Wendy Melvoin (March 11, 1984) Joins Prince’s Band

One final note: Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (which bestows the Grammys).

Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune

Date: Sunday, March 11, 1984 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Prince Update column

“Wendy Melvoin, the new guitarist in Prince’s band, is the daughter of Mike Melvoin, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which bestows the Grammys. He’s a musician, too, having played keyboard on such classics as Frank Sinatra’s ‘That’s Life,’ the Jackson 5’s ‘ABC,’ the Beach Boys’ ‘Good Vibrations’ and John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ His forte, though, is jazz. Wendy’s twin sister, Susannah, is a ballerina and singer.”

CONTEXT AND NOTES This is one of the earliest local mentions of Wendy Melvoin joining Prince and the Revolution. She officially became a core member in late 1983/early 1984, bringing her guitar work and harmonies to the band during the Purple Rain era. Her twin sister Susannah would later collaborate with Prince as well (notably with The Family and on other projects). The article highlights the impressive musical pedigree behind the new band member.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Introduction of Wendy Melvoin as Prince’s new guitarist

Era: Early 1984 (formation of the expanded Revolution lineup)

Tone: Informative, proud local note with family background

Photography: None in this clipping

Visual Motifs: Short “one final note” style paragraph in a larger Prince update column

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Early public confirmation of Wendy Melvoin’s role in Prince’s band

• Emphasis on her connection to the music industry through her father Mike Melvoin

• Local media excitement about the evolving Revolution lineup ahead of the Purple Rain film and album release

RELATED MATERIAL Appears in the same March 11, 1984 Prince Update column that also covered Purple Rain editing progress, Apollonia, and the Village Voice critics’ poll.

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