Sonny Knight was a powerful force in the Twin Cities music community, with a career that spans over 50 years of soul music.

From his days as a teenager recording a 45 as Little Sonny Knight to the more recent years he spent storming stages with his band the Lakers, he was an integral part of laying the groundwork for the Minneapolis Sound and carrying it forward for a new generation. News of his passing last week left the community shocked and saddened.

In this hour-long tribute to the life and legacy of Sonny Knight, you'll hear music from throughout his career — from the 45 he recorded in 1965 to the more recent material he created during his beautiful second act, including live performances recorded at the Fitzgerald Theater and the Current. And you'll hear some of Sonny's own memories, which he shared during his multiple visits to our studios over the past four years.

For more on Sonny Knight's life story, you can also read this in-depth interview I did with him in 2015.