Minneapolis Sound

The Minneapolis Sound is a genre of music that originated in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The genre emerged as a fusion of funk, rock, pop, soul, and R&B, and was characterized by its unique and experimental sound. The roots of the Minneapolis Sound can be traced back to local bands like Flyte Tyme and Haze, who were heavily influenced by the funk and soul music of the 1970s. These bands were popular in the local music scene and helped to establish a thriving underground music culture in Minneapolis. The arrival of Prince on the scene in the late 1970s changed the landscape of music in Minneapolis forever. Prince was a talented musician, songwriter, and performer who soon became the driving force behind the Minneapolis Sound. He signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1978 and released his debut album, For You, the following year. Prince's early albums were characterized by their innovative and experimental sound, incorporating elements of funk, soul, rock, and pop. He also became known for his theatrical live shows, which featured elaborate costumes and choreography. In the early 1980s, Prince formed his backing band, The Revolution, and released the album Dirty Mind, which marked a significant departure from his earlier work. The album was more sexually explicit and featured a stripped-down sound that was more akin to punk rock than funk or soul. Prince's next album, 1999, was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish the Minneapolis Sound as a major force in popular music. The album sold over three million copies in the United States alone and featured hit singles like "1999" and "Little Red Corvette." Following the success of 1999, other Minneapolis-based musicians began to emerge, including The Time, Andre Cymone, and Sheila E. These artists were all part of Prince's extended musical family and helped to spread the sound and style of the Minneapolis Sound to a wider audience. In 1984, Prince released his iconic album and accompanying film, Purple Rain. The album was a massive success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. The film, which starred Prince in the lead role, was also a critical and commercial success, grossing over $68 million at the box office. The success of Purple Rain helped to cement the Minneapolis Sound as one of the defining musical genres of the 1980s. The sound continued to evolve throughout the decade and into the early 1990s, with artists like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mint Condition, and Soul Asylum all contributing to its development.

Prince: Perhaps the most iconic and legendary artist to come out of the Minneapolis Sound, Prince was born in Minneapolis and got his start in the city’s music scene. He blended funk, rock, and R&B to create a unique sound that was all his own. His hits include “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss.” The Time: The Time was a Minneapolis Sound group formed by Prince, and their sound reflects his influence. They had hits with “Jungle Love,” “The Bird,” and “777:9311.” Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis: This duo produced many of the biggest hits of the Minneapolis Sound, working with artists like Janet Jackson, The Time, and New Edition. They were also members of The Time and had hits as a duo with “Just Be Good to Me” and “On the Way.” Morris Day: Morris Day was the lead singer of The Time, and his playful personality and dance moves made him a fan favorite. He also had solo hits like “Fishnet” and “Oak Tree.” Sheila E.: Sheila E. was a percussionist and singer who worked with Prince and had several hits of her own, including “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.” Alexander O’Neal: Alexander O’Neal was a Minneapolis Sound singer who had hits with “Fake” and “Criticize.” He was also a member of The Time briefly. Janet Jackson: Janet Jackson worked with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to produce several of her biggest hits, including “Nasty,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” and “Rhythm Nation.” Mint Condition: Mint Condition was a Minneapolis Sound band that blended funk, rock, and R&B to create their own sound. They had hits with “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” and “What Kind of Man Would I Be?” Jesse Johnson: Jesse Johnson was a guitarist and member of The Time. He also had solo hits like “Can You Help Me” and “I Want My Girl.” Sounds of Blackness: Sounds of Blackness was a choir and music group that blended gospel, R&B, and soul. They had hits with "The Pressure," "Optimistic," and "Hold On (Change is Comin')."

1. "Purple Rain" - Prince 2. "When Doves Cry" - Prince 3. "Kiss" - Prince 4. "Let's Go Crazy" - Prince 5. "Raspberry Beret" - Prince 6. "I Would Die 4 U" - Prince 7. "Nothing Compares 2 U" - Prince 8. "1999" - Prince 9. "The Glamorous Life" - Sheila E. 10. "A Love Bizarre" - Sheila E. 11. "Nasty Girl" - Vanity 6 12. "The Time Warp" - The Time 13. "Jungle Love" - The Time 14. "777-9311" - The Time 15. "Fishnet" - Morris Day 16. "The Walk" - The Time 17. "Erotic City" - Prince and the Revolution 18. "Take Me with U" - Prince and the Revolution 19. "Baby, I'm a Star" - Prince and the Revolution 20. "Jerk Out" - The Time 21. "Gett Off" - Prince 22. "Diamonds and Pearls" - Prince and the New Power Generation 23. "Cream" - Prince and the New Power Generation 24. "My Name Is Prince" - Prince and the New Power Generation 25. "The Morning Papers" - Prince and the New Power Generation

Numerous books have been written on the subject of the Minneapolis Sound, providing insight and analysis into the genre's history and impact. One such book is "Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound" by Andrea Swensson. The book explores how the genre came to be, focusing on the grassroots movements and DIY ethos that helped local musicians gain recognition and success. Swensson also emphasizes the importance of Prince in shaping the Minneapolis Sound, stating, "Prince symbolized everything that was possible in the Minneapolis Sound...without him, it's hard to imagine where the movement would be today." Another book on the subject is "The Minneapolis Sound: The Twin Cities Music Scene of the 1980s" by Joseph C. Romain. The book provides a comprehensive account of the Minneapolis Sound, delving into the history of the city's music scene and the impact it had on the genre. Romain also discusses the commercial success of the Minneapolis Sound, noting "the Minneapolis Sound was one of the most successful regional music scenes in the country during the 1980s." Over the years, numerous musicians and critics have shared their thoughts on the Minneapolis Sound. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Prince spoke about the importance of the genre in relation to racial identity, stating "We were outcasts. We were black musicians playing rock music while dressed as freaks...It was cool because the Minneapolis Sound was our thing." Similarly, drummer and founding member of The Time, Jellybean Johnson, stated in an interview with NPR, "We didn't have to copy anybody else's music...We had our own sound." Music critic Jim Farber also spoke highly of the Minneapolis Sound, stating "It's a rare musical scene that can produce such a consistent sound across multiple artists...and yet still maintain a unique identity." He went on to praise the genre's blend of "funk, pop, rock and R&B" and the musicians' "adventurous spirit."

One significant figure in the development of Minneapolis Sound is Prince. Prince Rogers Nelson was a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, and is often credited with putting Minneapolis on the map musically. He began his career in the 1970s, and his fusion of funk, rock, and soul influenced a generation of musicians in the city. Prince was also instrumental in shaping the visual aspect of Minneapolis Sound, introducing androgynous fashion into his stage performances and videos. Other notable musicians who contributed to the Minneapolis Sound include Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who produced and wrote hits for artists such as Janet Jackson, The Time, and Alexander O'Neal. The social and cultural context of Minneapolis Sound was also shaped by the city's history of segregation. During the 1970s, Minneapolis experienced a wave of white flight to the suburbs, leaving the city's core with a larger African-American population. The city's music venues, such as the famous First Avenue and 7th Street Entry, became important spaces of integration, where musicians and audiences of different backgrounds came together through their shared love of music. Minneapolis Sound attracted a diverse audience, including African Americans, LGBTQ+ people, and white fans who were drawn to the genre's innovative sound. The technological context of Minneapolis Sound was marked by the rise of digital recording equipment in the 1980s. This technology allowed for the creation of unique and experimental sounds that hadn't been possible before. Minneapolis Sound was highly influenced by the use of electronic instruments, such as synthesizers and drum machines. The sound of Minneapolis was further shaped by the city's unique geography. The city is located in the upper Midwest, a region marked by a harsh continental climate and a farming and manufacturing economy. This isolation from the music scenes of New York and Los Angeles allowed for Minneapolis to develop its distinct sound and identity. Additionally, the city's thriving local music scene was supported by the presence of local record labels such as Twin/Tone and Stax Records, which published music from many of the city's most notable bands. Journalists played an instrumental role in documenting and promoting the Minneapolis Sound. The influential music critic Jon Bream wrote for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and was an early supporter of Prince. Bream chronicled the rise of the Minneapolis scene, and his coverage helped bring national attention to the city's unique sound.