Minnesota Black Music Awards: 1982 – 2011
The vast majority of the following information was found in the files of the Minnesota Historical Society. It is incomplete, however, and if you have any additions or corrections – or photos of the ceremonies or your award! – please contact me.
The Minnesota Black Music Association (MBMA) was founded in 1981 by Pete Rhodes and Kimberly Bedell, owners of ABC Radio affiliate WRNB, “The Touch FM.” The original purpose of the program was to showcase the myriad of musical talent in Minnesota’s Black music community and allow for musician recognition among peers. During the first few years, MBMA rapidly grew both in success and popularity. Music professionals across the nation soon began to attend the program, broadening not only its appeal, but its scope.
It was determined that African American artists needed not only to be recognized, but to be given the opportunity to both teach and be taught. There existed a wealth of information in the music community to be shared, and this information became more and more useful as African Americans became more of a force in the industry. Black music genres are among the top selling music in the world, surpassing billions in revenue annually. To address this rapidly-growing phenomenon, MBMA developed into the Minnesota Black Music Expo, to further promote Minnesota Black music while making a commitment to the issues facing the artist and music community.
1982 THE TWIN CITIES MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL BLACK MUSICAL AWARDS
DATE: May 12, 1982
PLACE: Prom Center, St. Paul
HOSTS: Thornton Jones, Olivia Ramey
ENTERTAINMENT
- Sam Davis and the Gospel Ensemble
- Shangoya
- Sue Ann Carwell with Enterprise Band
- Jerry Hubbard
- Irv Williams
- Roberta Davis
- Jay Young
- Percy Hughes
- Reginald Buckner
- Dale Alexander
- Linda Parker
- Frank Wharton
- Nita Cunningham
- Diana Washington
- C. Edward Thomas
- Jazzmen Duo
- Black Flute Society
- Style
1982 AWARDS
Classical:
- Mrs. Elsie Lyle
- Mrs. Lorraine Martin
- Mr. O’Neil Sanford
- Dr. Geneva Southall
- Mrs. Velma Warden
- Dr. William Jones
- Ms. Nita Cunningham
- Mr. Frank Wharton
- Mr. C. Edward Thomas
- Ms. Linda Parker
- Ms. Diana Washington
Reggae:
- Shangoya
- Sweet Taste of Afrika
Gospel:
- Minnesota Gospel Workshop
- North Central Baptist Church Angelic Chorus
- Mrs. Vera J. Jenkins
- J.D. Steele Singers
- Gospel Choirs United
- Macedonia Mass Choir
- Pilgrims Ranch Majestic Choir
- State Youth Choir
- Church of the Air
- Sounds of Blackness
- Sam Davis and the Gospel Ensemble
Jazz:
- Morris Wilson
- Oiver Rhodes
- Eric Gravatt
- Mel Carter
- Shirley Witherspoon
- Samel Bivens
- James Hamilton
- Gene Adams
- Bobby Lyle
- Irv Williams
- Jay Young
- Percy Hughes
- Jerry Hubbard
- Dr. Reginald Buckner
- Roberta Davis
- African American Cultural Center Ensemble
Rhythm & Blues:
- Cynthia Johnson
- Prince Nelson
- The Time
- Fantasy Band
- Rockie Robbins
- Pierre Lewis & The Lewis Connection
- Jimmy Lawrence
- Donald Thomas
- Sue Ann Cadwell
- Enterprise Band
- Power
- Style Band
1983 TWIN CITIES BLACK MUSICAL AWARDS
DATE: June 29, 1983
PLACE: Prom Center, St. Paul
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates Entertainment Co.
HOSTS: Al McFarlane, Antoinette Simmons, Olivia Ramey
ENTERTAINMENT
- Black National Anthem by Kennedy Barber
- Sounds of Blackness
- J.D. Steele Singers
- Morris Wilson & Co.
- Brinkz
- Steel Pan Ensemble
- C. Edward Thomas
- Alexander O’Neal
- The Gentlemen
1983 AWARDS
Gospel:
- Spirit
- Robert Robinson Singers
- Bill Perry
- Vera Jenkins
- Gospel Workshop of America
- Louis Boney and the Remnant Singers
- J.D. Steele
- Fred Steele
- Ginger Commodore
- Jearlyn Steele Battle
- Prophets of Peace
Jazz:
- Doris Hines
- Duffy Goodlow
- Rufus Webster
- Reginald Buckner
- Percy Hughes
- Nettie Sherman
- Richard Greenwood
- Steve Faison
- Morris Wilson
- Dale Alexander
- Roberta Davis
- Jay Young
- Corky Roberts
Reggae:
- Clifford Alexis
- Macumba
- Peter Nelson
- Chicco Fatfinger
- Wain McFarlane
- Cheryl Davidson
- Linda Lawson
- Van Nixon
- Bongo Pringle
Classical:
- Geneva Southall
- Larry Griffin
- Black Flute Society
- C. Edward Thomas
Rock & Roll:
- Dez Dickerson
- Garrison White
- Joey Juliano
Rhythm & Blues:
- Terry Lewis
- Jimmy Harris
- Bill Lucas
- The Time
- Andre Cymone
- Alexander O’Neal
- Bruce Henry
- Bittersweet
- Myst
- Paul Johnson
- Bobby Brown
- Pierre Lewis
- Walter Smith
- Hubert Eaves
- Mojo Buford
- Sonny Thompson
- David Eiland
Special Recognition:
- KMOJ
- Randy Royals
- African American Cultural Center
- Metropolitan Cultural Center
- Inner City Youth League
- P.J. Clarks
- Sounds of Blackness
1984 BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: June 8, 1984
PLACE: Prom Center Ballroom, St. Paul
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates
HOSTS: Tony Saffold, Norma J. Williams, J.D. Steele
ENTERTAINMENT
- Black National Anthem: Sylvia B. Little
- BMA Tribute: Jimmy Hamilton, Corky Roberts, Dance by Kimberlee Allen
- BMA Salute to Michael Jackson: Lester Wiley
- Roots, Spirit of Our Music: Compas Trinidad Steel Drum Band
- Shirley Witherspoon
- Spirit
- Minnesota Saxophone Quartet
- Samoa
- Ipso Facto
- Mojo Buford
- The Girls
- Morris Wilson and Moxie
- Rockie Robbins
- Mazarati
1984 AWARDS
Gospel:
- Eddie Robinson & the E.R. Singers (MVP)
- Marie Graham
- Greg Foster
- Gospel Choirs United
- State Youth Choir, Church of God in Christ
- Willie Hale, Zion Senior Choir – Special Recognition
- Sanford Moore
- Tom West
Classical:
- Robin Berry (MVP)
- Holly Berry
- Judy Henderson
- William H. Curry
- Lloyd Winfield
- Virginia Russell
- Cheryl Warder
- Margret La Fluer
- Kevilin McKinney
- Taszha Buckner
Jazz:
- Jimmy Bowman
- Shirley Witherspoon (MVP)
- Irv Williams – Special Recognition
- Tony Moreno – Special Recognition
- Roberta Davis – Special Recognition
- Jose James
- Dean Brewington
- Jimmy Hamilton
- Corky Roberts & Giants of Jazz
- Danny McGee
- Steve Faison
- Dale Alexander
- Jay Young
- David Wright III
Third World Music:
- Compas Trinidad Steel Drum Band
- Clifford Alexis – Special Recognition
- Peter Nelson/Shangoya (MVP)
- Ipso Facto
- Lloyd Cordner, Jr.
Contemporary Urban Music:
- Al Emory
- J.D. Steele
- Sonny Williams/Main Event
- David Eiland
- Morris Day
- Andre Cymone
- Ricky Washington
- Howard Merryweather
- Hubert Eaves
- Prince (MVP)
- Maurice Jacox
- Herman Jones
- Alexander O’Neal
- John Rivers
- Mark Brown
- Jesse Johnson
- Bound Band
- Moxie
- The Girls
- Tim Bradley
- Gary “Jelly Bean” Johnson
Blues:
- Percy Struthers
- Milwaukee Slim
- Walter Smith
- Mojo Buford
- Baby Doo Caston
Citizens Special Recognition: Awarded to Individuals, Groups, or Companies involved primarily in promoting continued involvement of Twin Cities Black Musicians and Black Music with music here and abroad.
- KMOJ
- Owen Husney
- P.J. Clark
- Bill Foley
- Sounds of Blackness
- Morris Wilson
- KFAI
Most Valuable Performers of the Year: Jimmy “Jam” Harris and Terry Lewis
1985 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSICIANS AWARDS
DATE: September 26, 1985
PLACE: Carlton Celebrity Theater, Bloomington
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates
HOST: Donnie Simpson
ENTERTAINMENT
- Bromar
- Giorgio
- Excelsior Choral Ensemble
- Shirley Witherspoon
- The Girls
- Comedian Steve Powell
- Mojo Buford
- Ipso Facto
- Bobby Lyle & Hubert Eaves
- Purple Rain Dancers
- Jesse Johnson’s Revue
1985 AWARDS
Special Recognition:
- Flyte Time Productions
- Jerome Benton
- Creation Studio, Steve Weise
- Sylvia’s on Cedar
- Spike Moss
- Sonny Thompson
Gospel:
- Roland Wilson
- New Hope Adult Choir
- Herbie George (S.R.)
- Minnesota Chapter G.M.W.P. (MVP)
Contemporary Urban Music:
- Troy Williams
- Bromar
- Daryl Budreau
- Alexander O’Neal
- Andre Cymone
- Constina Jackson
- Jesse Johnson (MVP)
Jazz:
- Shirley Witherspoon (MVP)
- Anthony Cox
- Bill Hobbs
- Sam Bivens/Superband
1985 MBMA Most Valuable Performer: Prince
Classical:
- BMETC Black Music Educators of the Twin Cities
- Claire Carter (MVP)
Blues:
- Baby Doo Caston (MVP)
- Mojo Buford
Third World Music:
- Shangoya
- Ipso Facto (MVP)
- Tony Paul
- Wain McFarlaine
1986 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSICIANS AWARDS
DATE: September 25, 1986
PLACE: Carlton Celebrity Room, Bloomington
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates, CBLS93 Cable FM, & Knut Koupee Music Stores
HOST: Donnie Simpson
ENTERTAINMENT
- Eddie Robinson & Friends
- Dorris Hines
- Gene Adams
- Morris Wilson
- Ron Brown
- Joe Young
- Gary Hines
- I.R.M. Crew
- Mint Condition
- Germaine Brooks
- Exotic Storm
- Ipso Facto
- Cherrelle
- The Jets
- Split Level
1986 AWARDS
Gospel: Eddie Robinson & Friends
Blues: Big Walter Smith
Jazz: Corky Roberts
Special Recognition – Music Educator: Gene Adams
Special Recognition – Music Video: Dawn Ren’e Jones
Special Recognition – Radio Broadcast: KMOJ
Special Recognition – Club D.J.: D.J. Cowboy
Classical: Yvonne Cheeks, Judy Henderson
World Beat: Ipso Facto
Rock: Mazarati
Urban/R&B (national): Alexander O’Neal
Urban/R&B (local): Westside
Hall of Fame I: Flyte Time Productions
Hall of Fame II: The Time:
- Jimmy “Jam” Harris
- Terry Lewis
- Jerome Benton
- Monte Moir
- Jesse Johnson
- Gary “Jellybean” Johnson
- Morris Day
MBMA Ambassador Award: Prince
MBMA Artist of the Year: Jimmy Harris & Terry Lewis
1987 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSICIAN AWARDS
DATE: October 2, 1987
PLACE: St. Paul Civic Center, Roy Wilkins Auditorium
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Kimberly Bedell
HOST: Jerome Benton
ENTERTAINMENT
International attention was focused on Minnesota in 1987 at the 6th Annual MBMA for the reunion performance of the 1980s supergroup the Time. A PBS documentary on Minneapolis sound featured the MBMA as well as the artists who performed at this historic event.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Special Recognition, Youth
Black Radio
Club D.J.
Black Music Video
Manager
Sound Engineer
Music Educator
Jazz
Gospel
Classical
Blues
Urban R&B – Local
MBMA Hall of Fame
Urban R&B – National
MBMA Artist of the Year
1988 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSICIAN AND ARTIST AWARDS
DATE: October 1, 1988
PLACE: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates and CBLS Cable Music Network
HOSTS: Rockie Robbins, Rolanda Taylor
ENTERTAINMENT
- Sounds of Blackness
- Moore by Four
- Willie Walker
- Debbie Duncan, Gwen Matthews, Bruce Henry – Ruperts Trio
- Tyka Nelson
- Alexander O’Neal
- Kennedy Barber – Minneapolis Star Search Winner
- Sue Ann
- Jesse Johnson
- Da’ Krash
1988 AWARD CATEGORIES
Classical
World Beat
Jazz
R&B Local
R&B National
Blues
Gospel
Special Recognition – Video
Special Recognition – Educator
Special Recognition – New Band/Artist
Special Recognition – Producer
Special Recognition – Engineer
Special Recognition – Youth
Hall of Fame
Outstanding Artist ’88 (Local/National)
Artistic Awards:
- Theater
- Dance
- Acting
- Comedy
- Playwrite
- Visual Art
1989 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSICIAN AND ARTIST AWARDS
DATE: September 23, 1989
PLACE: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates
HOSTS: J.D. Steele, Amy Powell
Dedicated to the Memory of Dr. Reginald Buckner
ENTERTAINMENT
- Sounds of Blackness Orchestra
- Peachtree Band
- Bellfrey Bros.
- Ice Blue Band
- Constina
- Debra Laws & Lipps Inc.
- Bobby Lyle
- The Steeles
1989 AWARDS
Classical: Manny Laurano
R&B Local: LaSalle Gabriel
R&B National: Brown Mark, Alexander O’Neal, Constina
New Band: Mint Condition, Riche’ Band
Rap: Style Posse
World Beat: Kairos
Blues: Sonny Rogers
Jazz: Bruce Henry, Debbie Duncan, Gwen Matthews
Gospel: MGS
Label: Warner Bros.
Special Recognition Educator: Sam Favors
Special Recognition Radio: KBEM
Special Recognition Producer: Andre Cymone
Special Recognition D.J.: Spider J. Hamilton
Special Recognition Youth: Umoja
Special Recognition Songwriter: Jimmy “Jam” Harris, Terry Lewis, Bobby & Jerry Marsh
Hall of Fame: John Nelson, Ira Pettiford, Dr. Reginald Buckner, Doris Hines
Outstanding Artist: Bobby Lyle, Jevetta Steele
Theater: Capri
Dance: David Gray
Acting: Marvette Knight
Comedy: Nothando Zulu (Aunt Dicey)
Playwrite/Literary: Marion McClinton
Visual Arts: Seitu Jones
1990 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSICIANS & ARTISTS AWARDS
DATE: October 6, 1990
PLACE: Orpheum Theater, Minneapolis
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates
HOSTS: Vesta Williams, Rockie Robbins, Doug Banks
ENTERTAINMENT
- Gospel Allstars
- Sounds of Blackness
- Jazz Allstars
- Will Downing
- Rap Allstars
- Rockie Robbins with Sounds of Blackness Orchestra
- Vesta Williams
- R&B Alllstars
1990 AWARDS
R&B Local: Mallia Franklin, Mambo’s Combo & Howard Bivens
R&B National: The Jets, Tony Christian, Marv Gunn, Michael Bland & Miko Weaver
New Band: Kool Skool
Rap: Derrick Stevens & T.C. Ellis
World Beat: Inertia
Blues: Lady Blue & Milwaukee Slim
Jazz: Paul Cotton
Gospel: Dr. Nathan Wilson & Golden Swans
Label Award: A&M Records
Special Recognition Educator: Roberta Davis
Special Recognition Radio: KMOJ
Special Recognition DJ: Bill Smith & Chaz Dillon
Special Recognition Youth: Excelsior Chorale Ensemble
Special Recognition Songwriter: Lydia Marie
Special Recognition Industry: Kevin Fleming
Penumbra Theater
Acting: Abdul Salaam El Razzac
Comedy: Rico March
Visual Arts: Katanah Day
10 Year Achievement Award:
- Prince
- Mont’e Moir
- Gary Johnson
- Jesse Johnson
- Terry Lewis
- Jimmy “Jam” Harris
- Jerome Benton
- Morris Day
1991 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: October 4, 1991
PLACE: Mariott City Center Hotel, Minneapolis
PRODUCERS: Pete Rhodes & Associates
HOSTS: Jevetta Steele & Tony Saffold
ENTERTAINMENT
- Minnesota Gospel Sounds
- Cynthia Johnson
- Yours Truly
- Nicki Richards
- Jimmy McGriff Quartet
- George Howard
1991 AWARDS
R&B: Johnny Gill
Blues: Shirley Brown
Rap: Queen Latifah
Jazz: George Howard
Gospel: Rance Allen Group
Outstanding Achievement: Sounds of Blackness
Label of the Year: Motown Records
Music Trad Publication: Mellow Yellow
Producer/Manager: Maurice Starr
Songwriter: Gary Hines
Air Personality: Walter Banks
Hall of Fame: Jimmy McGriff
1992
1993 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: September 4, 1993
PLACE: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Minneapolis
HOSTS:
- Marsha Warfield
- Bowlegged Lou
- Paul Anthony
ENTERTAINMENT
- Portfolio I Dance Troupe
- Jevetta Steele
- Foursure
- Intro
- Rodney Mansfield
- Lo-Key?
Black Labels Vanguard Award Recipients:
- Motown
- Perspecctive
- Uptown
- Def Jam/RAL
- LAFACE
- MCA
1994 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: September 2, 1994
PLACE: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Minneapolis
HOSTS: Howard Hewitt & Lisa Collins
Jerry Boulding Salute
ENTERTAINMENT
- Dr. Jerry Winston & HouseCall
- New Salem Mass Choir
- Excelsior Chorale Ensemble
- MGS
- Robert Robinson
- Jevetta Steele
- Robert Robinson
- Minneapolis Drum Center
- Sounds of Blackness
AWARDS
1994 MBMA/Pepsi Cola Achievers Award: Gary Hines and The Sounds of Blackness
1995 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: September 1, 1995
PLACE: Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis
HOSTS:
- Gary Hines from the Sounds of Blackness
- Kathleen Bradley from The Price is Right
“A Salute to Paisley Park Enterprises & Twin Cities Black Music Educators”
ENTERTAINMENT
- TKO Band
- Melonie & Daphne Jackson
- Sunset Band
- Brita Jackson Inc. – Paisley Park Dance Salute
- Alexander O’Neal – Finale
1996 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: August 30, 1996
PLACE: Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis
HOST: Vesta Williams
ENTERTAINMENT:
- Black Theater Salute
- Gospel Allstars
- Reggae Allstars
- R&B Allstars
1997 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: June 7, 1997
PLACE:
HOST:
Best Artist Award was given to Prince. The trophy was made out to “The Artist.”
1998 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
SCHEDULE:
Friday, June 19, 1988: Showcase Kickoff, Fineline Music Cafe
- Brown Pletcher Band
- Red Bone Ruby
- Daddy I
- Shaun J
- Vanguard
- Elusion
Saturday, June 20, 1988: MBMA/Juneteeth Showcase, Theodore Wirth Park
- Excelsior Chorale Ensemble
- Scott Price Project
- Calunay
- Robert Johnson
- Yotman
- Little Buddy
- Chosen Few
- Tribe of Millions
MUSIC AND AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
DATE: June 21, 1998
PLACE: International Market Square, Minneapolis
HOST: Robyne Robinson
ENTERTAINMENT:
- Brown Pletcher Band
- CitySongs Kids
- James Grear & Co.
- Kathleen Bradley & Best Kept Secret
- Dennis Spears & Friends
- All Star Jam
1998 AWARDS
Retail Award: Soul Survivor
Rap Award: Rhyme Sayers
Pepsi New Talent Award: NEXT
Jazz Award: Dennis Spears & Yolanda Bruce
Blues Award: Cornbread Harris
Gospel Award: Urban Street Level Ministry
Radio Station Award: KMJZ/KSGS
Radio Personality Award: Ed Garrett
Producer Award: Lance Alexander & Prof. T.
Band Award: Mint Condition
Special Recognition Community Award: Sam Davis & CitySongs
Special Recognition Industry Award: Ivan Wallace/Paul Landry
1999 – 2009: The awards went on hiatus
2010 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: July 16, 2010
PLACE: Pantages Theater
PRODUCERS: Kim and Pete Rhodes
HOST: T. Mychael Rambo
2011 MINNESOTA BLACK MUSIC AWARDS
DATE: July 15, 2011
PLACE: Pantages Theater
HOST: T. Mychael Rambo
ENTERTAINMENT
- Next
- Boom Box
- Darnell Davis & Remnant
- Kredentials
- Ashley Dubose
- Toki Wright
- Diva’s on the Rise
- Deluxe (formerly The Family)
2011 AWARDS:
- Alexander O’Neal
- Ann Nesby
- Jameecia and Paris Bennett
- Marie Graham
- Bobby Lyle
- Rhymesayers Entertainment
- Irv Williams
- Moore by Four
- Arnellia’s
- Kelvin Quarrells
- Bro Jules
- Next
- Bobby Champion