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

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

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 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 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

The legendary “Queen of Funk” whose massive hit “I Feel for You” brought Prince’s songwriting to the mainstream, followed by a deep creative and personal relationship that culminated in a full album release on NPG Records in 1998. OVERVIEW Chaka Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens, March 23, 1953) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician widely regarded as one of the greatest R&B and funk vocalists of all time. She first rose to fame as the lead singer of Rufus in the 1970

The charismatic singer and actress who scored major pop success in the late 1980s before entering Prince’s creative world, resulting in a strong artistic collaboration on her sophomore album. OVERVIEW Martika (born Marta Marrero, May 18, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress of Cuban descent. She rose to fame as a teen pop star with her 1989 self-titled debut album before working closely with Prince in the early 1990s. EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Born in Wh

The glamorous, provocative female trio that succeeded Vanity 6, created and produced by Prince, best known for their sultry 1984 album and the cult-classic song “Sex Shooter.” OVERVIEW Apollonia 6 was a three-member R&B/pop group formed by Prince in 1983. They were the direct follow-up to Vanity 6 and continued Prince’s vision of bold, sensual, and stylish female groups within the Minneapolis Sound. MEMBERS Apollonia (Patricia Kotero) – Lead vocals Brenda Bennett – Vocals (ca

The official continuation of Prince’s legendary 1990–2013 backing band, rebranded as the Minneapolis Sound All Star Band after the expiration of the NPG name license, continuing to honor Prince’s music while expanding into new creative territory. OVERVIEW The Minneapolis Sound All Star Band is a rotating collective of Prince’s longtime band members, primarily from the New Power Generation (NPG) era. Formed after Prince’s passing, the group originally performed under the NPG n

The powerful lead singer of Ta Mara & the Seen who became a favored vocalist at Paisley Park in the early 1990s, recording extensively with Prince for an unreleased project. OVERVIEW Margie Cox (born Margaret Cox, September 1, 1962) is an American R&B and soul singer from Minneapolis. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the Minneapolis Sound band Ta Mara & the Seen and for her deep involvement in Prince’s early-1990s studio sessions. EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Rais

A successful country music singer-songwriter from Memphis who crossed paths with Prince in the mid-1980s, resulting in a memorable pop-country collaboration on her album Telepathy OOVERVIEW Deborah Allen (born Deborah Lynn Thurmond, September 30, 1953) is an American country singer, songwriter, and actress. She achieved commercial success in the 1980s with hits like “Baby I Lied” and later worked with Prince on a genre-blending project that highlighted his interest in countr

The exceptionally talented and dynamic drummer who served as Prince’s primary drummer from 2000 to 2012, renowned for his precision, power, and deep musicality. John Blackwell Jr. (September 9, 1973 – July 4, 2017) was an American drummer, educator, and session musician. He is widely respected as one of the finest drummers of his generation, known for his ability to blend technical excellence with infectious groove. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince hired John Blackwell in 2000 after

The leading band of the Paisley Underground movement who became one of the first rock acts signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records, blending 1960s-inspired psychedelic pop with the Minneapolis Sound. The Three O’Clock was an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. Known for their jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and psychedelic aesthetic, they were key figures in the “Paisley Underground” scene alongside bands like The Bangles and Rain Parade. In 1985, Prince signed

The silky-voiced R&B prodigy who was one of the brightest young stars mentored and written for by Prince in the early 1990s. OVERVIEW Tevin Campbell (born November 12, 1976) is an American R&B and soul singer. Discovered as a child, he became one of the most successful teenage R&B artists of the early 1990s, known for his smooth falsetto, powerful range, and mature delivery. EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Born in Waxahachie, Texas, Tevin began singing in church and was disco

The dynamic vocalist, arranger, and musical director who served as a key member of Prince’s New Power Generation from 2006 until his passing, known for her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence. Shelby J. (born Shelby Johnson, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and musical director from St. Louis, Missouri. She became one of the most prominent female voices in Prince’s later career, blending gospel, R&B, funk, and jazz influences. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince disco

Sheila E. is a world‑class percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader whose decades‑long collaboration with Prince helped define the Minneapolis sound and some of the most iconic performances in his career.