Prince / Rhonda Smith (June 2004) “Funk & Finesse: Rhonda Smith Gets Down With Prince” – Cover Story – Bass Player Magazine (US)

ajor feature in Bass Player magazine spotlighting Rhonda Smith, Prince’s longtime bassist since 1997, celebrating her virtuosity, groove, and artistic partnership with Prince.

PUBLICATION:

Date: June 2004

Country: United States

Section / Pages: Cover + Multi-Page Feature (7+ pages)

Title: Funk & Finesse / Artistic Aristocrat

THE STORY

Bass Player magazine dedicated its June 2004 cover to Rhonda Smith, showcasing her dynamic playing style and deep musical connection with Prince. The extensive article, titled “Artistic Aristocrat,” details her background, technique (fretless finesse, double-thumbing, upright bass), and her integral role in Prince’s New Power Generation band since 1997. The piece includes performance photos, career highlights, and an in-depth interview.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By 2004, Rhonda Smith had become one of the most respected bassists in modern funk and rock. Her work with Prince on albums like The Truth..., Crystal Ball, The Rainbow Children, and during the One Nite Alone... and Musicology tours solidified her reputation. This cover story highlighted her as a leading female bassist in a male-dominated field.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Era: Musicology / New Power Generation Period (2004)

Tone: Respectful, technical, celebratory Photography: Striking cover with Rhonda Smith and Prince (wearing a red bowler hat) posing with bass guitars

 “Rhonda Smith grooves royally with Prince”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Bold Bass Player cover featuring Rhonda Smith in a red jacket playing bass alongside Prince in a red hat

• Interior spreads with the main article, live performance photos of Rhonda, and bass gear advertisements

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RELATED MATERIAL

• Prince (1997–2004) New Power Generation Era

• Rhonda Smith (2000) Solo Album Intellipop

• Prince (2004) Musicology Tour

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All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.