Deborah Allen (June 3, 1987) “‘Telepathy’ is Deborah Allen ‘home’ video” - Star Tribune

Article highlighting how singer Deborah Allen and her husband Raf Van Hoy created their own low-budget “home” video for the Prince-penned song “Telepathy” after being dissatisfied with the official $35,000 RCA version.

SOURCE DETAILS

Publication: Star Tribune

Date: June 3, 1987

Country: United States

Section / Pages: Page 36 (syndicated from Los Angeles Times)

THE STORY

Deborah Allen and Raf Van Hoy shot their own version of the music video for “Telepathy” (written by Prince) using a hand-held Super 8 camera for approximately $10,000. The couple used props such as a Ouija board, burning candles, a crystal ball, and a crucifix for a dark, eerie aesthetic that better matched the song’s mood. RCA ultimately decided to distribute this DIY version instead of the more expensive official video.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

“Telepathy” was a standout track from Deborah Allen’s 1987 album Telepathy. Prince wrote the song for her, contributing one of his trademark dark, sensual compositions during a period when he was writing for various artists. The story reflects the creative control and cost-saving measures artists sometimes took in the music video era of the late 1980s.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Release and promotion of the independent “Telepathy” music video Era: 1987 – Late Glam / Pop era Tone: Entertaining, behind-the-scenes, resourceful Audience: Music industry professionals and pop fans

The article notes that while the professional video was “cheery,” the couple’s version captured the dark and eerie essence of Prince’s song through imaginative, low-budget filmmaking. RCA executive Randy Miller praised the homemade video for better suiting the artist’s vision.

RELATED MATERIAL

• Deborah Allen (Country Star with a Prince Connection)

• Deborah Allen (March 13, 1987) Telepathy - Single US

• Prince (June 18 1987) Sky Magazine Cover – Prince Feature

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