Aretha Franklin leaves an iconic legacy instrumental in changing popular music the world over.
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The interview that ‘blessed’ Robyne Robinson’s career
Prince’s request for an interview was still fresh on Robyne Robinson’s mind as she left Paisley Park that fateful day. It was not lost of her that no other local or national news anchor or reporter had been able to secure a sit-down television interview with the legendary entertainer.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Pioneering broadcaster Robyne Robinson reflects on Prince interview
Arriving at Paisley Park after being summoned by Prince, the first sound she heard was the pitter-patter of Mayte’s Yorkshire terriers making their way to the front lobby. They were followed by Mayte, whose smile let Robinson know that she approved of the piece. In fact, before Robinson could even say hello, Mayte asked for additional copies of the tape to send to family and friends in Germany, Puerto Rico, and Miami.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic deliver a funky good time
Although the 77-year-old Clinton, after a 50-plus career, is pulling the curtain on road shows, Parliament-Funkadelic will presumably continue to tour and Clinton’s immeasurable influence will live on. “Truth be told,” Clinton told Billboard, “It’s never really been about me. It’s always been about the music and the band. That’s the real P-Funk legacy. They’ll still be funkin’ long after I stop.”
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
Prince is often called a modern-day Mozart
Many of us are familiar with Prince-penned hits recorded by Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, and Sheena Easton, among numerous others. Plus, all the notable tracks he wrote for other veterans of the Minneapolis Sound, including The Time, André Cymone, Vanity 6, and Sheila E. But did you know he also wrote for the likes of Joe Cocker, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, and Candy Dulfer?
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Mike DeCole still in hot pursuit of dreams despite setbacks
“I want people to really value what it is that I’m trying to do because it takes a lot of time. It’s not about the money. It is about the love, but it’s more about the appreciation,” said DeCole.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The buzz is more than real for RajiTheOne
Anyone who takes the time to speak to artist RajiTheOne will find out quickly that he has a plan at hand, and nobody believes in him as much as he does. Born Jamal Rogers, the Chicago-born, and Minnesota-based artist paid his dues in the music game for nearly a decade in various capacities. Years later, […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Prince as a guitarist – underrated but brilliant
Free, who modeled much of his early image after Prince and ultimately became a guitar guru himself, informed Chazz that since Prince didn’t need to practice, he didn’t feel he had to either. Chazz replied by letting Free know he had it all wrong, “Prince practices all the time.”
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Piano maestro returns with a smooth homage to jazz greats
Mellow maestro, smooth jazz keyboardist-producer Wenso Ashby’s new album is Artistry, paying homage to, among other jazz masters, Joe Sample and Duke Ellington.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Catching up with living legend James “Cornbread” Harris
Even when the band leader changes key in the middle of a song — something he does from time to time — the solos are sweet to the point that two other guys at my table go to the amen corner, calling “Look out!,” and “Don’t hurt nobody!” and such.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Rap music’s path from pariah to Pulitzer
Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a similar dynamic with rap music. While some have attempted to silence rap because of its raw portrayal of life in inner-city communities, people increasingly see its value. Like slave narratives, rap music has given an authentic and candid voice to the voiceless.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Purple Music: the makings of a genius
As fate would have it, however, the month of June also happens to be Black Music Month, which by a bit of cosmic irony was first declared by President Jimmy Carter on June 7, 1979, Prince’s 21st birthday.
So in recognition of the 39th anniversary of Black Music Month, let us use make full use of this column’s chief purpose and honor of —if not the — greatest musicians of all time: Minnesota’s favorite son, Prince.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
VocalEssence marks milestone season with new voices, unique collaborations
Minneapolis-based choral organization VocalEssence has recently unveiled the musical offerings for its jubilee 50th season.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
‘Purple Music’ to plumb the rich depths of Minneapolis’ musical legacy
This column will lift up the stories of others who played a critical role in the development of the Minneapolis Sound, stories which otherwise may have been lost to history. More than anything, “Purple Music” is simply a space to honor our hometown hero, his meaning to us, and his meaning to the world.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Photo Galleries
Newcomers and vets raise the temp even higher at Soundset 2018 (photos)
Iconic performances by legends and newer artists made this year’s Soundset music festival one to remember.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Rapper Meek Mill calls for criminal justice reform
“Meek’s case is just one example of how the excessively punitive criminal justice system targets Black people every day and turns prisons into profit-generating institutions.”
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Crooners Lounge welcomes Freddy Cole
Pianist Freddy Cole is coming to the Twin Cities. In honor of his late brother Nat King Cole, who would’ve turned 99 this year, Freddy will perform a centennial celebration concert at Crooners on May 19 and 20. “I always love to come to Minnesota and play,” Freddy said in a recent MSR phone interview. Freddy called in […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Former New Power Generation keyboardist relishes lessons learned from Prince
“I’m a Prince fan to the bone,” O’Neal said in a recent MSR interview. She performed a couple weeks ago at Paisley Park’s “Celebration 2018.” “We’re enjoying ourselves. It’s like a family reunion,” she noted of the nearly dozen musicians who participated in live music, panel discussions, rare concert screenings and special presentations that honored […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Rapper Prof talks new album ‘Pookie Baby,’ touring and more
Southside Minneapolis’ own Prof just released a new album entitled Pookie Baby and is slated to hit the Soundset stage May 27 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. I recently had a chance to catch up with the Rhymesayers’ rapper and we touched on a number of topics. Below is an excerpt of our conversation. Sean […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The Purple Current honors Prince’s diverse and enduring legacy
Minnesota Public Radio’s (MPR) The Current now has a new 24-hour stream dedicated to Prince’s rich musical legacy. The new stream, Purple Current, launched at 12:01 am on Friday, April 6 and joins Local Current (all-Minnesota music), Radio Heartland (acoustic, American and roots music) and Rock the Cradle (music for kids) — all four streams are […]