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.
December 7, 1990 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on new, weird Christmas program performed by the Warland Singers at the Ordway in St. Paul. Friend interviews Dale Warland and composer Herb Pilhofer.
December 28, 1990 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on the twenty-year anniversary of First Avenue, and it’s importance on the local music scene. Wareham interviews musicians who share their personal memories of the venue.
March 22, 1991 - MPR’s Tom Fudge profiles Vietnamese musician Ann Que. The Fridley teenager plays the dan tranh and dan bau as a way to preserve a cultural eastern tradition.
May 24, 1991 - MPR’s Marlana Benzie presents a report from Hibbing on the 50th birthday of former hometown resident Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as the legendary Bob Dylan.
May 24, 1991 - MPR’s Marlana Benzie reports on Bob Dylan’s 50th birthday and the how his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota, is reconsidering its view of the famous musician.
June 22, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles local Hmong pop-rock group Asian Invasion. Roberts interviews members of the band, who describe their varied influences and cultural subject matter in songs.
June 26, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Father Frankie Perkovich, the fourth person to be named into the Polka Hall of Fame. Father Perkovich is known for performing and promoting the Polka Mass.
July 19, 1991 - MPR’s Mindy Ratner interviews local composer Steve Heitzeg on Georgia O'Keeffe.
August 23, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Catlin profiles Minneapolis rockabilly band Jack Knife and the Sharps. Catlin interviews band members about their style and group aspirations. Segment also includes a music writer discussing the music sub-genre.
August 23, 1991 - On this special ‘Live at the State Fair’ of The Morning Program, hosts Jim Ed Poole and Dale Connelly discuss suggestions for a Minnesota State Fair song with local singer-songwriter Ann Reed and callers. Food and animals are the most popular pitches amongst listeners.