Colman W. “Connie” Hechter.  Born in 1935 and a graduate of North High, in the 1950s Connie was a percussionist playing exotic Afro-Cuban music and Calypso in Dinkytown. After attending the University of Minnesota, he became a promoter for Mercury Records. Back in Minnesota, Connie saw a void in the local music scene and was inspired to start a publication that served both fans and musicians.

 

Connie’s legacy also includes the Connie Awards, presented to musicians and others in the industry from 1967 through 1970.