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The city of Minneapolis- Image by Kait from

Top 10 Iconic Singers from Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota that forms the “Twin Cities” with the neighbouring state capital of St. Paul.

Bisected by the Mississippi River, it’s well known for its parks and lakes. Minneapolis is also home to many cultural landmarks like the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum, and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

In terms of artistic competency, Minneapolis is home to so many art galleries and music festivals. Most popular bands that we know of have actually come from Minneapolis. Let us, therefore, have a look at all the iconic singers we know or heard of, from Minneapolis.

1. Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan in Toronto, 1980- Author; Jean-Luc-

Bob Dylan moved to Minneapolis in 1959 from Hibbing, Minnesota so as to attend the University of Minnesota.

He first lived first in a Jewish fraternity house on campus and then, later on, had his living quarters at a space above Gray鈥檚 Drug Store at 327 14th Avenue SE (now the Loring Pasta Bar).

While there, Dylan performed with noted local folk artists like Spider John Koerner and Dave Ray at venues such as the 10 O鈥機lock Scholar Coffee House in Dinkytown.

While his stay in Minneapolis was short-lived, he remained connected to the City given how he returned in 1974 to record five songs for his landmark album, ‘Blood on The Tracks,’ at the legendary Sound 80 Recording Studio.

Dylan’s time in Minnesota and Minneapolis鈥檚 emerging folk scene helped shape the man he would become. That is, a spokesman for his generation and a continuing musical force to date

2. Prince

Prince playing at Coachella 2008- Author; Penner-

Prince made Minneapolis famous through his 1984 movie, ‘Purple Rain,’ which was set in Minneapolis and even featured its premier nightclub, First Avenue.

He is the primary architect of the 鈥淢inneapolis Sound,鈥�  which is basically a blending of rhythm and blues, funk, rock, pop, punk, and new wave that typically defined the music of the 1980s.

Born as Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958 in Minneapolis, he was the child of a jazz pianist and singer. As a musical prodigy, Prince mastered the piano, guitar, bass and drums at a very young age.

He even developed studio and recording skills that allowed him to produce, arrange, compose and perform complete albums all by himself.

Prince left a lasting legacy on music, culture, and the recording industry鈥攁nd put Minneapolis music on the map. He is still remembered to date. Just mention purple rain and flamboyant suits and folks will know who you’re talking about

3. Lizzo

Lizzo on the 2020 Grammys Red Carpet- Author; Cosmopolitan UK-

As a vocal powerhouse, master flautist, energetic dancer, skilled songwriter, and ambassador for self-empowerment and self-love, Lizzo claims Minneapolis as an adopted home even though she currently resides in Los Angeles.

She moved to Minneapolis in 2011 and quickly established herself as multi-talented musician through her involvement in the electro-soul-pop duo, Lizzo & The Larva Ink, and as a member of two female-fronted hip-hop groups, The Chalice and GRRL PRTY.

She released her first two solo albums while living in Minneapolis, and quickly caught the eye of Prince, who co-signed her. While working with Prince, the ultimate fuser of musical styles, she learned to take her love of pop, rap, rock and funk and make it her own sound.

In her words she confesses, 鈥淚t gave me the confidence to be an artist, not just a rapper or a singer or a girl in a band. When you鈥檙e an artist, you become eternal.鈥� 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the biggest lesson I learned from Prince: perpetuate positivity, and also art is forever. Be eternal.鈥�

4. Babes in Toyland

Babes In Toyland performing in Groningen, Netherlands, 1991- Author; Neate, Greg-

Babes in Toyland was formed in 1986 and it literally shook up the male-dominated punk music scene with its incisive lyrics and aggressive music. The band was made up of  Kat Bjelland (vocal and guitar), Michelle Leon (bass), and Lori Barbero (drums).

Like their peers, The Replacements and Husker Du, the group released several records on the Minneapolis-based label, Twin/Tone, and later signed with a branch of Warner Bros.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the band gained national and international praise for their unique punk rock offerings.

This led to their 1992 album, Fontanelle, being the best-selling album that ultimately solidified their place in the alt-rock movement.

Babes in Toyland is often noted and mentioned as a key inspiration from modern punk rock bands such as Sleater Kinney and Bikini Kill.

5. Soul Asylum

Soul Asylum performing- Author; Daniel Schwen-

Founded in 1981 and known originally as Loud Fast Rules from Minneapolis, this band renamed themselves Soul Asylum two years later and released several records on the Twin/Tone label and A&M.

Their signature 鈥渉igh-octane, punk-infused rock鈥� was crafted by the band’s members who include Dave Pirner (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dan Murphy(lead guitar), Karl Mueller(bass), and Grant Young(drums).

Soul Asylum’s breakthrough moment came with the release of Grave Dancers Union in 1992. This album included the Grammy-award-winning hit, ‘Runaway Train.’

Soul Asylum was then established as one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the 1990s.

6. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Album cover- Author; Flyte Tyme, BMG-

Producing and songwriting powerhouse duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have more number-one hits than any other team in the history of music. Just think of any 90s melody that comes to mind. These two musical heroes had something to do with it.

They’ve worked together with some of the biggest names and veterans in the music industry like Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Usher and many others.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, they formed the band Flyte Tyme as teenagers and performed in Battle of the Bands competitions throughout the City, even going up against Prince鈥檚 band, Grand Central.

As he continued rising to fame, Prince transformed their band into one of his many side projects. The duo had higher aspirations, however, and so they broke from Prince.

They opened Flyte Tyme Studio at 4330 Nicollet Avenue South in the 1980s and attracted international acts such as The Human League and Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson鈥檚 breakthrough album, Control, was actually recorded at their Minneapolis studio in 1985 and spread the elements of The Minneapolis Sound to an even wider audience when it was released the following year.

7. The replacements

The Replacements band- Author; Laura Levine-

The Replacements were an influential Minneapolis-based rock band that was formed in 1979.

The lead songwriter of the band and singer Paul Westerberg, the bassist Tommy Stinson, guitarists Bobby Stinson and drummer Chris Mars, all combined punk, rock, country, and blues so as to capture the music mood and style that ruled the early 80s music scene.

Often referred to as 鈥渙ne of the best bands to never make it鈥�, the members self-destructive ways led to many missed opportunities for greater commercial success.

Nevertheless, they still hold a special place in the history of rock music. They are often cited as the inspiration for the wave of alternative rock bands in the 1990s.

8. The Andrew Sisters

The Andrew Sisters- Author; Music Corporation of America-management (MCA)-

The Andrews Sisters were a popular swing trio during the 1940s. This group consisted of three sisters: LaVerne, Maxene, and Patricia. 

The sisters grew up singing in their trio and even won a talent contest in Minneapolis at a young age. 

It, therefore, didn鈥檛 take long for their impressive harmonies to capture the hearts of many. Soon, they were touring military bases, recording with the likes of a legendary jazz singer, Bing Crosby, and even appearing in films.

Although the sisters experienced tumultuous times, including Patricia (one of the sisters) leaving the group to go solo, they enjoyed a successful career that included 46 top 10 hits and over 100 million units sold. 

9. Bernie Leadon

Bernie Leadon in 1970- Author; Rob C. Croes-

Bernie Leadon, who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was one of the founding members of the rock band the Eagles.

Leadon鈥檚 long career began when he met musicians Ed Douglas and Larry Murray and joined the local bluegrass band, the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers.

He continued pursuing bluegrass and country rock until he landed the last spot in the newly formed Eagles band.

Leadon wrote, played several instruments, and offered harmony vocals to the Eagles for two albums before he famously left the band, saying he needed to improve his health and leave the drugs behind. 

He later came back to tour with the band in 2013 and appeared at the Grammys in a tribute to Glenn Frey. 

10. Don Moen

Don Moen in Toronto- Author; 001Jrm-

Born as Donald James Moen in born June 29th, 1950, Don Moen is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter of Christian worship music.

Moen grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he attended high school in 1968, and later attended Oral Roberts University, a Christian liberal arts school.

He became a Living Sound musician for Terry Law Ministries and travelled with Terry Law for ten years. Afterwards, he worked for Integrity Media for over 20 years, while serving as the creative director and president of Integrity Music.

He then left Integrity Media in December 2007, to start a new initiative, The Don Moen Company. The company acquired MediaComplete and the church software company that created MediaShout.

In 2009, he became a radio host for Don Moen & Friends and received a Dove Award for his work on the musical God with Us in addition to the nine nominations for his songs.