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  • The Family: Paisley Park Ensemble

    The Family was assembled by Prince in 1984 from the remaining members of The Time after that band split. Prince built the new group around St. Paul Peterson (vocals, keyboards), Susannah Melvoin (vocals), Jellybean Johnson (drums), Jerome Benton (percussion), and Eric Leeds (saxophone, flute). Prince met Eric Leeds through his tour manager Alan Leeds, Eric’s brother. Other musicians — including Jerry Hubbard and David Eiland — were approached but declined, leaving Prince to finalize the core lineup around these five members. The Family existed only from 1984 to 1985, but became one of Prince’s most important transitional projects, shaping the sound he would explore with The Revolution and later Madhouse. Rise to Fame & Paisley Park Era The Family recorded their sole album at Paisley Park in 1985. Although presented as a band project, most of the music was created by Prince alone in the studio, with Eric Leeds adding saxophone parts. St. Paul and Susannah later overdubbed their lead vocals. The album introduced Prince’s new blend of funk, jazz, orchestral pop, and minimalist grooves, and marked his first collaboration with Clare Fischer, whose orchestral arrangements became a defining element of Prince’s later work. The Family released two singles in 1985: • The Screams of Passion • High Fashion Their only live performance took place on August 13 1985 at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Prince Connection & Creative Evolution The Family was one of Prince’s most hands‑on creations. He wrote the songs, played nearly all instruments, and shaped the band’s image and sound. Key Prince connections include: • A bridge between The Time and the expanded Revolution lineup • The introduction of Eric Leeds, central to Prince’s jazz‑funk era • The beginning of Prince’s long partnership with Clare Fischer • Susannah Melvoin’s involvement deepening Prince’s ties to the Melvoin musical family A live version of the band was assembled with Miko Weaver (guitar), Allen Flowers (bass), Bill Carrothers and Jonathan Melvoin (keyboards), plus Wally Safford and Greg Brooks as dancers and backing vocalists. After the group dissolved, Jerome Benton, Eric Leeds, Miko Weaver, Wally Safford, and Greg Brooks joined the expanded Revolution in early 1986. Influence & Legacy Although short‑lived, The Family became one of Prince’s most influential side projects. Their legacy includes: • Introducing the jazz‑infused Minneapolis sound Prince later expanded with Madhouse • Establishing Clare Fischer’s orchestral arrangements as a recurring Prince hallmark • Launching St. Paul Peterson, who later formed fDeluxe, a modern continuation of The Family • Providing early showcases for Eric Leeds, whose saxophone shaped Prince’s late‑80s and early‑90s sound The Family’s 1985 album remains a cult favourite, known for its sleek production, orchestral depth, and the original version of ā€œNothing Compares 2 U.ā€ Why The Family Matters The Family represents a key turning point in Prince’s mid‑80s evolution: • A fusion of funk, jazz, orchestral pop, and minimalist grooves • A testing ground for new collaborators • A bridge between The Time and The Revolution • A blueprint for Prince’s later jazz‑funk experiments Despite existing for barely a year, The Family left a lasting imprint on Prince’s musical universe. SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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 Lovesexy Band: Prince’s 1988 Touring Ensemble

    The Lovesexy band was assembled by Prince in early 1988 as he prepared to tour behind the Lovesexy album, released on May 10 1988 in the United States. Prince built the group around musicians who had already worked with him through the Parade, Sign O’ The Times, and Black Album periods, expanding the lineup to create a large, theatrical, gospel‑funk ensemble capable of delivering the album’s spiritual and celebratory themes on stage. Rise to Fame & Lovesexy Tour Era The Lovesexy Tour began on June 15 1988 in Paris and ran through February 5 1989, becoming one of Prince’s most acclaimed live productions. The band featured a powerful rhythm section, multiple keyboardists, horns, dancers, and vocalists, allowing Prince to blend funk, pop, gospel, jazz, and rock seamlessly. Key members included Sheila E. (drums, percussion), Dr. Fink (keyboards), Eric Leeds (saxophone, flute), Miko Weaver (guitar), Levi Seacer Jr. (bass), Bonnie Boyer (vocals, keyboards), Cat Glover (vocals, dance), and Atlanta Bliss (trumpet). This ensemble supported Prince through the full Lovesexy set, including extended medleys, spiritual interludes, and re‑imagined versions of earlier hits. Prince Connection & Creative Evolution The Lovesexy band represented Prince’s shift toward a more theatrical, spiritually themed stage presentation. The group’s size and versatility allowed him to perform complex arrangements from Lovesexy, Sign O’ The Times, Parade, and earlier albums with new energy and detail. Prince relied heavily on Sheila E.’s rhythmic leadership, Eric Leeds’s horn arrangements, and the tight interplay between Miko Weaver and Levi Seacer Jr. The band also supported Prince during the Dortmund broadcast on September 9 1988, one of the most famous live documents of the era. Influence & Legacy The Lovesexy band became one of Prince’s most respected live ensembles, known for its precision, musical depth, and theatricality. Its legacy includes: • Establishing Sheila E. as Prince’s on‑stage rhythmic counterpart • Showcasing Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss as the core of Prince’s late‑80s horn sound • Introducing Cat Glover’s dance‑vocal presence, central to the tour’s visual identity • Demonstrating Prince’s ability to merge gospel, funk, and pop into a unified live experience • Providing the foundation for the transition into the Nude Tour and the early New Power Generation era Why The Lovesexy Band Matters The Lovesexy band represents Prince at his most theatrical and spiritually expressive. It delivered one of his most complex and uplifting tours, blending musicianship, choreography, and narrative into a single experience. The ensemble’s precision and versatility helped Prince redefine his live sound at the end of the 1980s, setting the stage for the evolution that followed in the 1990s. SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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.

  • Cat Glover: Prince’s Dance‑Vocal Dynamo

    Early Life & Formation Cat Glover (real name Kathleen Glover) entered Prince’s world in early 1987, during the period leading up to the Sign O’ The Times tour. Prince discovered her through dance circles in Los Angeles, impressed by her athletic, street‑infused choreography and her ability to blend dance, rap, and visual performance. By February 1987, she was rehearsing with Prince’s new post‑Revolution band, becoming a central part of his evolving stage identity. Rise to Fame & Sign O’ The Times Era Cat became a breakout star during the Sign O’ The Times Tour, which began on May 8 1987. Her role combined dance, rap‑style vocal interjections, and on‑stage interplay with Prince, giving the show a modern, urban edge. She appeared prominently in the Sign O’ The Times concert film, shot on July 20 1987 and July 21 1987, where her choreography and charisma became defining elements of the production. Her ā€œCat!ā€ vocal tag and high‑energy movement became instantly recognizable to fans. Prince Connection & Creative Evolution Cat’s partnership with Prince deepened during the Lovesexy period. She became one of the visual anchors of the Lovesexy Tour, which began on June 15 1988, performing complex choreography, spoken‑word segments, and stylized movement that matched the tour’s spiritual and theatrical tone. Prince often built staging around her presence, using her as a counterpoint to his own performance — a dancer, vocalist, and character within the show’s narrative. Her influence extended into music videos, live broadcasts, and promotional appearances throughout 1988. Influence & Legacy Cat Glover became one of Prince’s most iconic dancers, leaving a lasting imprint on his late‑1980s visual identity. Her legacy includes: • Defining the dance aesthetic of the Sign O’ The Times and Lovesexy eras • Introducing hip‑hop‑infused choreography into Prince’s stage shows • Providing vocal interplay and spoken‑word elements that shaped live arrangements • Becoming a central figure in the Sign O’ The Times film, one of Prince’s most acclaimed works • Helping transition Prince’s stage presence from the Revolution’s theatrical rock toward a more modern, street‑dance‑driven style Her work influenced later Prince dancers and choreographers, establishing a blueprint for movement within the Minneapolis sound. Why Cat Glover Matters Cat Glover represents the moment Prince fully embraced dance as a core part of his live storytelling. Her athleticism, charisma, and modern choreography helped redefine Prince’s stage shows in 1987 and 1988, giving them a fresh, contemporary energy. She became a symbol of Prince’s late‑80s reinvention — a performer who could match his intensity, expand his visual language, and help shape two of his greatest tours. SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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 Sign O’ The Times Band: Prince’s 1987 Live Ensemble

    Early Life & Formation The Sign O’ The Times band was assembled by Prince in early 1987 after the breakup of The Revolution in October 1986. Prince built a new lineup around musicians who could deliver the stripped‑down, funk‑rock, jazz‑infused sound of the Sign O’ The Times album, released on March 30 1987. This new ensemble emphasized live musicianship, improvisation, and a more mature, European‑leaning aesthetic compared to the theatrical Revolution era. Key members included Sheila E. (drums, percussion), Dr. Fink (keyboards), Miko Weaver (guitar), Levi Seacer Jr. (bass), Eric Leeds (saxophone, flute), Atlanta Bliss (trumpet), Cat Glover (vocals, dance), and Bonnie Boyer (vocals, keyboards). Rise to Fame & Sign O’ The Times Tour Era The Sign O’ The Times Tour began on May 8 1987 in Stockholm and ran through June 26 1987, presenting a leaner, more musically focused Prince. The band delivered tight funk grooves, extended jazz‑fusion passages, and re‑imagined versions of Prince’s earlier songs. Sheila E. led the rhythm section with explosive precision, while Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss formed the horn backbone of Prince’s late‑80s sound. Cat Glover added choreography and vocal interplay, giving the show a modern, street‑dance energy. This lineup also performed in the Sign O’ The Times concert film, shot on July 20 1987 and July 21 1987 at Paisley Park, with additional footage from the tour. The film became one of Prince’s most acclaimed live documents. Prince Connection & Creative Evolution The Sign O’ The Times band marked a major turning point in Prince’s musical direction. After dissolving The Revolution, Prince embraced a more adult, jazz‑infused, minimalist sound that relied heavily on live musicianship. Sheila E.’s leadership on drums shaped the band’s rhythmic identity, while Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss expanded Prince’s horn arrangements into a more sophisticated territory. Miko Weaver’s guitar work brought a fluid, improvisational quality to the performances, and Levi Seacer Jr. anchored the band with a deep, modern funk bass tone. This ensemble laid the groundwork for the transition into the Lovesexy era in 1988, with several members continuing into the next tour. Influence & Legacy The Sign O’ The Times band is widely regarded as one of Prince’s greatest live ensembles. Its legacy includes: • Delivering the sound of Prince’s critically acclaimed Sign O’ The Times album on stage • Establishing the horn pairing of Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss as central to Prince’s late‑80s identity • Showcasing Sheila E. as Prince’s most dynamic live drummer • Introducing Cat Glover’s dance‑vocal presence, later expanded in the Lovesexy era • Creating the foundation for Prince’s jazz‑funk direction in the late 1980s The band’s performances, especially in the Sign O’ The Times film, remain essential viewing for fans and musicians. Why The Sign O’ The Times Band Matters The Sign O’ The Times band represents Prince at a moment of reinvention and artistic maturity. It delivered a raw, powerful, musically rich live experience that blended funk, rock, jazz, gospel, and electronic elements. The ensemble’s precision and versatility helped Prince redefine his sound after The Revolution, setting the stage for the Lovesexy and NPG eras that followed. SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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 New Power Generation: Prince’s Evolving Collective

    Early Life & Formation (1989–1990) The New Power Generation first emerged in late 1989 as Prince began shifting away from the classic Revolution era and the Lovesexy band. The earliest NPG lineup formed during rehearsals for the Nude Tour, which began on June 2 1990. This initial version included Michael Bland (drums), Levi Seacer Jr. (guitar), Sonny T. (bass), Tommy Barbarella (keyboards), and Rosie Gaines (vocals, keyboards). Prince envisioned NPG as a tighter, funk‑driven, modern ensemble capable of supporting his new direction toward hip‑hop‑infused Minneapolis sound. Rise to Fame & Diamonds and Pearls Era (1991–1992) The band became fully defined during the Diamonds and Pearls period, released on October 1 1991. This era introduced Tony M., whose rap vocals helped Prince integrate New Jack Swing and early hip‑hop elements into his music. The NPG sound blended funk, pop, gospel, rap, and polished R&B, creating one of Prince’s most commercially successful phases. The band toured extensively, beginning with the Diamonds and Pearls Tour on April 13 1992, showcasing a large, energetic lineup with dancers, horns, and vocalists. Symbol Era & The Gold Experience (1993–1995) During Prince’s name change to the Love Symbol on June 7 1993, NPG became his primary creative engine. This era saw the band evolve into a more sophisticated, electronic, and live‑band hybrid sound. Key members included Sonny T., Michael Bland, Tommy Barbarella, Morris Hayes, and Mayte. The NPG supported Prince through the Act I Tour (beginning March 8 1993) and Act II Tour (beginning July 26 1993). Their work culminated in The Gold Experience, released on September 12 1995, with NPG providing the backbone of Prince’s mid‑90s sound. Emancipation & Expanded NPG Era (1996–1998) After Prince’s emancipation from Warner Bros. on December 31 1995, NPG became even more central. The Emancipation album, released on November 19 1996, featured a large NPG lineup with strong R&B, gospel, and live instrumentation. The Love 4 One Another Charities Tour began on January 7 1997, showcasing the band’s versatility. This era also included the New Power Soul album, released on June 30 1998, credited directly to The New Power Generation, marking their identity as a standalone act. Late NPG & Final Classic Lineup (1999–2000) By 1999, the NPG lineup shifted again, with Morris Hayes becoming musical director. The band supported Prince through the Rave Un2 the Year 2000 concert on December 17 1999, blending funk, rock, and electronic elements. This period marked the end of the classic NPG era, as Prince transitioned into smaller, more fluid ensembles in the early 2000s. Influence & Legacy The New Power Generation became Prince’s longest‑running band, lasting more than a decade and shaping some of his most iconic eras. Their legacy includes: • Integrating hip‑hop and New Jack Swing into Prince’s sound • Creating the polished R&B of Diamonds and Pearls • Supporting Prince through his name change and Warner Bros. battles • Delivering the live power behind The Gold Experience and Emancipation • Becoming a standalone act with New Power Soul • Establishing musicians like Michael Bland, Sonny T., Morris Hayes, and Tommy Barbarella as Minneapolis legend Why The New Power Generation Matters The New Power Generation represents Prince’s evolution from the psychedelic Revolution era into a modern, genre‑blending powerhouse. They helped him reinvent his sound for the 1990s, navigate industry battles, and build a new musical identity. Across funk, R&B, hip‑hop, gospel, and electronic pop, NPG became the engine of Prince’s most diverse and ambitious work. SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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.

  • Andre Cymone (July 16, 1985) – "The Dance Electric" b/w "Red Light" 7" Single: USA

    The Dance Electric was released on Jul 16, 1985 as the first single from AndrĆ© Cymone’s third album A.C., arriving four weeks before the album itself. The track was written and produced by Prince and AndrĆ© Cymone, marking one of their final collaborations of the 1980s. The single contained two different edits of the song, while the B‑side Red Light was produced solely by Cymone and did not involve Prince. BACKGROUND The Dance Electric originated from a 1984 session where Prince offered the song to Cymone, encouraging him to record it for his upcoming album. The single was issued in the USA, UK, and Europe, becoming Cymone’s biggest chart success to date. Despite its strong club performance, it did not cross over to the Pop Chart. RECORDING Produced jointly by Prince and AndrĆ© Cymone, the track reflects Prince’s mid‑1980s Minneapolis Sound aesthetic — sharp synths, layered vocals, and driving rhythm guitar. Red Light, the B‑side, was recorded separately under Cymone’s own production. STYLE & THEMES The Dance Electric combines funk, rock, and electronic elements, with lyrics urging spiritual awakening and collective energy. Its pulsating rhythm and vocal layering echo Prince’s Purple Rain‑era production style, while Cymone’s delivery adds a distinct edge. TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES • The Dance Electric — Edited Version (3:59); Long Version (5:31); Produced by Prince and AndrĆ© Cymone. • Red Light — Edited Version; Produced by AndrĆ© Cymone. RELEASE HISTORY • Jul 16, 1985 — US release on Columbia Records. • Released four weeks before the album A.C. • Formats included 7" single, 7" promo, and 12" single. CHART PERFORMANCE • US Billboard Black Chart — No. 10 • US Billboard Hot Dance/Disco – Club Play Chart — No. 8 • Did not enter the Pop Chart. PERSONNEL AndrĆ© Cymone — vocals, bass, production Prince — production, arrangement Wayne Edwards — executive producer Additional session musicians (uncredited) PRODUCTION Produced by Prince and AndrĆ© Cymone Executive Producer: Wayne Edwards Label: Columbia Records / CBS Inc. Catalogue Numbers: 38‑05435 (7"), 44‑05249 (12") (USA VARIANTS) Artist: AndrĆ© Cymone Title: The Dance Electric Label: Columbia Records / CBS Inc. Country: USA Catalogue: 38‑05435 (7") / 44‑05249 (12") Date: Jul 16, 1985 Format: 7" Single / 12" Single Tracklist (7"): A — The Dance Electric (Edited Version) (3:59) B — Red Light (Edited Version) Tracklist (7" Promo): A — The Dance Electric (Edited Version) (3:59) B — The Dance Electric (Edited Version) (3:59) Tracklist (12"): A — The Dance Electric (Long Version) (5:31) B1 — The Dance Electric (Edited Version) (3:59) B2 — Red Light (Edited Version) Notes: Produced by Prince and AndrĆ© Cymone. B‑side produced by AndrĆ© Cymone. Taken from the Columbia LP A.C. (FC 40037).

  • Paisley Park (July 31, 2026) Free Double‑Feature Cinema Night

    Paisley Park has officially announced a FREE Cinema Night double feature, inviting fans to experience two of Prince’s most iconic films — Under the Cherry Moon and Purple Rain — on July 31, 2026 at the Chanhassen estate. The announcement, shared via Paisley Park’s social channels on July 14, 2026, highlights a full evening of film, music, and community. Doors open at 6 PM, with on‑site parking available for $10. The event is 18+. The screening schedule is as follows: • Under the Cherry Moon — 6:30 PM • Purple Rain — 8:30 PM Paisley Park confirmed that tickets are available now through the link provided in their bio, encouraging fans to secure entry early for what is expected to be a popular summer event. Source: Paisley Park Social Media Announcement, July 14, 2026. All images, promotional materials, and text excerpts referenced remain the property of Paisley Park Enterprises. This news post is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

  • Live Warfield (April 11, 2026) Honey & Whiskey Show The Jazz Cafe London.

    London was treated to a taste of Honey & Whiskey by Purple Sister Liv Warfield with a show honouring the iconic music of legendary vocalists Etta James and Janis Joplin. Liv brought her own energy, style, and powerhouse vocals (and we brought the tambourine) to a performance that turned up the heat at The Jazz Cafe. Prince only worked with the best, and Liv Warfield is proof of that! Support out Purple Family and go see her if you get the chance, Next show at Dakota MPLS July 21st

  • Prince – ā€œPurple Rainā€ Musical (June 21, 2024) Premiere Dates Announcement – Star Tribune

    The June 21, 2024 edition of the Star Tribune announces the premiere dates for the new stage musical adaptation of Prince’s 1984 film and album Purple Rain. Publication: Star Tribune Date: June 21, 2024 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Music / Theatre News THE STORY The article details the pre-Broadway run at the State Theatre in Minneapolis (April 10–May 11, 2025), with the world premiere on April 30, 2025. It mentions the creative team, including Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and access to Prince’s catalog. CONTEXT AND NOTES This local announcement highlights Minneapolis’s central role in the Purple Rain legacy, with the show returning to the city where the original film was shot and Prince’s story is set. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Musical premiere announcement Era: 2024 (Announcement) / 2025 (Premiere) Tone: Exciting, local pride Photography: Archival photo of Prince performing WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Bold headline ā€œDates announced for premiere of the ā€˜Purple Rain’ musicalā€ Details on the pre-Broadway run and creative team Archival image of Prince in concert Typical newspaper theatre announcement layout RELATED MATERIAL (Prince ā€œPurple Rainā€ legacy features) For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. SOURCES Star Tribune, June 21, 2024 All magazine scans, newspaper cuttings, scrapbook items, photographs 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 (June 14, 2025) ā€œJ.D. Steele of the Steelesā€ Star Tribune – Article

    The June 14, 2025 edition of the Star Tribune features a heartfelt recollection by J.D. Steele of the Steeles about taking his 7-year-old son Jason to see Prince perform at the Mill City Music Festival in downtown Minneapolis in 1998. Publication: Star Tribune Date: June 14, 2025 Country: United States Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Section: Feature / Local Music Memory THE STORY J.D. Steele shares the story of bringing his son Jason backstage during Prince’s performance at the Mill City Music Festival. Prince brought several kids onstage to dance, and young Jason ran out and began doing splits, amazing everyone. Jason later recalled the moment as a formative experience that helped him understand his father’s life as a musician and inspired his own love for performing. CONTEXT AND NOTES In 1998 Prince was in a highly creative independent phase and frequently performed in his hometown of Minneapolis. The Steeles, a prominent Minneapolis gospel and R&B family group, had collaborated with Prince. This touching father-and-son memory highlights Prince’s generosity with young fans and his deep connection to the local music community. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Personal recollection of Prince concert Era: 1998 (Post-Emancipation / Independent era) Tone: Warm, nostalgic, personal Photography: None shown in the provided clipping WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Headline ā€œJ.D. Steele of the Steelesā€ Detailed first-person account by J.D. Steele about the 1998 Mill City Music Festival Jason Steele’s own memories of the backstage and onstage experience with Prince Reflection on the impact of the concert on Jason as a child RELATED MATERIAL This 2025 Star Tribune article offers a beautiful personal story from Prince’s 1998 Minneapolis performance and fits well with other Prince-related memories and clippings in the scrapbook. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs 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 (June 27, 2025) "Music history is littered with projects planned, anticipated, even completed — and then scrapped" – The Daily Advocate Feature

    A thoughtful retrospective article from The Daily Advocate (June 27, 2025) examining famous unreleased or scrapped music projects, with a significant focus on Prince’s legendary ā€œThe Black Albumā€ as a prime example of a completed work that was ultimately shelved. Publication: The Daily Advocate Date: June 27, 2025 Country: United States Section: Entertainment / Music History Feature THE STORY WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS The piece explores the phenomenon of ambitious music projects that were planned, recorded, or even finished but ultimately scrapped or shelved. Prince’s ā€œThe Black Albumā€ is highlighted as a key case — a dark, funk-heavy project recorded in 1987 that was pulled at the last minute, with promo copies leaking and becoming highly sought-after bootlegs. The article also covers other notable examples such as The Beach Boys’ ā€œSmileā€ and Bruce Springsteen’s unreleased albums. Large headline ā€œMusic history is littered with projects planned, anticipated, even completed — and then scrappedā€ with a striking live photo of Prince performing. Dense columns of text by David Bauder, AP Entertainment Writer, with additional sections on other artists. Classic newspaper layout with prominent Prince imagery. CONTEXT AND NOTES FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Published on June 27, 2025, this feature reflects on the creative risks and industry decisions behind unreleased music, using Prince’s ā€œThe Black Albumā€ as a central example of a project that was fully realized yet deliberately withheld, later influencing his catalog and fan lore. Event: Music history retrospective on scrapped projects Era: 2025 reflection on 1980s–2000s unreleased works Tone: Analytical, historical, engaging Photography: Dynamic live image of Prince in performance RELATED MATERIAL: For other related posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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.

  • Prince (February 13, 2026) Fallinlove2nite / Hardrocklover - Exclusive 7" Single (Rolling Stone Germany Covermount)

    A limited‑edition tribute pressing pairing two late‑period Prince statements — issued exclusively with the Rolling Stone Germany special edition RELEASE DETAILS Date: February 13, 2026 Catalogue: Not assigned (Rolling Stone Germany exclusive) Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: Germany A-Side: ā€œFallinlove2niteā€ (feat. Zooey Deschanel) B-Side: ā€œHardrockloverā€ THE STORY Released on February 13, 2026 as an exclusive covermount 7" vinyl single with the February 2026 issue of Rolling Stone Germany, this limited pressing brings together two tracks from Prince’s HITnRUN Phase One era. ā€œFallinlove2niteā€ (originally released digitally in 2014 with Zooey Deschanel) and ā€œHardrockloverā€ (released in 2015) were created during Prince’s final creative burst. The single was produced specifically for this commemorative tribute issue and is not available separately. CONTEXT & NOTES Marking ten years since Prince’s passing, this exclusive release celebrates his late-period creativity and social awareness. ā€œFallinlove2niteā€ was written for Prince’s appearance on New Girl, while ā€œHardrockloverā€ was recorded quickly at Paisley Park in June 2015. The 7" format honours Prince’s lifelong love of vinyl and makes these tracks available in a collectible physical format for the first time. TRACK LIST 7" Vinyl Single (Rolling Stone Germany Exclusive) A. Fallinlove2nite (feat. Zooey Deschanel) B. Hardrocklover CHART PERFORMANCE Not applicable – exclusive magazine covermount (no commercial chart run) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, all instruments Zooey Deschanel – vocals on ā€œFallinlove2niteā€ (A-side) PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS Limited-edition 7" pressing Bundled exclusively with Rolling Stone Germany February 2026 issue No standalone retail release Custom tribute artwork for the magazine edition WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS Custom 7" tribute pressing created for the Rolling Stone Germany commemorative issue, featuring Prince-era artwork. RELATED MATERIAL HITnRUN Phase One (2015 album) Fallinlove2nite (2014 digital single) Hardrocklover (2015 digital single) For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. SOURCES Prince Vault • Sleevographia2 • Rolling Stone Germany announcement • Discogs 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. Covermount Xclusive The single only released as a covermount with the February 2026 edition of Rolling Stone magazine in Germany, on January 30, 2026, to promote the vinyl release of the Hitnrun Phase One album. Both the a-side and the b-side were released earlier as stand-alone digital singles promoting the cd-release of the Hitnrun Phase One album. The digital release for Hardrocklover was slightly different from the album version. It is not known if the 2026 vinyl release is the same version as the digital release from 2015. ORDER HERE: Track Listing A: Fallinlove2nite "Fallinlove2nite" was released as a digital single on March 17, 2014, and promoted as being a stand-alone single. It was made available on iTunes and Amazon. The song peaked at No. 40 in Belgium on April 5, 2014. On April 26, it peaked in the US on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart at No. 29. The single is credited to "Prince feat. Zooey Deschanel"; it is only the second commercially available single by Prince to contain a co-credit other than Prince's own band (following "U Make My Sun Shine" featuring Angie Stone; singles featuring Sheena Easton were credited only to Prince). The song had been broadcast (as an edited studio recording) during Prince's appearance on the TV series New Girl on February 2, 2014. It was premiered on radio station 102.3 KJLH, based in Los Angeles, California, before being available to stream in full the following week on iHeart Radio's website and on 3rdEyeGirl YouTube account. "Fallinlove2nite" (without Deschanel's vocals) was included on Prince's 38th studio album Hit n Run Phase One when it was released in September 2015, but this project is believed to have come later.[by whom?] In retrospect, however, "Fallinlove2nite" can be considered the album's first single. Background (Prince's first on Epic Records) "Fallinlove2nite" is the sixth track on Prince's 38th album Hitnrun Phase One. 18 months earlier, however, a slightly different version was released on the stand-alone digital single Fallinlove2nite (Prince's first on Epic Records) in March 2014. The song was first broadcast (as an edited studio recording) on February 2, 2014, during Prince's appearance on the TV series New Girl. The full studio version was premiered (along with Funknroll) in March 2014, on radio station 102.3 KJLH, based in Los Angeles, California, before being available to stream in full the following week on iHeart Radio's website.[citation needed] The song was recorded specifically for the New Girl appearance, as vocals are shared between Prince and the show's lead actress Zooey Deschanel (who is also a professional singer, as one half of She & Him). Although the New Girl performance was intended to appear as though the track was being performed live, it was lip-synched over the studio recording. The song made a lengthier appearance when Prince spent a whole hour on the Arsenio Hall Show where he also performed "FunkNRoll" from his album Art Official Age, the Family's "Mutiny" and his B-side "She's Always in My Hair". B: Hardrocklover "Hardrocklover" is the eighth track on Prince's 38th album, "Hitnrun Phase One." It was released as the album's second single ten weeks before the album's launch. At the time of the single's release, no album had been announced. However, once the album was revealed, "Hardrocklover" was retroactively designated as the lead-off single, similar to how "Fallinlove2nite" had been labeled over a year earlier. The song was first made available to stream on the Prince3EG Soundcloud account the week before, and was added to Tidal before the single release. While specific recording dates are not known, a BBC interview with Joshua Welton seemed to confirm that Hardrocklover was recorded in late June 2015, very shortly before its release, at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota (on the same day as June). When discussing the track, Welton is quoted as saying: Prince said to me: "I need something that starts off quiet, and then I just want it to erupt and then I want you to go back… like this roller coaster". And so I said, "ok, cool". So Hardrocklover was done literally almost as soon as it came out. Actually, that and the last song on the album were made literally in the same hour. The lyrics mention ChantĆ© Moore (who did some recordings with Prince/ in 1995 and was also cited in Ripopgodazippa) and Babyface. The track title may have been inspired by the track Hard Rock Lover from the Mother’s Finest album Another Mother Further (the phrase "anotha motha furtha" was included on Funknroll, and the album also includes Baby Love, which was released as a live version by Prince on Indigo Nights). Production and Context Label: NPG Records / Legacy Recordings Do you have Fallinlove2nite / Hardrocklover in your collection? Ready for the 2026 covermount? Share in the comments! Sources Information is drawn from personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia and BBC Official Charts Company

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