Jam & Lewis on Prince: “He Set Us Free”

When Jesse Johnson left The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were suddenly without their guitarist and wondering how the band would continue.

Prince called them up and asked, “What’s happening with Jesse?”

They replied, “He’s just being Jesse.”

Prince then asked, “Have you got it sorted?”

When they said not yet, Prince didn’t hesitate:

“I’ll be your guitar player!”

That single phone call and Prince’s willingness to step in as guitarist helped keep The Time moving forward during a difficult moment. Jimmy Jam has often said that Prince “set us free” — giving them the confidence and support to eventually step out on their own as producers while still maintaining their connection to the Minneapolis Sound family.

A perfect example of Prince’s loyalty, vision, and hands-on approach to the artists he believed in.