Spike Lee won an Academy Award last night in the category of Best Adapted Screenplay for his groundbreaking film BlacKkKlansman. On the red carpet, the director/producer/writer wore a purple suit, hat, glasses, and custom-made diamond and opal encrusted Love Symbol necklace in honor of his late friend Prince Rogers Nelson. After 30 years in the…

Sheila E. lit up Target Center last night with a high-energy halftime performance during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ close victory over the Houston Rockets. The long-time Prince collaborator and friend was enlisted by the Timberwolves to perform as part of the NBA’s 2018-19 City Edition initiative, which highlights each team’s hometown history. Naturally, the Minneapolis team…

In high school, he was known as Doughty. In adulthood, he went by Hollywood. And from now until eternity, he will be known as an underappreciated architect of the Minneapolis Sound and one of the members of the legendary Grand Central band, who ruled the North Side of Minneapolis in the mid-1970s with members that…

Since its inception in 1926, Black History Month commemorates the valuable contributions, achievements, and the remarkable history of black Americans. In honor of Black History Month, I asked several black Minnesota leaders to share the artists and songs that inspire them. As we continue to see her voice emerge, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar shows strength,…

Over the course of his career, Prince worked with many talented musicians, but one of the closest relationships he had with any of his musicians was with Sheila E. An iconic drummer, singer songwriter and performer Sheila E., short for Escovedo, has had an incredible career with Prince and on her own. Born and raised…

Help us make a great new funk show for Purple Current.

Bobby Z knew Prince for 43 years. The two spent time together growing up in Minneapolis and played with each other for years in the Revolution. Stopping by The Current’s studio, Z shared some of the memories he made with Prince. One of his most memorable ones was working on the essential Prince album, 1999.…

We are just stepping into 2019, but the Purple Universe is already thinking about April.

Earlier today, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival announced its lineup for 2019. The bill includes headliners Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, and Ariana Grande, as well as acts like Janelle Monáe, Weezer, Maggie Rogers, and former Minnesota resident Lizzo. While the internet is in a frenzy over this year’s Coachella performers, we thought we’d…

Hosts Sean McPherson and Jim McGuinn share their favorite Purple Current songs of 2018.