Best Singer-Songwriters In Minnesota
Minnesota is home to some of the most amazing musicians in the world. Individuals that write and perform their own songs may exist everywhere, however only a handful are exceptional talents. In Minnesota, there are ample opportunities to see some of the best singers perform. Check out these amazing musicians from the home team.
Photo Credit: CBS
Dessa
www.doomtree.net/dessa
Dessa Darling has become a headliner throughout Minnesota's music scene over the last 10 years. A popular singer and lyricist who performs with the Midwest hip-hop collective Doomtree, Dessa has a genius for crafting honest and profound poetry through her music. Hailing from Minneapolis, Dessa supports young artists and encourages new talent throughout the state by making her own talents accessible to all. Her performances have taken place in various venues from concert arenas to small park festivals. Dessa's "literacy rap" and spoken word are accented by her haunting and magical voice. One of the most confident and outstanding performers in Minnesota, Dessa is enjoyed by a wide variety of audiences throughout the state.
Nicholas David
www.thefeelin.com
While he has been involved in the Minnesota music scene for quite some time, Nicholas David became well-known for his season three appearance on NBC's singing competition, "The Voice." Becoming one of the finalists on the show, Nicholas David returned to Minnesota to continue writing and performing throughout the state. A very talented singer and songwriter, Nicholas David is also a gifted piano and guitar player. His performances are infused with soul and emotion, earning him the nickname "The Feelin'." David has released over five albums and continues to perform original music and covers for live audiences. His music, often referred to as soul, is accompanied by his trademark sunglasses and beard as well.
Photo Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel
Prince
www.3rdeyegirl.com
Prince has been called one of the most important and influential singer-songwriters in the history of popular music. Born in Minneapolis, Prince Rogers Nelson released his first album in 1978. Prince writes and performs all of his own music as well as some of the instruments as well. He comes from a family of musical talent and has developed his own unique style that combines soul, blues, funk, hip-hop and jazz. With over 20 top 40 singles and five Grammy awards, Prince may be the most accomplished musician from Minnesota.
Related: Most Famous Minnesotans
Adam Young
www.ayoungblog.com
Adam Young is the founding member of the internationally acclaimed band, Owl City. Born in Owatonna, Minnesota, Adam Young is a gifted musician and visionary, creating his music in his basement and building a following through social media. His music is lyrical and deep. Although many classify his music as electronic, or synth-pop, it appeals to all crowds and tastes. Before attracting a record label, Young created a MySpace page that amassed a huge underground fan base in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest. After five albums, his latest being just this past June, Adam Young continues to gather the attention of music lovers across the country.
Photo Credit: BobDylan.com
Bob Dylan
www.bobdylan.com
A list of Minnesotan musicians would never be complete without mention of Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan, or Robert Zimmerman as he is known on his birth certificate, hails from Duluth. One of the most influential and talented singer/songwriters from the last 50 years, Bob Dylan started writing folk music in northern Minnesota. His music and lyrics carry a lot of political and spiritual meaning, especially those written over the time of unrest in the 1960s. Bob Dylan is a member of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continues to entertain and create music for the world to enjoy.
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Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
