Cat Glover: Prince’s Dance‑Vocal Dynamo

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 Fame & Sign O’ The Times Era   Cat became a breakout star during the Sign O’ The Times Tour, which began on May 8 1987. Her role combined dance, rap‑style vocal interjections, and on‑stage interplay with Prince, giving the show a modern, urban edge.

She appeared prominently in the Sign O’ The Times concert film, shot on July 20 1987 and July 21 1987, where her choreography and charisma became defining elements of the production. Her “Cat!” vocal tag and high‑energy movement became instantly recognizable to fans.

Prince Connection & Creative Evolution   Cat’s partnership with Prince deepened during the Lovesexy period.

She became one of the visual anchors of the Lovesexy Tour, which began on June 15 1988, performing complex choreography, spoken‑word segments, and stylized movement that matched the tour’s spiritual and theatrical tone. Prince often built staging around her presence, using her as a counterpoint to his own performance — a dancer, vocalist, and character within the show’s narrative.

Her influence extended into music videos, live broadcasts, and promotional appearances throughout 1988.

Influence & Legacy  

Cat Glover became one of Prince’s most iconic dancers, leaving a lasting imprint on his late‑1980s visual identity. Her legacy includes: • Defining the dance aesthetic of the Sign O’ The Times and Lovesexy eras

• Introducing hip‑hop‑infused choreography into Prince’s stage shows • Providing vocal interplay and spoken‑word elements that shaped live arrangements

• Becoming a central figure in the Sign O’ The Times film, one of Prince’s most acclaimed works

• Helping transition Prince’s stage presence from the Revolution’s theatrical rock toward a more modern, street‑dance‑driven style

Her work influenced later Prince dancers and choreographers, establishing a blueprint for movement within the Minneapolis sound.

Why Cat Glover Matters  

Cat Glover represents the moment Prince fully embraced dance as a core part of his live storytelling. Her athleticism, charisma, and modern choreography helped redefine Prince’s stage shows in 1987 and 1988, giving them a fresh, contemporary energy. She became a symbol of Prince’s late‑80s reinvention — a performer who could match his intensity, expand his visual language, and help shape two of his greatest tours.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2

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