A sharp and energetic review of Jesse Johnson’s confident solo debut, marking the emergence of another major voice from the Minneapolis Sound. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Minneapolis Star and Tribune Date: March 10, 1985 Country: United States Section / Pages: Music Review THE STORY Jon Bream reviews Jesse Johnson’s debut solo album Jesse Johnson’s Revue, positioning it as a strong, groove-driven statement from one of Prince’s most talented protégés. The review acknowledges Johnson’s roots in The Time but highlights his distinctive guitar work, swagger, and stylistic independence, praising the album as a promising step into the spotlight. CONTEXT & NOTES By early 1985, the Minneapolis Sound was expanding beyond Prince’s direct orbit. Jesse Johnson, a key member of The Time, stepped out with his first solo project, blending funk, rock, and R&B with a sharper, guitar-led edge. This Star and Tribune review captures the moment when Prince’s creative circle began producing major solo artists, further solidifying Minneapolis as a national funk powerhouse. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Album review of Jesse Johnson’s solo debut Era: 1985 – Post-The Time / Minneapolis Sound expansion Tone: Positive and forward-looking Photography: Black-and-white promotional shot of Jesse Johnson Audience: Local and national music readers WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS A newspaper album review with a bold headline, detailed critical analysis, and a striking black-and-white photo of Jesse Johnson. The layout is typical of mid-1980s entertainment pages, placing Johnson firmly within the thriving Minneapolis music scene. RELATED MATERIAL For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All magazine artwork, photographs, logos, 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.

Prince’s shimmering love ballad and a highlight of the Diamonds And Pearls era. RELEASE DETAILS Date: November 25, 1991 Catalogue: 7-19083 (US 7"), W0075 (UK 7"), W0075T (UK 12"), W0075CDX (UK CD Holographic) + others Format: 7" Single, 12" Single, CD Single, Cassette Single, Promo Country: United States / United Kingdom / Europe Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Records Album: Diamonds And Pearls (1991) A-Side: Diamonds And Pearls THE STORY Released on November 25, 1991, Diamonds And Pearls was the fourth single from the album of the same name — the first credited to Prince and The New Power Generation. The US edition featured a unique B-side “X-cerpts” sampler from several album tracks, while UK/European versions included exclusive mixes and “Q In Doubt.” The single became a major hit and a signature ballad of the era. CONTEXT & NOTES This release showcased Prince’s evolving sound with the NPG, blending soulful balladry and funk. The holographic CD and picture disc variants added collectible appeal. It marked one of Prince’s strongest commercial performances of the early 1990s. TRACK LIST US 7" Single (7-19083) A. Diamonds And Pearls (Edit) — 4:20 B. X-cerpts From The Songs (Thunder / Daddy Pop / Strollin' / Jughead / Money Don’t Matter 2 Night / Push / Live 4 Love) — 5:04 UK 7" Single (W0075) A. Diamonds And Pearls (LP Version) — 4:43 B. Q In Doubt (Instrumental) — 4:00 UK/Europe 12" Single (W0075T) A1. Diamonds And Pearls (LP Version) — 4:45 A2. Housebangers — 4:23 B1. Cream (NPG Mix) — 6:16 B2. Things Have Gotta Change (Tony M Rap) — 3:57 UK CD Holographic (W0075CDX) Diamonds And Pearls — 4:44 2 The Wire (Creamy Instrumental) — 3:13 Do Your Dance (KC's Remix) — 5:56 (feat. Jevetta Steele) Europe CD Single Diamonds And Pearls — 4:47 Things Have Gotta Change (Tony M Rap) — 4:01 2 The Wire (Creamy Instrumental) — 3:16 Do Your Dance (KC's Remix) — 5:58 All Variants US 7" Single (7-19083) US Cassette Single (9 19083-4) UK 7" Single (W0075) UK 12" Single (W0075T) UK CD Holographic (W0075CDX) Europe CD Single Various Promo Editions Full Track Listing by Format (US/UK/EU) US 7" Vinyl (7-19083) Side A 1. Diamonds And Pearls (Edit) (4:20) Side B X-cerpts From The Songs: (5:04) 1. Thunder 2. Daddy Pop 3. Strollin' 4. Jughead 5. Money Don't Matter 2 Night 6. Push 7. Live 4 Love US Cassette Single (9 19083-4 / 4-19083) Side A/B (same both sides) 1. Diamonds And Pearls (Edit) (4:20) X-cerpts From The Songs: (5:04) UK 7" Vinyl (W0075 / 5439-19059-7) Side A 1. Diamonds And Pearls (LP Version) (4:43) Side B 1. Q In Doubt (Instrumental) (4:00) – Edited by Dave Friedlander UK Cassette Single (W0075C / 5439-19059-4) Side A/B (same both sides) 1. Diamonds And Pearls (LP Version) (4:43) 2. Q In Doubt (Instrumental) (4:00) CD, Promo – Paisley Park PRO-CD-5148 – US – 1991 7", Single – Paisley Park W0075 – UK – 1991 12", Single – Paisley Park W0075T – UK – 1991 Cassette, Single – Paisley Park W0075C – UK & Europe – 1991 CD, Holographic – Paisley Park W0075CDX – UK & Europe – 1991 CD, Single - CD W0075 CD - Europe CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 3 US Hot R&B Singles: Peak No. 1 UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 25 PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement Rosie Gaines – co-lead vocals The New Power Generation – performance Remixes by Junior Vasquez, Keith “KC” Cohen, etc. PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Front sleeve: Iconic close-up of Prince with pearls and dramatic blue-toned lighting Back sleeve: Tracklist and credits with symbolic imagery WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Striking high-contrast portrait of Prince with pearls cascading across his face on the front, paired with a clean back cover featuring track details and Paisley Park branding. RELATED MATERIAL Prince and The New Power Generation (March 16, 1992) Money Don’t Matter 2 Night - Single UK Prince and The New Power Generation (September 1 / October 22, 1992) My Name Is Prince - Single US Prince and The New Power Generation (November 2, 1992) My Name Is Prince (Remixes) - Maxi-Single Europe SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Official Charts Company • Billboard COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, 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. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied. UK & Europe 12" (W0075T) Side A 1. Diamonds And Pearls (LP Version) (4:45) 2. Housebangers (4:23) – Additional Production/Mix: Junior Vasquez Side B 1. Cream (NPG Mix) (6:16) 2. Things Have Gotta Change (Tony M Rap) (3:57) UK & Europe CD Holographic (W0075CDX / 9362-40323-2) 1. Diamonds And Pearls (4:44) 2. 2 The Wire (Creamy Instrumental) (3:13) 3. Do Your Dance (KC's Remix) (5:56) – feat. Jevetta Steele Europe CD (W0075 CD) 1. Diamonds And Pearls 4:47 2. Things Have Gotta Change (Tony M Rap) 4:01 3. 2 The Wire (Creamy Instrumental) 3:16 4. Do Your Dance (KC's Remix) 5:58 US/UK/EU Variants (all supplied) 7", Single – Paisley Park 7-19083 – US – 1991 Cassette, Single – Paisley Park 9 19083-4 – US – 1991

A swaggering Love Symbol proclamation unleashed across every major US format during Prince’s early ’90s reinvention. RELEASE DETAILS Date: September 1, 1992 (most formats) / October 22, 1992 (12" Maxi) Catalogue: 7-18700 (7"), 9 18700-2 (CD), 9 18700-4 (Cassette), 9362-40708-0 (12" Maxi) + promos Format: 7" Single, Cassette Single, CD Single, Cassette Maxi, CD Maxi, 12" Maxi, Digipak, Promos Country: United States Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Records Album: [Love Symbol] (1992) A-Side: My Name Is Prince THE STORY Released in the United States starting September 1, 1992 (with the 12" maxi following on October 22), My Name Is Prince served as the second single from the Love Symbol album. The track fused funk, hip-hop, and NPG energy with Tony M.’s rap verses, establishing Prince’s bold new persona. It received one of the most extensive US rollout campaigns of the era across multiple formats. CONTEXT & NOTES This release captured Prince’s transition into the Love Symbol era with strong hip-hop influences and club-ready remixes. The iconic chainmail artwork unified the campaign. It performed well on US R&B and Dance charts while reaching No. 7 in the UK. Multiple promo variants supported radio and club play. TRACK LIST 7" Single A. My Name Is Prince (Edit) — 4:05 B. My Name Is Prince (LP Version Excerpt) Cassette Single A. My Name Is Prince (Edit) B. My Name Is Prince (LP Version Excerpt) CD Single My Name Is Prince (Edit) My Name Is Prince (LP Version Excerpt) 12" Maxi-Single (9362-40708-0) A1. My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) — 8:06 A2. My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) — 8:11 B1. My Name Is Prince (House Mix) — 7:18 B2. My Name Is Prince (Hard Core 12" Mix) — 7:55 Cassette Maxi-Single A. My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) B. My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) Promo CD Singles (Various) • Edit / LP Version • Club Mix / House Mix • Radio edits CD Maxi-Single / Digipak My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) — 8:06 My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) — 8:11 My Name Is Prince (House Mix) — 7:18 My Name Is Prince (Hard Core 12" Mix) — 7:55 All Variants 7" Single Cassette Single CD Single 12" Maxi-Single CD Maxi-Single (standard & Digipak) Cassette Maxi-Single Multiple Promo CDs & 12" Promos CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 36 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Peak No. 25 US Dance Club Songs: Peak No. 7 UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 7 PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement Tony M. – rap The New Power Generation – performance Remixes by Keith “KC” Cohen, Greg Royal, etc. PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Front sleeve: Prince in dramatic chainmail regalia with purple banner Back sleeve: Tracklist and credits on matching symbolic imagery Parental Advisory sticker on commercial releases WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Iconic purple-topped artwork featuring Prince in regal chainmail attire with bold “MY NAME IS PRINCE” typography and Parental Advisory label. RELATED MATERIAL Prince and The New Power Generation (November 2, 1992) My Name Is Prince (Remixes) - Maxi-Single Europe Prince and The New Power Generation (November 17, 1992) Damn U - Single US Prince and The New Power Generation (November 23, 1992) 7 - Single UK SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Billboard • Official Charts Company COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, 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. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied. US CD Maxi‑Single – Sept. 1, 1992 1: My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) 2: My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) 3: My Name Is Prince (House Mix) 4: My Name Is Prince (Hard Core 12" Mix) US CD Maxi‑Single – Digipak Edition Same tracklist as above, packaged in a fold‑out Digipak US Cassette Single – Sept. 1, 1992 A: My Name Is Prince (Edit) B: My Name Is Prince (LP Version Excerpt) US Cassette Maxi‑Single – Sept. 1, 1992 A: My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) B: My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) US Promotional CD Singles (3 variants) • Promo #1: Edit / LP Version • Promo #2: Club Mix / House Mix • Promo #3: Radio‑friendly edits for AM/FM compatibility US Reissued CD Maxi‑Single • Reissue date not officially documented • Archival consensus: late 1992 or early 1993, likely tied to ongoing Love Symbol promotion • No evidence of a later 1990s repress

A boastful NPG anthem reimagined for the clubs with hip‑hop, house, and hardcore swagger. RELEASE DETAILS Date: November 2, 1992 Catalogue: W0142T / 9362-40708-0 (12"), W0142CD / 9362-40709-2 (CD) Format: 12" Maxi-Single, CD Maxi-Single Country: Europe Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park Album: [Love Symbol] (1992) A-Side: My Name Is Prince THE STORY Released across Europe on November 2, 1992, the My Name Is Prince remix maxi-single expanded the second single from the Love Symbol album into a full club package. The remixes by Keith “KC” Cohen, Greg Royal, and others transformed the original into harder, dancefloor-ready versions featuring extended breaks, hip-hop energy, and house influences. CONTEXT & NOTES This maxi-single highlighted Prince’s early-’90s fusion of funk, hip-hop, and club culture during the height of the NPG era. The striking artwork and multiple club mixes made it a favourite for DJs and collectors. It reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart. TRACK LIST 12" Maxi-Single (W0142T / 9362-40708-0) Side A My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) — 8:06 My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) — 8:11 Side B My Name Is Prince (House Mix) — 7:18 My Name Is Prince (Hard Core 12" Mix) — 7:55 CD Maxi-Single (W0142CD / 9362-40709-2) My Name Is Prince (Original Mix Edit) — 8:06 My Name Is Prince (12" Club Mix) — 8:11 Sexy M.F. (12" Remix) — 7:34 All Variants 12" Maxi-Single (W0142T / 9362-40708-0) CD Maxi-Single (W0142CD / 9362-40709-2) CHART PERFORMANCE UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 7 (6 weeks) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement The New Power Generation – performance Keith “KC” Cohen – remixing (most mixes) Greg Royal – remixing (House Mix) Eric Anest – additional keyboards PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Front sleeve: Dramatic image of Prince in regal attire with large “7” overlay and bold typography Back sleeve: Yellow background with full tracklist and credits WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Striking regal artwork with Prince in symbolic attire on the front and a bright yellow back cover detailing all remixes and production credits. RELATED MATERIAL Prince and The New Power Generation (November 17, 1992) Damn U - Single US Prince and The New Power Generation (November 23, 1992) 7 - Single UK Prince (April 3, 1993) The Morning Papers - Single US SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Official Charts Company COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, 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. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

A spiritual, apocalyptic anthem from the Love Symbol era, delivered in two intimate mixes. RELEASE DETAILS Date: November 23, 1992 Catalogue: W0147 (7"), W0147C (Cassette) Format: 7" Single, Cassette Single Country: United Kingdom Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park Album: [Love Symbol] (1992) A-Side: 7 (Album Edit) THE STORY Released in the UK on November 23, 1992, 7 was the fourth single from Prince and The New Power Generation’s Love Symbol album. The track fuses Middle Eastern-inspired melodies, biblical prophecy, and rich layered harmonies. The UK edition paired the Album Edit with the stripped-back Acoustic Version — both incorporating the iconic “Tramp” sample. CONTEXT & NOTES This release continued the strong Symbol-era rollout. The acoustic version offered a more intimate take on the song’s harmonic complexity. The single reached No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a fan favourite for its mystical atmosphere and striking artwork. TRACK LIST 7" Single (W0147) A. 7 (Album Edit) — 4:23 B. 7 (Acoustic Version) — 3:54 Cassette Single (W0147C) A. 7 (Album Edit) — 4:23 B. 7 (Acoustic Version) — 3:54 (Plays same both sides) All Variants 7" Single (W0147) Cassette Single (W0147C) – Black cassette (with and without Paisley Park logo variants) CHART PERFORMANCE UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 27 (6 weeks) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement The New Power Generation – performance Clare Fischer – orchestral arrangements (on album version) PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Front sleeve: Dramatic close-up of Prince and a woman with a large “7” overlay and smoke effects Back sleeve: Blue background with track credits and symbolic imagery WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Striking symbolic artwork featuring Prince and a female figure with a large translucent “7”, yellow text, and a blue back cover with additional credits and imagery. RELATED MATERIAL Prince (April 3, 1993) The Morning Papers - Single US Prince (October 4, 1993) Peach - Single UK Prince (November 18, 1993) Peach - Single US SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Official Charts Company COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, 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. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied. ✦ Track Details 7-inch Vinyl (W 0147) A: 7 (Album Edit) — 4:23 B: 7 (Acoustic Version) — 3:54 Cassette Single (W0147C) — plays same both sides 1: 7 (Album Edit) — 4:23 2: 7 (Acoustic Version) — 3:54 Cassette Variants • Variant 1: Black cassette, no Paisley Park logo • Variant 2: Black cassette with Paisley Park logo ✦ Sources

Prince and the New Power Generation close the Love Symbol single cycle with a cinematic ballad and a Diamonds And Pearls‑era B‑side. RELEASE DETAILS Date: April 3, 1993 Catalogue: 7-18583 (7"), PRO-A-5985 (12" Promo), PRO-CD-5985 (CD Promo) Format: 7" Single, 12" Promo, CD Promo Country: United States Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park Album: [Love Symbol] (1992) A-Side: The Morning Papers THE STORY Released in the USA on April 3, 1993, The Morning Papers became the fifth and final single from Prince’s Love Symbol album (the second credited to Prince and the New Power Generation). The US edition paired the lush orchestral ballad with “Live 4 Love” from Diamonds And Pearls. Promotional 12" and CD formats featured only the album version. CONTEXT & NOTES This release marked the end of the commercial single cycle for the Love Symbol album. The track features orchestral arrangements by Clare Fischer and showcases Prince’s early-’90s cinematic ballad style. It performed modestly on the charts and was the final NPG-credited single until 2002. The UK received an earlier release with additional tracks. TRACK LIST 7" Single (7-18583) A. The Morning Papers — 3:57 B. Live 4 Love — 6:58 12" Promo (PRO-A-5985) A. The Morning Papers — 3:57 (One-sided promo) CD Promo (PRO-CD-5985) The Morning Papers — 3:57 All Variants 7" Single (7-18583) 12" Promo (PRO-A-5985) CD Promo (PRO-CD-5985) CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 44 US Billboard Hot R&B Singles: Peak No. 68 PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement The New Power Generation – performance Clare Fischer – orchestral arrangements PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Front sleeve: Prince in open plaid shirt holding chains against a dark background Back sleeve: Plaid pattern with tracklist and credits Standard Warner Bros. 7" sleeve WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Striking plaid-themed artwork with Prince portrait on the front and classic back cover track details on the red tartan background. RELATED MATERIAL Prince (October 4, 1993) Peach - Single UK Prince (November 18, 1993) Peach - Single US Prince (December 6, 1993) Controversy - Single UK SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Billboard charts COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, 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. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

The legendary gospel and soul icon who formed a deep, late-career creative partnership with Prince, resulting in some of the most powerful and spiritually rich music of both artists’ careers. OVERVIEW Mavis Staples (born July 10, 1939) is an American rhythm & blues and gospel singer. She rose to fame as the lead singer of the legendary family group The Staple Singers. In her later years, she became one of Prince’s most cherished collaborators. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince was a longtime admirer of Mavis and The Staple Singers. Their collaboration began in earnest in the mid-2000s. Prince produced and wrote songs for several of her albums, invited her to perform at Paisley Park, and developed a close friendship. Mavis often referred to Prince as her “adopted son.” KEY RELEASES WITH PRINCE The Voice (2010) – Prince produced several tracks One True Vine (2013) – Produced by Prince Livin’ on a High Note (2016) – Prince wrote and produced multiple songs Various live performances together, including at Paisley Park Prince also wrote the song “Road to the Sky” for her and frequently praised her voice and spirit. STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Mavis continues to tour and record into her 80s. She has won multiple Grammys and remains a revered figure in American music. After Prince’s passing, she has spoken movingly about their relationship and performed tributes to him. WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Mavis Staples brought a powerful gospel-rooted authenticity to Prince’s later work. Their collaboration represented Prince’s spiritual side and his desire to connect with legendary artists. The music they made together stands as some of the most heartfelt and mature work in Prince’s catalog.

The dynamic vocalist, arranger, and musical director who served as a key member of Prince’s New Power Generation from 2006 until his passing, known for her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence. Shelby J. (born Shelby Johnson, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and musical director from St. Louis, Missouri. She became one of the most prominent female voices in Prince’s later career, blending gospel, R&B, funk, and jazz influences. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered Shelby in 2006 and quickly brought her into the New Power Generation. She performed with him consistently from 2006 to 2016, becoming a trusted musical director and arranger. Shelby was a central figure during Prince’s final decade, contributing powerful lead and background vocals on tours and recordings. She was especially prominent during the Welcome 2 America era and the Piano & A Microphone tours. KEY RELEASES WITH PRINCE Planet Earth (2007) Lotusflow3r / MPLSound (2009) 20Ten (2010) Welcome 2 America (2021 – posthumous, features Shelby prominently) Various live albums and one-off recordings She also performed on many of Prince’s final tours, including the highly acclaimed Piano & A Microphone solo tour. STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Shelby was known for her high-energy performances, gospel-influenced runs, and ability to hold her own alongside Prince. Since Prince’s passing, she has remained active as a solo artist, musical director, and advocate for Prince’s legacy. She has participated in numerous tribute concerts and continues to perform with other former NPG members. WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Shelby J. was one of the most important female collaborators in Prince’s final decade. Her powerful voice and spiritual depth added a rich layer to his later sound. As both a featured vocalist and musical director, she helped Prince maintain high-level live performances right up until the end of his career. SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, interviews with Shelby J., The Current (Minnesota Public Radio). COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

The gifted singer with a powerful, multi-octave voice who collaborated closely with Prince in the late 1980s and early 1990s, most notably on the Batman soundtrack and her own Paisley Park-associated recordings. Elisa Fiorillo (born September 28, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, and voice actress. She first gained attention in the late 1980s with her dance-pop and R&B style, blending soulful vocals with pop accessibility. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince was impressed by Elisa’s vocal range and brought her into his orbit around 1988–1989. Their most prominent collaboration was the duet “The Arms of Orion” on the 1989 Batman soundtrack, which reached the Top 40. Prince also produced and wrote several songs for her, including material for her 1990 album I Am. She recorded at Paisley Park and was part of the extended Prince family during the Batman and Graffiti Bridge era. KEY RELEASES With Prince: “The Arms of Orion” (1989) – Duet with Prince from the Batman soundtrack I Am (1990) – Features Prince-penned and produced tracks Solo Highlights: Elisa Fiorillo (1987) – Her debut album Various singles including “Forgive Me for Dreaming” STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Elisa performed live with Prince on several occasions and was featured in some of his projects. After her time in the Prince camp, she continued her career as a session vocalist, songwriter, and voice actress (notably providing vocals for animated projects). She has remained active in music and has spoken positively about her experiences working with Prince. WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Elisa Fiorillo was one of Prince’s key female vocal collaborators during the transitional period between The Revolution and the New Power Generation. Her strong, versatile voice complemented Prince’s style perfectly on ballads and uptempo tracks alike. “The Arms of Orion” remains one of the most memorable Prince duets of the late 1980s. SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, interviews with Elisa Fiorillo. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

The dynamic, soulful vocalist with a powerhouse voice who became one of Prince’s most prominent featured singers in the New Power Generation during his final years. Liv Warfield (born May 10, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, and performer from California. Known for her rich, gritty, and emotionally charged vocal style, she brought a bold, contemporary edge to Prince’s later live shows and recordings PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered Liv in 2012 and quickly integrated her into the New Power Generation. She became one of his most frequently featured vocalists from 2012 until his passing in 2016. Prince produced and mentored her solo work, and she performed extensively with him during the Welcome 2 America era and the final tours. She was especially noted for her commanding stage presence and her ability to deliver high-energy, gospel-tinged performances. KEY RELEASES Solo: Wrapped Up in Your Love (2013) – Produced with Prince’s guidance The Unexpected (2014) With Prince & The NPG: Welcome 2 America (2021 – posthumous release, features Liv prominently) Various live recordings and special performances (2013–2016) STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Liv was a standout during Prince’s final tours, often delivering standout solo moments and duets. Since Prince’s passing, she has continued her solo career, releasing new music and performing at Prince tribute events. She remains one of the most respected voices from Prince’s later musical family. WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Liv Warfield represented the strong, soulful feminine energy Prince sought in his later bands. Her powerful vocals and fearless stage presence made her a perfect fit for the evolving NPG sound. She helped bridge Prince’s classic funk roots with a more modern, gritty R&B/soul approach in his final chapter. SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, interviews with Liv Warfield, official artist site. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

The leading band of the Paisley Underground movement who became one of the first rock acts signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records, blending 1960s-inspired psychedelic pop with the Minneapolis Sound. The Three O’Clock was an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. Known for their jangly guitars, catchy melodies, and psychedelic aesthetic, they were key figures in the “Paisley Underground” scene alongside bands like The Bangles and Rain Parade. In 1985, Prince signed them to his newly formed Paisley Park Records label. MEMBERS Michael Quercio – Lead vocals, bass (founder) Louis Gutierrez – Guitar Danny Benair – Drums Mickey Mariano – Keyboards PRINCE CONNECTION Prince discovered the band through their independent releases and was drawn to their retro-psychedelic sound. In 1985, he signed them to Paisley Park Records, making them one of the first non-funk/R&B acts on the label. Prince executive-produced their major-label debut album and contributed to the overall vision. The band opened for Prince and The Revolution on select dates during the Around the World in a Day era. KEY RELEASES Arriving Late to the Party (1985) – Their first indie release 16 Tambourines (1985) – Paisley Park Records debut, executive produced by Prince Notable tracks: “Jet Fighter,” “On Our Own,” “Hand in Hand” The album mixed dreamy psychedelia with power-pop and received strong critical acclaim in the underground scene. STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER The Three O’Clock toured in support of their Paisley Park album but the relationship with the label was relatively short-lived. They released one more album (Ever After, 1987) before disbanding in 1988. Michael Quercio later formed The Permanent Green Light and has occasionally reunited The Three O’Clock for shows. The band has been cited as a major influence on the modern indie/neo-psychedelic revival. WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE The Three O’Clock represented Prince’s desire to expand the musical scope of Paisley Park Records beyond funk, R&B, and dance music. Their signing showed Prince’s appreciation for diverse sounds and his support for the creative underground. They helped bring the psychedelic “Paisley” aesthetic (which Prince himself embraced during the Around the World in a Day period) into the mainstream label world. SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, interviews with Michael Quercio, Paisley Underground retrospectives. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

The virtuosic Canadian bassist who became one of Prince’s most important musical collaborators and a core member of his bands from 1996 until his passing, known for her melodic, funky, and technically brilliant playing. Rhonda Smith (born 1970) is a Canadian bassist, singer, and songwriter. She is widely respected as one of the finest bassists in modern funk, jazz, and rock music, celebrated for her expressive tone, groove, and improvisational skills. PRINCE CONNECTION Prince recruited Rhonda in 1996 after being impressed by her playing. She quickly became one of his most trusted band members, performing with him consistently from 1996 to 2016. She played on many key albums including Emancipation (1996), The Truth... (1997), Newpower Soul (1998), Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999), and Musicology (2004). Rhonda was a major part of both the New Power Generation and various smaller configurations, often sharing the stage with Larry Graham. KEY RELEASES WITH PRINCE Emancipation (1996) The Truth... (1997) Newpower Soul (1998) Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999) Musicology (2004) 3121 (2006) Numerous live recordings and tours STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER Rhonda was known for her standout bass solos and her ability to lock in tightly with Prince’s vision. She toured the world with him for two decades and was one of the few musicians who remained with him until the very end. Since Prince’s passing, she has continued as a solo artist, session musician, and educator. She has also performed in various Prince tribute projects and released her own music. WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE Rhonda Smith is one of the most significant instrumentalists in Prince’s entire career. Her long tenure (20 years) and deep musical chemistry with Prince made her an essential part of his sound in the post-Revolution era. She helped bridge the gap between classic funk and more modern, sophisticated arrangements, and she remains one of the most respected figures in the Prince musical family. SOURCES Prince Vault, Wikipedia, Discogs, Bass Player Magazine, interviews with Rhonda Smith. COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.