The reunion of former members of the New Power Generation (NPG) – Prince’s legendary backing band from 1990 to 2013 – was born out of the official Prince Tribute Concert in 2016, an event widely praised as both powerful and deeply healing. NPG keyboardist Morris Hayes, who also served for many years as Prince’s Musical Director, was hired by the Prince Estate to music-direct this epic, five-hour celebration honoring the life and legacy of the iconic artist. Hayes brought together many original NPG members to serve as the house band, joined throughout the evening by additional NPG and Prince alumni. The result was a musical experience that resonated profoundly with audience members from around the world.

Inspired by the overwhelming response to that historic night by performers and audience members alike – that the concert had been both exhilarating and healing – , a small group of former members of the NPG decided to officially reunite.  Their shared intention was clear: to honor their former boss, celebrate his music and help carry its legacy forward.  

While the configuration changes somewhat with each tour, the core former NPG members are Morris Hayes, rapper/dancer/guitarist Tony Mosley (who helped create an entirely new sound and direction in Prince’s music in the early 1990s) and bassist Sonny T, who Prince often referred to as “his hero.”  Since 2017, other Prince and/or Purple Alumni who performed with them include BrownMark of The Revolution, Mike Scott, Levi Seacer Jr., Tommy Barbarella, Kirk Johnson, Brandon Commodore, Homer O’Dell, Damon Dickson, Chance Howard, Tamar Davis, LiV Warfield, Kat Dyson, Kenni Holmen, Keith Anderson, Dave and Kathy Jensen, Shelby J, Marva King, Mono Neon, Rick Kinchen, Les Cleveland, J.P. DeLaire, Marcus Anderson, Lynn Grissett, Steve Strand and Ida Nielsen.

Following their inaugural performances at Paisley Park’s Celebration in 2017, the band began touring internationally under the New Power Generation name through an arrangement with the Prince Estate.  During the first year, lead vocals were shared primarily by special guest vocalist and Minneapolis Sound co-architect André Cymone, along with former NPG background vocalist Kip Blackshire and longtime NPG rapper/dancer/guitarist, Tony M. In 2018, the band found its permanent lead vocalist in the charismatic and soulful MacKenzie. With an extraordinary vocal range and commanding stage presence, MacKenzie quickly won over audiences and critics alike with his reverent approach to the songs never veering into impersonation. Like the NPG, the man is undeniably funky. 

When the license to use the New Power Generation name expired at the end of 2022, the group continued performing as “former members of the NPG” but discussions were underway on a new, permanent name for the group.  By August of 2023, it was clear that they needed a name!  After a bit of brainstorming, they began playing around with the idea of the Minneapolis Sound or Minneapolis Sound All Stars and explored this with Jellybean Johnson, who, along with his partner, held the trademark for The Minneapolis Sound at that time in connection with a museum project he was launching. 

Morris reached out to Jellybean about using the name for the band, and – true to his big-hearted nature – Jellybean enthusiastically gave his blessing, confirming it in writing with the band’s management. While domain names were secured for a future launch, a combination of logistical delays and the ease with which promoters continued booking the group as “former members of the NPG” led the band to move forward temporarily using show titles such as Celebrating Prince or The Music of Prince.

In August 2025, the band was told about a policy change implemented by the Estate that no longer allowed Prince tribute performances without explicit permission from them.  While the band can – and does – continue to perform as the New Power Generation at the Estate’s request (most recently in December 2025), the time had come to implement what the band had referred to as “Plan B.”  At the same time, it was discovered that the Minneapolis Sound trademark was available to use, prompting the band to file for the trademark (currently pending).  The goal was not for control, but protection—ensuring the freedom to perform without any unnecessary restrictions.

The guiding philosophy has always been to respect the music. With that North Star in mind, the decision was made to fully embrace the broader musical vision and expand the setlist. But before these changes were completed and/or formally announced, the world suffered the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Jellybean Johnson. Given his deep connection to both the sound and the name, the band paused to consider the most respectful path forward. Ultimately, they opted to continue as the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band, honoring the blessing Jellybean had already given and recognizing that the name perfectly encapsulates a group rooted both in Prince’s history and the broader purple community.

With the name change and expanded setlist come both challenges and liberation.  The plan is not only to perform some of the most celebrated music under the umbrella of the Minneapolis Sound but also to begin showcasing original compositions. The relationship with Prince will always be a part of the shows but the set may include songs from other co-architects of the Minneapolis Sound.

Aside from the name and broader repertoire, this remains what it has always been: former members of the New Power Generation joined by fellow musicians from the purple community who share an extensive resume and musical tapestry. They bring with them the same work ethic that they brought to their performances with Prince – shows renowned for their precision, explosive energy, and relentless pace. With this new chapter, the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band will continue to deliver what one reviewer called “a non-stop musical kaleidoscope of iconic, chart-topping hits”—all directly connected to the Minneapolis Sound – a genre that grew out of Prince’s impact on the music community and changed popular music forever.