Candy Dulfer (Prince’s saxophone powerhouse)

A world-renowned saxophonist and one of the most successful instrumentalists to emerge from Prince’s Paisley Park orbit.

OVERVIEW

Candy Dulfer is a Dutch alto saxophonist, singer, and bandleader known for her smooth jazz, funk, and soulful style. She gained international fame in the early 1990s, notably through her collaborations with Prince, including performing on the Diamonds And Pearls album and tour.

ARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Born on September 19, 1969, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Candy is the daughter of legendary Dutch saxophonist Hans Dulfer. She began playing saxophone at a young age and was already leading her own band by her late teens.

PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered Candy in the late 1980s and invited her to contribute saxophone to several tracks on Diamonds And Pearls (1991). She toured with Prince and the New Power Generation, becoming one of the most visible members of his extended musical family during that era.

KEY RELEASES

Saxuality Released: 1991 Label: Arista Records Notes: Her breakthrough debut solo album.

Dulfer & Dulfer (with Hans Dulfer) Released: 2002 Label: Eagle Records

Right In My Soul Released: 2003 Label: Eagle Records

Big Girl Released: 1995 Label: BMG / Ariola

STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER

Candy has maintained a prolific solo career, releasing multiple albums and touring worldwide. She continues to perform and record, often blending jazz, funk, and pop.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE 

Candy Dulfer brought a fresh, vibrant saxophone voice to Prince’s music during the Diamonds And Pearls era. Her energetic stage presence and soulful playing made her a standout member of the New Power Generation and helped expand the sonic palette of Paisley Park in the early 1990s.

SOURCES Prince Vault, Discogs, Wikipedia

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