Staples, a tenor vocalist, helped to ease his family's iconic gospel group into secular territory, and later found success as a manager and club owner.
The singer-songwriter says she reckons with her multiracial identity and her hometown's history through her various musical projects, which now include an incoming solo project.
Herring is an alto saxophonist with a dynamic sound and aggressive attitude. His new album features jazz with a big dollop of swing rhythm and blues feeling.
The first 2021 Contest entry comes from Minneapolis songwriter (and three-time entrant) Kahlen. If you've got big dreams of playing a Tiny Desk concert, we're accepting entries until June 7.
All of a sudden, Matt Allen found himself caring for injured and teargassed protesters in Minneapolis last year. The enduring experience found its way into his sunny music.