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

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

One final note: Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (which bestows the Grammys). Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Prince Update column “Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Scien