Throughout the month of June, ‘Forefront’ will celebrate Black Music Month with roundtable discussions that highlight the reach, richness and power of Black music.
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Jazz is alive and thriving
There are lots of upcoming projects to be excited about in the world of jazz.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
‘What’s Going On’ at 50 – Marvin Gaye’s Motown classic is as relevant today
Released on May 21, 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War, Marvin Gaye’s album became a monster, spawning three hit singles on its way to becoming Motown’s best-selling album to date.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books, Music
Former Prince bodyguard recalls memories in debut memoir
For Prince former bodyguard and bandmate Wally Safford reflects on the icon’s legacy and Detroit connection.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
New Prince doc sheds light on how North Mpls. riots in 1960s helped shape the icon
A new Prince documentary is set to premiere during one of the most tumultuous times in Minnesota history.
Posted inArts + Culture, Movies, Music
Movie Review: ‘Tina’ cements the greatness of a legend
In this fairly comprehensive 118-minute tribute by directors Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, Tina Turner, in her own words, describes various pivotal epochs in her life and career.
Posted inArts + Culture
DMX, hip hop superstar, has died at 50
DMX, the sensationally talented and gruff-voiced rap artist and actor who rose from the hardscrabble streets of Yonkers, New York, to become one of hip-hop’s most prolific stars, has died at the age of 50.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
New releases, club closings, fundraisers, and more
As the pandemic goes on, so does jazz club closings, near-closings, live streaming, and new album releases.
Posted inFeatured, Music, News
Supreme indeed: Mary Wilson passes at age 76
Mary Wilson of Supremes fame passed away Monday night, adding to the woes of a community already reeling from the loss of so many greats.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Local artist celebrates life, legacy of Chadwick Boseman with latest single
Released months after the sudden passing of Hollywood icon Chadwick Boseman, “Superhero” is an ode to the late actor.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
North Mpls. music program offers youth refuge and opportunity
Courtland Pickens is a local singer-songwriter with a powerful presence in the local community.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Pioneer to Minneapolis Sound releases long-awaited solo album
Jellybean Johnson’s debut album ‘Get Experienced’ is a nine-song odyssey that crosses genres and expands on the richness of the Minneapolis Sound.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Gossip diva Wendy Williams and Salt-N-Pepa debut Lifetime biopics
Lifetime is releasing not one, but two biopics this month that are sure to have social media in a frenzy.
Posted inArts + Culture
Hip hop pioneer Dr. Dre hospitalized in Los Angeles after suffering brain aneurysm
Dr. Dre, 55, reportedly is stable and lucid, but doctors haven’t determined what caused his internal bleeding.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Podcast provides exposure for Twin Cities indie artists
Professionally known as ‘Mr. Music,’ Horace, along with his co-hosts Dante ‘DJ Enferno’ Coleman and Georron ‘Tangy G’ Gross have experienced a surge of popularity through the rise of their show ‘The Power Hour.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Catching up with local jazz great Debbie Duncan
Local jazz great Debbie Duncan passed away Friday, December 18, 2020, according to family and friends. We have republished this story in honor of her memory.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
‘Billie’ Review: Documentary offers fresh insight into legendary talent
It’s almost as if Lady Day is stepping out of her grave at Old St. Raymond Cemetery in the Bronx to tell her own story.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Country music legend Charley Pride dies at age 86
Charley Pride, whose rich baritone voice and impeccable song-sense altered American culture, died Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Dallas, Texas of complications from COVID-19 at age 86.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
A closer look at this year’s jazz Grammy nominees
Kudos to Minnesota native and five-time Grammy-winner Maria Schneider for her latest album ‘Data Lords.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Prince’s ‘Sign o’ The Times’: a timeless masterpiece
“In France, a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name/by chance his girlfriend came across a needle and soon she did the same…” That’s how one of the greatest albums in history opened. The title track to Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times” was greeted by critics and fans alike: pure excitement. […]