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.
Prince
Posted inArts + Culture, Bulletin, Music, Remembering Prince
The U of M to honor Prince
The late, legendary Prince will receive another posthumous honor: a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Minnesota. Prior to Prince’s passing, the U of M had planned to present the iconic entertainer with the honorary degree in recognition of his extraordinary talent and influence, as well as his role in shaping the […]
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.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Former New Power Generation keyboardist relishes lessons learned from Prince
“I’m a Prince fan to the bone,” O’Neal said in a recent MSR interview. She performed a couple weeks ago at Paisley Park’s “Celebration 2018.” “We’re enjoying ourselves. It’s like a family reunion,” she noted of the nearly dozen musicians who participated in live music, panel discussions, rare concert screenings and special presentations that honored […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The Purple Current honors Prince’s diverse and enduring legacy
Minnesota Public Radio’s (MPR) The Current now has a new 24-hour stream dedicated to Prince’s rich musical legacy. The new stream, Purple Current, launched at 12:01 am on Friday, April 6 and joins Local Current (all-Minnesota music), Radio Heartland (acoustic, American and roots music) and Rock the Cradle (music for kids) — all four streams are […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
Paint the town purple — Prince events in the Twin Cities and beyond
The Twin Cities and beyond will be awash in purple this week as Prince fans mark the two-year anniversary of the music legend’s April 21, 2016 passing. The University of Minnesota symposium and panel discussions are at capacity, but there’s still plenty to do to celebrate the Purple One’s legacy. Below we’ve compiled a list of a […]
Posted inPhoto Galleries, Remembering Prince
Sheila E., The Revolution, and Morris Day and the Time brave cold to salute Prince (photos)
A bitter cold draped “Salute to Prince” night at Super Bowl Live in downtown Minneapolis on Monday evening. It was cold enough that the singers seemed unable to perform without mentioning the dire weather. But even with the frigid four-degree temperature steadily dropping into the night, the cold couldn’t stop attendees from dancing and reminiscing. […]
Posted inRemembering Prince
Prince-inspired art coming to Southside utility boxes
Residents of the Central neighborhood in Minneapolis will soon see a bit more purple, as Prince-inspired artwork is set to launch on select utility boxes next month. The initiative entitled Project Purple was created and funded by the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO), and has been in the works since Prince’s passing in April of […]
Posted inBulletin
Paisley Park set to host ‘Battle of the Bands’ event
MUSICOLOGY – Summer 2017 will showcase nine live music acts in Paisley Park’s historic Soundstage, alongside new tour exhibits highlighting Prince’s formative years in Minneapolis’s vibrant North Side music community Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota has announced dates for a special four-day Battle of the Bands event, titled MUSICOLOGY – Summer 2017, to be held August 31 through September […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Fans and musicians gather at Prince’s house for four-day celebration
Entering Paisley Park one year after the date of Prince’s death was a lot less somber than the museum tours held last fall. The urn holding his ashes, which had previously been in a display case in the center of the atrium, was moved to a spot above visitors just below the skylights. The atmosphere […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Local journalist’s ‘Gold Experience’ details dismissed period of Prince’s career
Jim Walsh has been a Prince fan since the ’80s. So in 1993, when he went to Pioneer Press as a music critic, it was an opportunity for him to focus his work on the music legend. The result of 11 years of covering the artist has produced Gold Experience: Following Prince in the ’90s, […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Reflections on Prince live in concert
Legendary artist still in top form at last show (This story was originally published June 2, 2016) It was a clear departure from his previous live performances over the years, but his Thursday night concert in Atlanta is one Kenya Taylor will never forget. “The minute he walked out on stage, everybody lost it. He sat […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
In memory and celebration of Prince: art, parties & music, music, music!
Editor’s note: Please find our 2018 list here. The Twin Cities will be full of celebrations this week to honor the life and legacy of Prince, leading up to the one-year anniversary of his passing, April 21. The celebrations will include Minneapolis landmarks lit up in purple April 20-21. Some events have already sold out, but there’s still plenty of purple […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Paisley Park will mark anniversary of Prince’s death with four-day celebration
It was announced Tuesday, November 28, that Paisley Park will mark the one-year anniversary of Prince’s death with a celebration to honor his legacy. Entitled “Celebration 2017,” the four-day event kicks off April 20, 2017 at Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen. According to the press release, the event will bring together artists who have worked closely […]
Posted inPhoto Galleries
PHOTOS | Sheila E. honors Prince’s legacy of giving with Purple Philanthropy benefit concert
Percussionist, singer/songwriter and longtime Prince protégé and musical collaborator, Sheila E., paid homage to Prince and his legacy of charitable giving with the “Purple Philanthropy” concert at Minnesota Orchestra Hall Oct. 23. Sheila’s father, jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo, members of Prince’s family, ex-wife Mayte and other Prince associates, plus young local musicians, joined her on stage to […]