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Music acts who become 'honorary Minnesotans'

Mike Doughty, Lucius, JD McPherson and Brandi Carlile are among a roster of musicians Twin Citizens seem to consider honorary Minnesotans.
Mike Doughty, Lucius, JD McPherson and Brandi Carlile are among a roster of musicians Twin Citizens seem to consider honorary Minnesotans.MPR photos: Luke Taylor/Nate Ryan/Teddy Wolff/Nate Ryan

by Mary Lucia

June 14, 2016

As long as I've been in radio, I've loved the odd phenomenon of Minneapolis-St. Paul adopting certain touring bands as their own. There isn't any real rhyme or reason for why this happens. I'm sure there are certain variables that factor into a band wooing our kind, so they make sure to tour here often. Back in the day, I remember everyone thinking Mike Doughty actually lived here, given his popularity and warm welcome from Minnesoter.

There is something special when a relatively new band touring behind a debut record comes to play in our hometown and are blown away by the audience singing their lyrics back to the band, like what recently happened to Nathaniel Rateliff at Northrop.

Off the top of my head, adopted brothers and sisters to Minneapolis I've picked up on have been Jeff Tweedy, Lucius, the Old 97's, Joseph Arthur, JD McPherson, the Eels, Brandi Carlile.

Which artists and bands would you consider honorary Minnesotans? Tell me in the comments section.