Minneapolis sound


The Minneapolis sound is a subgenre of funk rock with elements of synth-pop and new wave, that was pioneered by Prince in the late 1970s. Its popularity was given a boost throughout the 1980s, thanks to him and his musical adherents, including The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Morris Day, Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, Ta Mara & the Seen, Sheila E., Jesse Johnson, Brownmark, Mazarati, The Jets, The Family and most of his The Revolution back up band, such as offshoot duo, Wendy & Lisa.
According to the Rolling Stone Album Guide, "the Minneapolis sound... loomed over mid-'80s R&B and pop, not to mention the next two decades' worth of electro, house, and techno."
Adherents to the style were not necessarily from Minneapolis, despite the subgenre originating from the city. Some artists who came from Minnesota were influenced by Prince's work. Others came from other parts of the U.S. or world, such as Scottish star Sheena Easton; Flint, Michigan's Ready for the World; and Los Angeles, California's Cherrelle.

Identifying characteristics

While the "Minneapolis sound" was a form of funk, it had some distinguishing characteristics: