Now, I’ll be honest. After Prince had secured his ‘freedom’ from Warners in the mid-1990’s, the chart hits dried up. He lost the million dollar film clips and promotional clout of a major label able to splash him on music tv and across radio. So to say I’d heard anything recently would be a fib.
But I’d always admired Prince for having taken on the record industry. I admired how, once he won, he remained as prolific as ever. And I loved how he was an early adopter in the late 1990’s, embracing the internet, reaching out to his fan base by offering them connection with him and his art. He remained an enigma AND one of the biggest touring acts in the world, who sold his music directly and exclusively to his fans, using the record companies if and when he needed to and how he saw fit. He knew he couldn’t make music make him money by selling it, so he made it and toured it, giving punters exactly what they wanted. And he reaped the rewards. He had control of his destiny and his output. Considering this was a man who was a HUGE pop rock star, and had walked around with SLAVE daubed on his face, this must have been satisfying for him. Later, in the digital age, he remained vigilant, not allowing anyone to use his material without permission. He had YouTube swept daily to remove ALL music and film clips of his from the website. He was staunchly protective of his work, and fair enough too. If you fight hard enough to earn a living and create something, you have every right to stop people using it as they wish.
As an artist, let’s not forget, Prince meshed pop, rock, soul, new wave, funk, punk, metal licks, r’n’b, rap, and jazz to create ground breaking music. He was a fashion icon, looking suave and sophisticated - have you ever seen a picture of him in jeans, t-shirt and sneakers? The man oozed sex appeal, but from all accounts, he was a deeply spiritual man. He fused sex and religion in to a body of work that was so diverse he could never be pigeon holed. He collaborated with many musicians and wrote songs for other people, making them bona fide hits (The Bangles - Manic Monday; Sinead O’Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U). He was so prolific, he would write a song, grow bored of it a few minutes later, write something else. If rumours are to be believed, he has 1000’s of unreleased songs in the vault. So many, he could release a studio album a year for the next 100 years.
As a performer, he put on 3-4 hour shows, giving it his all. When in a new town, he’d finish his gig, go to a local club and find a bar or jazz band, and ask if he could join in and jam. Not as a star, but just as one of the band. Growing up in a musical household, he possessed a huge vocal range and was a multi instrumentalist who would often play guitar, bass, piano, drums on tracks (despite video clips showing backing bands). On his debut LP, he played 27 different instruments.
Oh and the sex appeal? Well, let’s just say Prince didn’t shy away from saucy lyrics. Cream? Gett Off anyone? Without Prince, I would never have known there were 22 positions in a one night stand. In 1985, Tipper Gore and the PMRC were encouraged in part by Prince’s sexy lyrics to Darling Nikki on Purple Rain, to introduce the Parental Advisory stickers that go on albums now.
And did I forget to mention he was an actor? Purple Rain, Under The Cherry Moon and Graffiti Bridge. You should watch them.
A good friend of mine saw Prince back in February. She says he was still amazing; playing and singing at the top of his game. And ironically, after all was said and done, Prince had apparently made peace with Warners and was preparing to remaster all his albums for re-release. Here’s hoping it still goes ahead.
Even when he died, Alex knew because of Raspberry Beret and Batdance - two of his fave songs. Although, watching I Wanna Be Your Lover, he did ask if Prince was a boy or a girl. LOL!
In closing, Prince's party anthem 1999, was released in 1982. Then, 1999 was 17 years in the future. Now, it’s 17 years in the past. In that time, Prince had a giant career. It spanned decades and was punctuated with dozens of songs that are radio and party staples. When all is said and done, Prince really did make the best of his time on this dirt ball. Life won’t quite be the same without him. So many artists today owe him a massive debt of gratitude. He strutted like a giant and walked the walk, fought the fight and in the words of 2016's other music loss, David Bowie... boy could he play guitar.
So as I finish writing, with a lump in my throat, I find my (ageing) self singing…
My name is Prince and I am funky!!! My name is Prince, the one and only!!! I did not come 2 funk around!!!
RIP Prince.
In honour of Prince, who doesn’t allow his songs on YouTube, I’ve put together a list of hit singles you really need to have on your I-pod. His Hits and B Sides Triple-disc set is a perfect beginning. The other couple of best of albums The Very Best Of and Ultimate are worth having, just for a couple of songs left off the 3 disc set. And of course Batdance! After 1995…you’re on your own. Let’s go crazy!
- I Wanna Be Your Lover
- Little Red Corvette
- Let’s Go Crazy
- Purple Rain
- Raspberry Beret
- Pop Life
- Kiss
- Sign O The Times
- Batdance
- Thieves In The Temple
- Cream
- Gett Off
- 7
- Peach
- The Most Beautiful Girl In The World
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