There were many musicians affiliated with this period in Minnesota music. Below you will find a brief list of notable musicians that reflects the records found in the collections at the Minnesota Historical Society:
The Valdons:
The Valdons formed in the 1960s as the "Val-dons" and continued to perform and record well into the late 1970s. This group has included musicians such as Monroe Wright, Willie Walker, Willie Murphy, William Clark, Clifton Curtis, Napolean Crayton, amongst others. The singers were backed by the talented backing group, Navajo Train (which later became the band Band of Thieves). In the mid-1970s, The Valdons relocated to New York and assumed the name The Philadelphia Story. In the late 1970s, this group was a mainstay at the local Minneapolis club The Flame. More information and photographs can be found in the following resources:
- Secret Stash Volume 1- Issue 1: Twin Cities Funk & Soul
- Charles Chamblis Photograph Collection
Maurice McKinnies:
In the 1960s, McKinnies formed the group The Blazers which later became The Champions which produced records with local record label Black and Proud Records. More information and photographs can be found in the following resources:
- Secret Stash Volume 1- Issue 1: Twin Cities Funk & Soul
- Charles Chamblis Photograph Collection
Willie and the Bumblebees:
Willie and the Bumblebees formed in 1970. The Bumblebee's sound draws from R & B and jazz influences. More information and photographs can be found in the following resources:
- Secret Stash Volume 1- Issue 1: Twin Cities Funk & Soul
Morris Wilson:
Wilson was a notable saxophone player who played in many groups such as The Lewis Connection and The Prophets of Peace. He also founded the Minnesota Minority Musicians Association (MMMA) in 1977. More information and photographs can be found in the following resources:
- Secret Stash Volume 1- Issue 1: Twin Cities Funk & Soul
- Charles Chamblis Photograph Collection
94 East:
This Minneapolis-based band, conceived by Pepe Willie and. formed in the mid-1970s, is known for having a young Prince Roger Nelson in the group.
The band pictured above, Flyte Tyme, was a notable band in the 1970s and 80s made up of an array of notable musicians such as Terry Lewis (of Flyte Tyme Productions), Cynthia Johnson (of "Funkytown" fame), and Jellybean Johnson (of The Time). Related records to each of these individuals and their respective projects is listed below:
- Flyte Tyme Productions: (Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam): search the Library Catalog with the search term "flyte tyme productions" to see a list of recordings in our collections produced by production duo Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam.
The Time:
Gale Family Library
Minnesota Historical Society Library
Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Library Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
More Information on Visiting the Library
Contact Us:
651-259-3300
