Prince has always taken into account the world around him in his music.
Tony Kiene
Tony Kiene’s experience in the Twin Cities nonprofit and entertainment industries includes work with Minneapolis Urban League, Penumbra Theatre, Hallie Q. Brown, and Pepé Music.
He welcomes reader responses to tkiene@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inArts + Culture, Remembering Prince
‘Purple Rain’ turns 35 – how Prince’s cult classic broke barriers
Thirty-five years ago this month, Prince’s iconic ‘Purple Rain shocked Hollywood, delighted moviegoers and thrust Prince in mega-stardom – breaking barriers in the process.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
Prince and the B-Sides: a love story
Unlike other artists, the songs that Prince chose as B-sides were gems and never deemed throwaways or filler.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Dance on: How Prince’s legacy of giving continues to thrive
Prince spent his entire career privately supporting causes that were near and dear to his heart.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
Prince in concert: an experience like no other
Nearly thirty years later, it remains one of the most thrilling experiences of my entire life. Prince took us to church that night, as he did with everyone on that 44-city tour across three continents.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The interview that ‘blessed’ Robyne Robinson’s career
Prince’s request for an interview was still fresh on Robyne Robinson’s mind as she left Paisley Park that fateful day. It was not lost of her that no other local or national news anchor or reporter had been able to secure a sit-down television interview with the legendary entertainer.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Pioneering broadcaster Robyne Robinson reflects on Prince interview
Arriving at Paisley Park after being summoned by Prince, the first sound she heard was the pitter-patter of Mayte’s Yorkshire terriers making their way to the front lobby. They were followed by Mayte, whose smile let Robinson know that she approved of the piece. In fact, before Robinson could even say hello, Mayte asked for additional copies of the tape to send to family and friends in Germany, Puerto Rico, and Miami.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
Prince is often called a modern-day Mozart
Many of us are familiar with Prince-penned hits recorded by Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, and Sheena Easton, among numerous others. Plus, all the notable tracks he wrote for other veterans of the Minneapolis Sound, including The Time, André Cymone, Vanity 6, and Sheila E. But did you know he also wrote for the likes of Joe Cocker, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, and Candy Dulfer?
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Prince as a guitarist – underrated but brilliant
Free, who modeled much of his early image after Prince and ultimately became a guitar guru himself, informed Chazz that since Prince didn’t need to practice, he didn’t feel he had to either. Chazz replied by letting Free know he had it all wrong, “Prince practices all the time.”
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Purple Music: the makings of a genius
As fate would have it, however, the month of June also happens to be Black Music Month, which by a bit of cosmic irony was first declared by President Jimmy Carter on June 7, 1979, Prince’s 21st birthday.
So in recognition of the 39th anniversary of Black Music Month, let us use make full use of this column’s chief purpose and honor of —if not the — greatest musicians of all time: Minnesota’s favorite son, Prince.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
‘Purple Music’ to plumb the rich depths of Minneapolis’ musical legacy
This column will lift up the stories of others who played a critical role in the development of the Minneapolis Sound, stories which otherwise may have been lost to history. More than anything, “Purple Music” is simply a space to honor our hometown hero, his meaning to us, and his meaning to the world.