazz are discussed.
March 14, 1997 - MPR’s Maryann Sullivan interviews jazz bassist Anthony Cox, who discusses his return to Twin Cities in hopes of supporting a stronger jazz scene in area.
August 20, 1998 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on Studio 4, a charter school in St. Paul that offers use of studio time as an incentive for students to continue with school.
March 17, 2000 - On this Word of Mouth program, MPR’s Chris Roberts brings together Lou Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre artistic director; and Dominic Papatola, Pioneer Press critic, to discuss viewpoints on poet Rita Dove’s "The Darker Face Of The Earth" play that was performed at the theatre.
December 28, 2001 - In this musical edition of our Voices of Minnesota, MPR’s Dan Olson features two of Minnesota's talented jazz musicians Charmin Michelle and Doug Haining, and bandura player Tanya Riabokin.
November 21, 2003 - An interview Jim Walsh, music critic for City Pages, about Prince’s career and selection as one of the 2004 inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
December 23, 2003 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews musician Odell Brown, who has also struggled all his life with depression. The Richfield resident has created a Christmas CD as a way to work through that depression.