Associated Artists(side projects)

Early Life & Formation The Sign O’ The Times band was assembled by Prince in early 1987 after the breakup of The Revolution in October 1986. Prince built a new lineup around musicians who could deliver the stripped‑down, funk‑rock, jazz‑infused sound of the Sign O’ The Times album, released on March 30 1987. This new ensemble emphasized live musicianship, improvisation, and a more mature, European‑leaning aesthetic compared to the theatrical Revolution era. Key members incl

The Lovesexy band was assembled by Prince in early 1988 as he prepared to tour behind the Lovesexy album, released on May 10 1988 in the United States. Prince built the group around musicians who had already worked with him through the Parade, Sign O’ The Times, and Black Album periods, expanding the lineup to create a large, theatrical, gospel‑funk ensemble capable of delivering the album’s spiritual and celebratory themes on stage. Rise to Fame & Lovesexy Tour Era The Lov

The Family was assembled by Prince in 1984 from the remaining members of The Time after that band split. Prince built the new group around St. Paul Peterson (vocals, keyboards), Susannah Melvoin (vocals), Jellybean Johnson (drums), Jerome Benton (percussion), and Eric Leeds (saxophone, flute). Prince met Eric Leeds through his tour manager Alan Leeds, Eric’s brother. Other musicians — including Jerry Hubbard and David Eiland — were approached but declined, leaving Prince to f

Early Life & Formation Cat Glover (real name Kathleen Glover) entered Prince’s world in early 1987, during the period leading up to the Sign O’ The Times tour. Prince discovered her through dance circles in Los Angeles, impressed by her athletic, street‑infused choreography and her ability to blend dance, rap, and visual performance. By February 1987, she was rehearsing with Prince’s new post‑Revolution band, becoming a central part of his evolving stage identity. Rise to F

Early Life & Formation (1989–1990) The New Power Generation first emerged in late 1989 as Prince began shifting away from the classic Revolution era and the Lovesexy band. The earliest NPG lineup formed during rehearsals for the Nude Tour, which began on June 2 1990. This initial version included Michael Bland (drums), Levi Seacer Jr. (guitar), Sonny T. (bass), Tommy Barbarella (keyboards), and Rosie Gaines (vocals, keyboards). Prince envisioned NPG as a tighter, funk‑drive

London was treated to a taste of Honey & Whiskey by Purple Sister Liv Warfield with a show honouring the iconic music of legendary vocalists Etta James and Janis Joplin. Liv brought her own energy, style, and powerhouse vocals (and we brought the tambourine) to a performance that turned up the heat at The Jazz Cafe. Prince only worked with the best, and Liv Warfield is proof of that! Support out Purple Family and go see her if you get the chance, Next show at Dakota MPLS July

Early Life & Formation George Edward Clinton was born July 22, 1941 in Kannapolis, North Carolina and grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey. As a teenager, while working in a Plainfield barbershop, he formed a doo‑wop group called The Parliaments, inspired by Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers. Plainfield’s Silk Palace barbershop — partly owned by Clinton — became a hub for young musicians and future members of Parliament‑Funkadelic, shaping the early proto‑funk scene of the 1950s and

Early Life & Formation Rise to Fame & Prince Connection The Bangles (originally The Bangs) are an American all-female pop rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The core members are sisters Vicki Peterson (guitar, vocals) and Debbi Peterson (drums, vocals), along with Susanna Hoffs (vocals, guitar). Michael Steele joined on bass in 1983. They started in the LA club scene with a jangly, harmony-rich sound inspired by 1960s pop and new wave. Their 1984 debut All Over the Plac

Early Life & Labelle Solo Career & Prince Collaboration Nona Bernis Hendryx (born October 9, 1944) is an American vocalist, record producer, songwriter, musician, and author. She is best known as one-third of the iconic trio Labelle, famous for the 1974 hit "Lady Marmalade". Hendryx has enjoyed a long solo career blending soul, funk, R&B, hard rock, new wave, and new-age music. Early Career Born in Trenton, New Jersey, she formed a group with Sarah Dash and Patti LaBelle. Th

In a reflective Instagram post, Susannah Melvoin opened up about her 1997 recording sessions in London with legendary producer William Orbit — sessions that would ultimately shape two major albums by other artists. Melvoin revealed that tracks from these sessions, including the song “Swim” (which exists in two parts: Swim Part A and Swim Part B), were originally intended for her own solo record. However, Orbit played the material to Madonna, who selected several songs for her

The soulful and versatile guitarist who served as a key member of Prince’s New Power Generation from 1996 to 2001 and again in the mid-2000s, known for his expressive playing and strong stage presence. Mike Scott is an American guitarist, songwriter, and session musician originally from Washington, D.C. He is highly regarded for his melodic, funky, and dynamic guitar style that blends rock, R&B, and funk influences. KEY RELEASES WITH PRINCE Emancipation (1996) Newpower Soul (

The highly skilled Brazilian keyboardist and musical director who brought jazz, Latin, and sophisticated harmonic elements to Prince’s New Power Generation during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Renato Neto (born Renato de Oliveira Neto) is a Brazilian keyboardist, composer, arranger, and musical director. Known for his exceptional technique, harmonic knowledge, and versatility, he added a rich, contemporary jazz-funk flavor to Prince’s music. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince recruit

Jimmy Jam (James Samuel Harris III) (born June 6, 1959) is an American keyboardist, songwriter, producer, and founding member of The Time. Known for his sophisticated synthesizer work, infectious grooves, and visionary production style, he became one of the most important architects of the Minneapolis Sound. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince personally recruited Jimmy Jam (along with Terry Lewis and other members of the band Flyte Tyme) in 1981 to form The Time. Jimmy served as the gr

Rhino Records celebrates Black Music Month with a premium Rhino Reserve reissue of The Time’s influential 1984 album Ice Cream Castle. This limited-edition 180g vinyl pressing faithfully reproduces the original Minneapolis Sound classic, featuring the smash hits “Jungle Love” and “The Bird”. RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: The Time Title: Ice Cream Castle Date: June 3, 2026 Label: Warner Bros. Records / Rhino Reserve Format / Type: LP (180g Vinyl) Country: United States

The soulful guitarist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist who brought fiery playing and rich vocals to Prince’s New Power Generation during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kat Dyson (born Katherine Dyson) is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Known for her expressive guitar work and powerful, gospel-influenced voice, she became a standout member of Prince’s band during a highly creative period. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince recruited Kat Dyson in 1996–1997.

The dynamic and powerful drummer who anchored Prince’s all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl, bringing precision, energy, and swing to Prince’s final major musical project. Hannah Ford Born: 29 June 1990, Louisville, Kentucky a.k.a. Hannah Welton is the drummer, singer, and songwriter, she is best known for her work as the drummer in Prince’s band 3rdEyeGirl from 2012 to 2016. HER STORY In September 2012, She was recruited by Prince as a guest drummer for the Welcome 2 Chicago thre

The virtuosic Canadian guitarist who became a core member of Prince’s powerful all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl, bringing fiery lead playing and rock edge to Prince’s later career. Donna Grantis (born September 10, 1982) is a Canadian guitarist, composer, and educator. She is best known for her work with Prince and her technically impressive, expressive guitar style that blends rock, jazz, funk, and psychedelic elements. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered Donna in 2012 after

The formidable Danish bassist who became a core member of Prince’s New Power Generation in the 2000s and later anchored his acclaimed all-female rock band 3rdEyeGirl. Ida Nielsen (born Ida Kristine Nielsen, June 27, 1977) is a Danish bassist, singer, and songwriter. Known for her thunderous slap bass, intricate grooves, and versatile musicality, she is widely regarded as one of the strongest bassists of her generation. PRINCE CONNECTION Ida first joined Prince’s band in 2010

The daughter of legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye who became a talented vocalist, actress, and one of Prince’s key collaborators and romantic partners in the mid-1990s. Nona Gaye (born Nonnie Gaye, September 4, 1974) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She inherited her father’s soulful voice and entered the music industry in the early 1990s, later forming a significant personal and professional relationship with Prince. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince and Nona became ro

The revolutionary bassist, singer, and founder of Graham Central Station who became one of Prince’s closest friends and most respected collaborators in the later part of his career. Larry Graham (born August 14, 1945) is an American bassist, singer, and songwriter. He first rose to fame as the bassist for Sly & the Family Stone, where he pioneered the “slap bass” technique that transformed funk and pop music. He later formed his own group, Graham Central Station, in the 1970s

Fonky Bald Heads was a funk/hip-hop side project closely connected to Prince’s Paisley Park camp in the early 2000s GROUP OVERVIEW Name: Fonky Bald Heads (F.B.H.) Active: 2000 – 2002 Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota Genres: Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B Label: Kitchen Records / NPG Music Club Key Members: Kirk Johnson (KAJ), Kip Blackshire, Mike Scott (Rev. Mike), DVS, K.A.T.O., Fish. PRINCE CONNECTION Several members were regular collaborators in Prince’s live band and studio sessions. P

The talented singer and songwriter signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records whose promising career was tragically cut short, known for his self-titled 1989 debut album. Tony LeMans (born Antony L. Fortier, July 14, 1963 – June 24, 1992) was an American R&B, funk, and pop singer/songwriter from California. He released one album on Paisley Park Records during the label’s expansion period in the late 1980s. EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS PRINCE CONNECTION Prince personally signe

The Minneapolis-born singer and one of the earliest artists signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records, best known for her 1987 self-titled debut album and the hit single “Love Is Contagious.” Taja Sevelle (born Nancy Richardson, January 7, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, and activist. She gained prominence in the late 1980s as a solo artist on Paisley Park Records, blending R&B, pop, and soul with a smooth, emotive vocal style. EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Born and

The Philadelphia-based sibling duo signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records in 1988, best known for their dance hit “Got a New Love” and as one of the label’s pop/R&B acts during the late 1980s. Good Question was an R&B and dance music vocal duo from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, consisting of brothers Sean Douglas and Marc Douglas. They released one self-titled album on Paisley Park Records in 1988, blending contemporary R&B, dance-pop, and electro-funk. PRINCE CONNECTION Good