The Family (Prince’s 1985 Side Project)
- GlamSlamEscape

- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Prince’s short-lived but influential R&B/funk side project that introduced the world to intricate Minneapolis Sound arrangements and launched the solo career of St. Paul Peterson.

OVERVIEW
The Family was a six-piece band assembled by Prince in 1985 as a side project. It served as a vehicle for him to explore more sophisticated R&B, jazz, and pop arrangements while giving opportunities to talented Minneapolis musicians.
MEMBERS
St. Paul Peterson – Lead vocals, keyboards
Eric Leeds – Saxophone
Susannah Melvoin – Vocals (twin sister of Wendy Melvoin)
Jerome Benton – Percussion, vocals
Wally Safford – Vocals, guitar
Jellybean Johnson – Drums (occasional)
PRINCE CONNECTION Prince created, produced, and wrote (or co-wrote) nearly all the material. He played most instruments on the album and used the pseudonym Paisley Park. The project was closely tied to The Revolution — several members were already in or around Prince’s circle. The Family opened for Prince on select dates and performed in his Purple Rain follow-up projects.
KEY RELEASES The Family (self-titled album) Released: August 19, 1985 Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Notable Tracks:
“The Screams of Passion” – Lead single
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – The original version (later made famous by Sinead O’Connor)
“High Fashion”
“River Run Dry”
STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER The group was short-lived and disbanded after 1985. St. Paul Peterson went on to have a successful solo career and acting roles. Eric Leeds continued working extensively with Prince. Susannah Melvoin had a notable relationship with Prince during this era.
WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE The Family represented Prince’s desire to expand the Minneapolis Sound into smoother, more adult-contemporary R&B territory. It also gave Prince a platform to test songs and sounds that didn’t fit his solo image at the time. “Nothing Compares 2 U” is one of the most significant songs to emerge from this project.





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