Everyone Has a Prince Story...

This past week we lost a well respected artist. We lost an incredible musician. We lost a great songwriter. We lost an actor. We lost a human being. Prince Rogers Nelson passed away, unexpectedly. Without doubt, he was controversial. And I remember seeing him on "The Midnight Special" in 1980. A zebra print "shirt" and panties. Oh, and a guitar. He was wearing a guitar. I won't tell you what I thought. But I will tell you what I  know. He could play that guitar. And 20+ other instruments. That's my Prince story. Here's another one. It's by Philip Noyed. He's from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I don't know Philip. But he has kindly given me permission to share his writings. He currently is a Creative Director at CaringBridge. But like most of us, where he is now isn't where he's always been. Read his story. And please, "Like" and "Share" when you are through.

It's been a shocking and sad day ... for all of us. 

Everyone has a Prince story. 

I knew of Prince from his first album in which he performed all vocals and played all 29 instruments. It was an amazing debut. 

My personal story with Prince began when I heard that the film Purple Rain was going to be made. I called the film office so many times over three days that when I arrived for an interview everyone knew me and the Production Manager said I would work directly for her. 

I spent the first days of the movie watching Prince and the Revolution rehearse. It was amazing to watch Prince perform in person. He could do anything and the band performed so well together. 

Some observations from that time ... 

Prince was introverted. On stage, he was the show. 

In person, Prince was quiet. Yet, he was the most amazing musician and could make any instrument sing. Sometimes it was like he was channeling Jimi Hendrix, others, Billy Preston. His voice was so versatile, like 5 singers in one man. 

Prince was just 5'2" ... but he was the biggest presence in every room. Size meant nothing compared to vision and talent. 

Prince believed in himself. Prince was doing small clubs and then came the big decision to make Purple Rain. The film cost so much to make at the time, $7 million. It was a gutsy decision to make the movie. But, the timing was right. MTV was all about music videos and Purple Rain was a long music video. The film is dated, the music is still fresh. Scalding. Touching. Alive. After the movie, Prince was selling out stadiums and became an international superstar. The film was a gamble. It catapulted him and he never looked back. 

Prince didn't want hollow compliments. He was driven by excellence and was keenly aware of achieving that vision ... for everyone associated with his projects. 

Prince was a musical genius. He could play multiple instruments and styles. Not just play, but infuse with funk and soul and make the music his own. 

Prince was never stuck in a genre. He made rock anthems, pop tunes, jazz, funk, soul.
Prince cultivated talent. He helped many musicians. 

Prince loved talent. He would happily share the stage with other superstars. No qualms. Just amazing jams. Even played with Miles Davis. 

Prince knew fashion. He was fearless, always evolving, always cool. He had style. 

Prince was his own man. He arrived during the era of the dominance of Record Labels. He liberated himself and other musicians to forge a new path. 

I was fortunate. Apallonia (sic) demanded that I would drive and work directly with her and the cast. So, I spent hours with all the musicians and performers of the movie. 

Most memorable? 5 days at First Avenue watching Prince and the Revolution perform the songs I saw them rehearse. Except, on stage and for the movie, everything was amplified and Prince completely became the superstar. His guitar playing was sizzling and audacious. The band's sound was tight, orchestrated. And, Prince moved like a puma on stage. 

It was thrilling to see an artist at the point where their career takes off. I've always loved his music and today was so hard as it brought up so many memories. 

I remember funny times, too, that I'm not sharing here. 

In a weird twist of fate, everyone at CaringBridge was wearing purple shirts and it was raining when we heard the news.

So, it's a sad and shocking day. I loved Prince for all he did and the musical dynamic he created. Too young. I'm just sad. 

‪#‎RIPPrince‬. You are loved.

Prince first appeared on television on The Midnight Special. Here's a link to that performance.

Prince's first television appearance.

Do you have a Prince story? Please, take a minute to share.