Minnesota Music Awards (May 12, 1989) Replacements Irreplaceable – Star Tribune

A detailed Star Tribune report on the 9th annual Minnesota Music Awards, published May 12 1989, highlighting The Replacements’ continued dominance and the vibrant local music scene. The article captures the event’s energy at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, where Prince, The Replacements, and other Minnesota artists were honoured for their contributions.

Writer: Jon Bream (Staff Writer)

Publication: Star Tribune (USA)

Date: May 12 1989

Length: 2 pages feature

The piece, titled “Replacements Irreplaceable as Minnie

 Award Winners,” recounts the ceremony’s highlights and performances. The Replacements were named top rock performers for the second consecutive year, while Prince received awards for Best Album (“Lovesexy”) and Best R&B Composition (“Alphabet St.”). The article notes that Prince, though not present, remained a defining figure of the evening — his influence on Minnesota’s music culture acknowledged alongside emerging acts. The coverage situates him as both local legend and international innovator, bridging the Minneapolis Sound with broader pop and R&B movements.

The Replacements were named top rock performers for the second consecutive year, while Prince received awards for Best Album (“Lovesexy”) and Best R&B Composition (“Alphabet St.”). The article notes that Prince, though not present, remained a defining figure of the evening — his influence on Minnesota’s music culture acknowledged alongside emerging acts. The coverage situates him as both local legend and international innovator, bridging the Minneapolis Sound with broader pop and R&B movements

PRIMARY QUOTE

“Prince was awarded Best Album for 

‘Lovesexy’ and Best R&B Composition for

 ‘Alphabet St.’ at the Minnesota Music

 Awards.”

PUBLICATION

Publication: Star Tribune (USA)

Date: May 12 1989

Country: United States

Section / Pages: Entertainment / Music Awards Coverage

Title: Replacements Irreplaceable as Minnie

 Award Winners

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: 9th annual Minnesota Music Awards 

coverage

Era: 1989 – Lovesexy and local rock renaissance

Tone: Journalistic and celebratory

Photography: Duane Braley photo of Christopher Winter and friends

Audience: Minnesota music press readers and

 regional fans

THE STORY BEHIND IT

The 1989 Minnesota Music Awards reflected the state’s creative diversity at the end

 of the decade. Prince’s wins for “Lovesexy” and “Alphabet St.” affirmed his continued influence on R&B and pop, while The

 Replacements cemented their status as

 the region’s premier rock band.

 Jon Bream’s coverage captures the 

balance between local pride and national 

recognition, showcasing Minnesota’s 

music scene as a microcosm of American 

innovation. Prince’s absence from the 

ceremony is noted as characteristic of his reclusive phase during the Lovesexy 

period, yet his presence was felt through his music and the awards that celebrated 

his artistic reach.

“Prince remained a defining figure of the evening — his influence on Minnesota’s music culture acknowledged alongside emerging acts.”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: Star Tribune coverage of Minnesota Music Awards 1989

Era: 1989

Tone: Reportage and regional celebration

Photography: Black‑and‑white photo by Duane Braley

Audience: Minnesota music press and local readers

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The article illustrates Minnesota’s dual 

identity as a local music hub and a national influence. Prince’s recognition for 

“Lovesexy” and “Alphabet St.” underscored his artistic continuity after the 1988 tour, while The Replacements’ repeat victory

 highlighted the strength of the Twin Cities rock scene. Jon Bream’s report balances

 factual coverage with cultural insight,

 making this clipping a snapshot of 

Minnesota’s music renaissance at the 

close of the 1980s. Prince’s awards symbolised his ongoing connection to his home

state and its creative community, even as his career continued to expand globally.

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