Minnesota is a state located in the northern region of the United States, known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and friendly residents. Bordered by Canada to the north, Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and North and South Dakota to the west, Minnesota is the 12th largest state by area.
The state capital is St. Paul, while its largest city is Minneapolis. Other major cities in Minnesota include Duluth, Rochester, and Bloomington. Minnesota is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, such as the University of Minnesota, Carleton College, and Macalester College.
Minnesota has a rich history, with Native American cultures dating back thousands of years. The state played a pivotal role in the development of the iron and lumber industries in the 19th century, and has since become a hub for technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
In addition to its history, Minnesota is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with over 11,000 lakes, numerous state parks, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The state is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Walker Art Center, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Guthrie Theater.
Minnesota is also a leader in renewable energy and environmental conservation, with many initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting natural resources. The state is also home to several major sports teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
1. Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter and cultural icon who has been a major figure in the music industry for over six decades. Born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1941, Dylan started his music career in the early 1960s and quickly became known for his powerful lyrics and unique sound, which combined elements of folk, rock, and blues. He has released over 40 albums, won numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Dylan’s music has influenced generations of musicians and his impact on popular culture cannot be overstated.
2. Lizzo
Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American singer, rapper, and flutist known for her powerful vocals, positive body image message, and infectious personality. Born in Michigan in 1988, Lizzo began her music career in Minneapolis in the early 2010s and gained wider recognition with the 2019 album Cuz I Love You. The album’s lead single, “Truth Hurts,” became a viral hit and earned Lizzo multiple Grammy nominations. Her music often celebrates self-love, body positivity, and empowerment, and she has become a role model for many young women. Lizzo’s energetic live performances and joyful personality have also endeared her to fans around the world.
3. Paul Westerberg
Paul Westerberg is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his influential work as the lead singer and guitarist of the alternative rock band The Replacements. With his distinct voice and raw, emotive lyrics, Westerberg helped define the sound of 1980s and 1990s rock music. After the disbandment of The Replacements, he continued his career as a solo artist, releasing several critically acclaimed albums, including “14 Songs” and “Suicaine Gratifaction.” Westerberg’s music is characterized by its honest, often confessional nature, and its blend of rock, punk, and folk influences. He has been a major influence on several generations of musicians and remains an important figure in rock history.
4. Prince
Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor known for his flamboyant style, innovative music, and wide-ranging musical talents. Born in Minnesota in 1958, Prince released his debut album, For You, in 1978 and quickly gained a reputation for his unique sound, which blended funk, rock, soul, and pop music. He went on to release several chart-topping albums, including Purple Rain and Sign o’ the Times, and became one of the most influential and acclaimed musicians of his generation. Prince was also known for his eccentric personality and reclusive nature, and his sudden death in 2016 was widely mourned by fans around the world.
5. Jane Russell
Jane Russell was an American actress and model who was known for her sultry on-screen presence and iconic beauty. Born in Bemidji, Minnesota in 1921, Russell began her career as a model before being discovered by movie mogul Howard Hughes. She made her film debut in 1943’s The Outlaw, which famously showcased her curvaceous figure in a specially designed bra. Russell went on to star in several other films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes alongside Marilyn Monroe. She continued to act into the 1970s, but also dedicated much of her later life to charitable causes. Russell passed away in 2011 at the age of 89.
6. Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American singer, actress, and entertainer known for her powerful voice, dramatic performances, and enduring legacy as an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born Frances Ethel Gumm in Minnesota in 1922, Garland began performing at a young age as part of a singing and dancing group with her siblings. She gained wider recognition as a teenager when she was cast as Dorothy in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and went on to star in several other successful films and television shows. Garland’s tumultuous personal life and struggles with addiction and mental illness have also become part of her legacy, but her music and performances continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
7. Tyka Nelson
Tyka Nelson is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the sister of the late music icon Prince. She began her career as a backup singer for her brother before embarking on her own solo career in the 1980s. Nelson has released several albums and singles over the years, including “Royal Blue” and “A Brand New Me.” She is known for her soulful, bluesy voice and her ability to blend genres such as R&B, funk, and rock. Nelson continues to perform and record music, and her work has been praised for its emotional depth and powerful vocals.
8. Bernie Leadon
Bernie Leadon is an American musician, songwriter, and founding member of the Eagles, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1947, Leadon began playing music as a teenager and was a member of several bands before joining the Eagles in 1971. He played guitar, banjo, and mandolin and contributed to some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Take it Easy” and “Witchy Woman.” After leaving the Eagles in 1975, Leadon pursued a solo career and also worked as a session musician. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles in 1998.
9. Caitlyn Smith
Caitlyn Smith is an American singer-songwriter known for her powerful and emotive voice, as well as her honest and introspective lyrics. With a career spanning over a decade, Smith has released several critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in country and pop music, including Meghan Trainor, John Legend, and Garth Brooks. Her music is characterized by its blend of genres, including country, pop, and folk, and its deeply personal themes, often exploring topics such as love, loss, and self-discovery. Smith is widely regarded as one of the most talented and authentic voices in contemporary music.
10. Jonah Marais
Jonah Marais is an American singer, songwriter, and actor who is best known as a member of the boy band Why Don’t We. Born in Stillwater, Minnesota in 1998, Marais began pursuing music at a young age and gained a following on social media before joining Why Don’t We in 2016. The band quickly gained popularity, releasing several hit songs and albums and embarking on multiple tours. In addition to his music career, Marais has also acted in several films and television shows. He has a dedicated fanbase and is known for his soulful voice and charismatic stage presence.