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 17, 1979 - Interview with Eric Stokes, composer and professor of music. Stokes was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships.
February 10, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and their director William Jones. They share their experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of a London School’s Promenade concert series sponsored by the London Times and the BBC.
March 17, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, Midday presents an examination of causes, agents, and consequences of Irish immigration to America and Minnesota in history, interview, and song.
June 19, 1979 - Polka Power, a report and poetic response to the polka festival subculture in the Upper Midwest with poets Joe and Nancy Paddock.
April 4, 1980 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews musician Steve Tibbetts on his process in producing “Yr” album, which included Tibbetts building his own studio on Lake Street and promoting/marketing to small record stores.
August 19, 1982 - MPR’s Dan Olson walks downtown Minneapolis to explore the sounds of street musicians. Olson stops and talks with various performers about their vocation.
December 11, 1982 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with the Buttermilk Hill String Band. Members Rachel Nelson, fiddle and mandolin; Paula Brandes, guitar; and Liz Olds, banjo, discuss being street musicians. The band also perform songs and stories for the holiday season, as well as answer questions and take requests from listeners.
November 9, 1984 - MPR’s Jo Ann Shroyer profiles Minnesota jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator Irv Williams. Shroyer interviews Williams about his career, the local jazz scene, and on being honored with “Irv Williams Day” on November 24th.
December 26, 1984 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles Prince Rogers Nelson. Segment includes interview with critic Jon Bream, author of the book "Prince: Inside the Purple Reign," and local evangelists who find Pronce’s music offensive.
March 16, 1985 - MPR’s Beth Friend profiles the Minneapolis Celtic-punk-folk band, Boiled in Lead. Friend interviews Drew Miller, the band’s bass player, about Boiled in Lead’s style.