Legends Only! Minnesota Lawmakers Propose Dylan and Prince Tunes as Official State Songs
Minnesota is serving up major music royalty vibes—and we’re here for it! In a move that's as bold as a purple suit and as poetic as a Highway 61 ballad, Minnesota lawmakers are considering making legendary locals Bob Dylan and Prince part of the state’s official soundtrack. Yes, honey, you read that right—TWO music icons, ONE state, and now possibly TWO official state songs.
According to a recently proposed bill at the Minnesota State Capitol, legislators are pushing to give the current state anthem a glam rock upgrade. If the motion passes, "Purple Rain" by Prince and "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan could soon join “Hail! Minnesota” in the state songbook—and Minnesotans are already tuning in.
Talk about star power!
🎤 Why Now, Minnesota?
The push to recognize these chart-topping legends isn’t just about catchy beats and poetic lyrics. The proposal comes amid a broader cultural wave celebrating Minnesota’s deep musical roots. With the 40th anniversary of Prince’s groundbreaking "Purple Rain" album just around the corner and ongoing celebrations of Bob Dylan’s enduring artistry, lawmakers say the timing just felt right.
“We want to honor two of the most transformative artists in music history—who also just happen to call Minnesota home,” Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL-Chanhassen) said in support of the bill. “Their music resonates globally, but their stories started right here.”
And you better believe fans are on board. Social media is already ablaze with Minnesotans dropping their favorite lyrics and pitching alternate song ideas (ahem, "The Times They Are A-Changin’" and "Kiss" are also getting lots of love online).
🎶 The Icons Behind the Music
If states dished out Grammys, Minnesota would already have a mantle full, thanks to these two icons.
Bob Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman in Duluth and raised in Hibbing, is a Nobel Prize-winning songsmith whose voice helped define an entire generation. His songs mixed social commentary with raw emotion, and tracks like “Like a Rolling Stone” have become anthems of counterculture, change, and reinvention.
Then there’s Prince. The late mega-mind behind “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “1999” transformed funk, pop, and R&B forever. Known for his flamboyant fashion, ground-breaking sound, and mystique, the Minneapolis native made "The Purple One" a symbol of Minnesota style.
Dylan and Prince might have rocked different genres, but both embodied a level of authenticity, rebellion, and genius that has kept them atop the music scene for decades.
💡 A Symbolic Move with Cultural Impact
Let’s be real—official state songs aren’t usually THIS iconic. Most are century-old ballads that few people could hum on demand. By tapping into their own homegrown Muse legends, Minnesota is flipping the script.
And yes, we know what you’re thinking: can a pop song actually be a state anthem?
Turns out, there’s no rulebook saying it can’t! Ten states already have more than one official song, and some—like Tennessee and Louisiana—have turned their tunes into major tourist draws. A Dylan–Prince double feature could not only reflect the North Star State’s diverse cultural heritage, but also seriously boost its cool factor. (Like, Graceland-level tourism vibes, y’all.)
📢 What Happens Next?
The bill is still in committee, but it’s already turning heads both on and offline. Supporters are hopeful it will pass, signaling a cultural shift in how we define state pride.
In the meantime? Minnesotans can stream these legendary tracks on repeat and ponder what it means to come from a state that not only embraced two of the most influential artists in modern music—but now wants to officially celebrate them.
Will the legislative stars align to make “Purple Rain” pour over the Capitol dome and have Bob Dylan’s anthems echo through state halls? Stay tuned!
Because one thing’s for sure: when it comes to Minnesota, the soundtrack is pure fire.
🗣️ What Do You Think? Should Your State Honor Its Hometown Legends Too?
Let’s get the conversation going! Slide into the comments and tell us which superstar from YOUR home state deserves anthem status. And don’t forget to hit share—this is one music moment you don’t want to keep to yourself.
Stay fabulous, stay tuned—and remember, Minnesotan pride just got a whole lot more rock ‘n’ roll 💜🎸
—Written by an entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience covering music, politics, and pop culture.
