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If you’ve lived in Minnesota for any length of time, you’ve probably heard about the St. Olaf Choir. They’re internationally acclaimed for the quality of their music, as pioneers of a capella singing over the past 75 years, and their embodiment of the Lutheran choral tradition in America. MN90 producer Marisa Helms reports the man behind the choir is Norwegian musician F. Melius Christiansen (1871-1955). Among Christiansen’s legacies is the much-loved St. Olaf Christmas Festival; a tradition he started in 1912 that continues today. [Read Transcript...]

At a time when most popular music is available digitally, it’s taken for granted that analog recording is a thing of the past. But few people realize that it was at Sound 80 studio in Minneapolis that the historic transition to digital recording likely first took place. MN90 Producer Andi McDaniel shares that story. [Read Transcript...]

In addition to long underwear and hot dish, Minnesotans have another secret to staying warm in the winter: Skyways. MN90 Producer Andi McDaniel finds out about skyways’ Minnesota debut, and how they continue to shape our city streets. [Read Transcript...]

The Honeywell round thermostat design is one of the most user-friendly and underappreciated appliance designs of all time. MN90 Producer Andi McDaniel explains what has made the “T86 Round” so popular and so enduring. (Image by midnightcomm) [Read Transcript...]