Prince (May 25, 1982) Wins Musician of the Year Award - Star Tribune

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports on the second annual Minnesota Music Awards, noting that Prince won “Musician of the Year” for the second consecutive year while the Lamont Cranston Band dominated the event.

PUBLICATION 

Publication: Minneapolis Star Tribune Date: Tuesday, May 25, 1982

Country: United States

Section / Pages: Page 21 (7B)

Title: Lamont Cranston overshadows field

THE STORY

The article covers the Minnesota Music Awards presented at the Prom Center. While the Lamont Cranston Band took home the most awards, Prince was named Musician of the Year for the second year in a row. The Time was also recognized as best R&B band. The piece includes a photo of Pat Hayes (Lamont Cranston lead singer) and mentions several other winners across genres.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This clipping comes from very early in Prince’s rise — just before the release of his breakthrough album 1999 (October 1982). Winning Musician of the Year for the second straight year in his home state shows the local respect he was already commanding in the Minnesota music scene at age 23. This was still during the Controversy era.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: 2nd Annual Minnesota Music Awards Era: Controversy Era (1982) Tone: Local pride and celebratory Photography: Black & white photo of Pat Hayes (Lamont Cranston) Audience: Minnesota music community and general readers

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

 A snapshot of the vibrant early-1980s Minnesota music scene, highlighting Prince’s growing local dominance even as other bands like Lamont Cranston won the most total awards. It captures the moment when Prince was transitioning from local hero to national superstar.

RELATED MATERIAL

• Prince (May 24, 1984) Purple Rain Movie Announcement - St. Cloud Times

• The Time Artist Profile

• Early Prince Minnesota Awards Coverage

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