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.
January 22, 1994 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with American composer Dominick Argento about his opera “The Dream of Valentino,” a chronicle of the life of silent movie star Rudolph Valentino.
February 4, 1994 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles local musicians “Spider” John Koerner and Willie Murphy. The two talk about their work together over the decades and the album “Running, Jumping, Standing Still.”
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.”
March 18, 1994 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson profiles the Fargo-Moorhead vocal quartet The Blenders. Gunderson interviews members of group about their potential for national success, and the desire not to compromise songwriting or have their sound “labeled.”
April 13, 1994 - MPR’s Tom Fudge interviews Cambodian musician who shares his native music in Minnesota with support from a Minnesota Arts Board fellowship. Segment includes music performance clips.
May 20, 1994 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with Russell Packard, director of Crossing Borders: World Music Ensemble. Packard discusses the importance of Middle Eastern classical music in contemporary culture.
May 30, 1994 - MPR’s Perry Finelli interviews Minneosta born composer and music director James “Red” McLeod, who reflects on his decades long and varied career in music field.
July 1, 1994 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles musician Steve Tibbetts. Kerr tours Tibbetts studio, followed by interview in which Tibbetts talks about the building’s contents, travel recordings, and his own compositions.
July 7, 1994 - On this Mainstreet Radio feature, MPR’s Leif Enger profiles Native American rock artist Jake Reum. The Garrison musician talks about his musical journey that led to album release “Make Love Real.”
July 30, 1994 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews Aaron Seymour and Doug Youland, members of Minneapolis band, The Delilahs. Seymour and Youland talk about writing songs, singing, and the music industry.