The Family (Prince’s 1985 Side Project)

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.