A rare vinyl album has surfaced in the MPR archives that takes listeners to an important time in the history of Minnesota Public Radio. A Prairie Home Album is a collection of recordings that were heard on Garrison Keillor's morning program on what was then known as Minnesota Educational Radio. "The catalogue number is MER 174," says MPR digital archivist Scott Adamson. "That catalogue number is kind of a clue as to when it came out. Private presses are known to embed the date in the catalogue number otherwise it would just be such a low number. Usually it's in sequence for album releases — a major label has a big catalogue number."

Through investigation, Adamson was able to determine the album was released in April 1974, and it was one of the early thank-you gifts for MPR's member drives. "I had found a pledge-drive tape of Garrison Keillor and Bill Kling talking on the air and they mention the album," Adamson says. "It was due in from the pressing company that week, and had a pressing of 'several hundred copies.' The drive ran April 21 to 28 it was a gift for a contribution of $25 or more."

The album hints at what would eventually become A Prairie Home Companion, with pieces recorded variously in MPR studios and in venues around the Twin Cities, including the Walker Art Center. Portions of the album were also recorded during a boat trip down the Mississippi River that Keillor took with musicians Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson.

The music on the album is largely the Americana style of music that informs A Prairie Home Companion to this day, now hosted by Chris Thile. "I think it definitely reflects elements of the show today," says APHC spokesperson David O'Neill, "with the live element music, parody of songs, the comedy, and we are still talking about those Powdermilk Biscuits!"

The radio, picture frame and lettering on the front cover of the album were designed by artist Patrick Redmond. "I am proud to be a creative part of MPR's distinguished history," Redmond told Adamson in an email earlier this year.

As MPR celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017, Adamson thinks A Prairie Home Album is a treasure. "It's more than a record album," he says. "It's the history of our workplace."

Garrison Keillor hosts 'The Minnesota Show' at the State Fair Grandstand on Friday, Sept. 1; the program will be broadcast live on MPR News starting at 8 p.m. The next A Prairie Home Companion season with host Chris Thile kicks off Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul.

Track Listing

Side 1

1. Six A.M. (Piano credited to Evelyn Wills Duvalier, actually a piano roll recording of "Hearts and Flowers" by Theodore Moses-Tobani as played on The Morning Program - November 22, 1972)

2. O Father Dear Why (Taken from The Freeport Show from A Prairie Home Companion Morning Program, most likely recorded sometime in or before the final show of September 1973. Guitars by Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson.)

3. That Sound Friends (Recorded live at the Walker Art Center at an unspecified date in 1974. Cast includes Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson.)

4. Old Shep (Recorded live at the Saint Paul-Ramsey Arts and Sciences Center, source tape and date unknown. Features Stephen Gammell on guitar and vocal.)

5. When I Was a Boy (Guitar by Bill Hinkley)

6. Mom Angel (Vocal harmony by Tom Arndt, Larry P. Gagne and Slim Graves.)

Side 2

1. Breakfast Hymn (Recorded at Henry Schoolcraft State Park on the Upper Mississippi the week of July 16, 1973. Vocal harmony by Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson.)

2. Joy to the World and Time for a Message ("Joy To The World" features Bill Hinkley on fiddle and Judy Larson on guitar. No known source tape, recording date and location unknown. "Time For A Message" recorded live at Saint Paul Arts and Science Center. No known source tape, recording date and location unknown.)

3. My Mailbox is Empty (Track recorded for and played on The Morning Program with Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson on guitar and vocals.)

4. The Timber Wolf (Most likely recorded for and played on The Morning Program, date unknown. Features Jon Pankake on fiddle.)

5. Hobo's Meditation (Recorded live at the Saint Paul-Ramsey Arts and Sciences Center, source tape and date unknown. Features Stephen Gammell on guitar and vocal.)

6. On The Road (Guitar by Bill Hinkley)

7. Bright Morning Stars hidden track (Recorded on the Upper Mississippi the week of July 16, 1973. Vocal harmony by Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson.)

Resources

A Prairie Home Companion - official site
MPR at the State Fair
MPR 50 official site
The Minnesota Show with Garrison Keillor (State Fair website)
Patrick Redmond Design

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