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Thread started 04/27/05 6:36pm

artpal

Robin Power: Diary of an Uptown Dame and REHEARSAL TAPES

The following is a resumption of a thread that had to be pulled. I was permitted to repost highlights of my stories (summarized below). Please feel free to ask me questions as if in an interview format.

Background: Robin Power is a lost Prince protege who appeared as Morris Day's girlfriend in the "Graffiti Bridge" movie. Someone inquired about the "Uptown Dames," her band.

-----
Hi -

Sorry this response came so late but I just recently joined this site after I heard about this thread.

Robin Power did have a band called "Robin Power and the Uptown Dames". I was the musical director. We were supposed to tour as the opening act for Prince after the Graffiti Bridge movie but the movie - well - didn't do well. The band was not in the movie since we were assembled after it was shot.

After the movie was released, we were gathered together at Paisley Park to put together a show for the Glam Slam. There were two keyboard players, one drummer, one bass player, one guitar player, two dancers, one singer, and Robin. We were all women Robin had found from various parts of the country. We played a great show at the Glam in my opinion, but Prince had become interested in Carmen Electra and our album never materialized.

Other than "Number One," Prince wrote a bunch of other songs for Robin. We listened to the tape, but I never did get a copy. I do have a rehearsal tape, which includes another song Prince wrote for Robin called "The Teacher." He wrote the lyrics, but for some odd reason, he asked us to write our own music to it. He gave us fifteen minutes to write it while we were rehearsing at Paisley Park in the sound studio. When he came back, he applauded the music - we were so flabbergasted and flattered, although we knew we had all written a great piece of music.

We also performed another song with his lyrics called "Undercover Lover." Again, we were told to write our own music to it. The rest of the set comprised of songs written by other artists, including two by me and my associates outside of Paisley Park.

I am trying to figure out how to attach a photo of Robin at one of our rehearsals. If that doesn't work, sorry, I'll keep trying. I have more photos of the band if you are interested.

Thanks for the interest - I love reliving those days once in a great while.



Robin at rehearsal


Joanie on bass


Tracy on guitar, Lisa B on keyboards


Joanie, Liza (me) on keyboards, Dione the dancer and Alisa the singer further back


Top row left to right: Robin and Alisa
Second row left to right: Joanie, Kimberly (dancer), Tracy, Dione (dancer), Kim (drummer)
Front row: Liza (me) and Lisa - both keyboard players


-----

(Request for Dames music is made)

I can post copies of songs that I own copyrights to on my website - perhaps I'll have some time next week. After reading the rules of this site, I realize I shouldn't release anything with Prince's lyrics in it because of copyright law. I also shouldn't release any songs that were written by the artists other than me and Prince, also due to copyright law.

So sorry about not posting Prince's stuff. Does that mean you are no longer interested, or do you still want to hear whatever Dames music I can release?

Of course, you can hear more of Robin rapping and give her a more fair chance to judge whether or not she had any talent. In her defense, I'd like to say that Robin did have good stage presence, and I personally think she could rap. But that is coming from me, a girl who went to white girl school. smile You guys can be the judge.

I feel for Robin because she was such an underdog. She was indeed a strong black woman who had great survival instincts. She put together this band and had us put on a good show despite the fact that Prince had started turning away. I couldn't judge what she did to fight the odds in life and in Paisley Park, since I have not walked in her shoes; but I had to admire her guts and tenacity. I consider her the Rocky Balboa of Paisley Park - she (and we) went the distance and that dang sure is nothing to sneeze at.

Anyway, whaddaya say?

-----


Hey - I was searching through my pile of dusty tapes and found Prince's fully produced version of "Undercover Lover." I was mistaken - we did not rewrite the music to this song - we just turned it into a house version. So I can't release that music either. Was that song ever released, or are there other copies of it floating out there amongst the Prince freaks? I am hoping I have something valuable here. nana

-----


Thanks for the welcome! You've really been that interested in the band? Frankly, we didn't think anyone cared. At the end, we simply tried to go on with our lives. It's nice to know someone does care after all. I found an old article about Robin in Essence Magazine:

http://www.findarticles.c...ai_9252045

Perhaps that is what you remember reading.

Before the movie was released, Robin and the Dames did a music video of "Number One." I bet you that video is in the vault. I never did get a copy of it, dargonnit. Prince asked us to act real wild in the video and told me to put my foot on my keyboard at some point. On one take, I fell on my butt - which made him chuckle in the edit suite.

He worked us to near death that day. We did so many takes, I thought I was going to collapse. Joanie had pneumonia (but would not miss this for the world) and had to sit down and put a coat on in between takes. One of the dancers had to throw up in the trash can. Krystal, you ask me what Prince was like? Well, that's one of the things about him. But we were willing to go the distance.

After that, we were flown back home, waiting for the call to return again after the movie was released.

Stay tuned for more stories...

-----

artpal¤
04/06/05 7:07am
Joined 3/05
Guess - just guess - who introduced Carmen Electra to Prince? But first, read this article:

http://www.geocities.com/...2/bio.html


"Was it you? Wow, interesting! Too bad Carmen's singing career never took off but I guess it all worked out for the best. "



Nope. Twasn't me. tease




-----

So anyway, months after the music video shoot, I’m still waiting for that call to return to Paisley. Meanwhile, my songwriting partner Jon and I own a small recording studio where we could write and produce songs for ourselves and other artists.

I’m not sure if this was before or after the Graffiti Bridge movie flopped, but one day Robin finally called me up. Her voice had this urgent tone to it. She told me that Prince was no longer interested in finishing her album but was willing to give her one last chance to put the Dames together and impress him with a great show at the Glam Slam. And that he would not help us. Robin had noticed in my resume that I not only play keyboards, but also write and produce my own music in my own studio. She said, “You can direct us, can’t you? And help finish the album?”

So I was thinking to myself, “So… in essence, you want me to fill in Prince’s shoes?” shocked omfg But on the outside I said to her, “Sure, no problem.” whistling

Robin then told Prince that I would be directing the band and helping to write the rest of the songs for the album. According to Robin, Prince replied something along the lines of, “You think you girls can direct yourselves without any help?” mad

Now looking back at it, I believe Prince was expecting us “helpless chicks” to fall on our faces and let Robin exit gracefully. We didn’t know it at the time, but when he met Carmen, that was in his mind the end of Robin Power and the Uptown Dames. And we hadn’t even played one gig.

Ironically, because he set us free artistically, I will be able to release you some music from the Uptown Dames (coming soon - I’m having technical difficulties right now).

Meanwhile, I’ll keep you entertained with more stories…

-----

Ready for another story? campfire

Somehow, Robin convinced Prince that yes, we could do this. So he agreed to fly us to Minneapolis to get the band together. Our mission was to learn the songs, take care of any technical requirements, create a set order with transitions, choreograph, get costumes together, etc. etc. And we only had two weeks to do it. Egad - if you are a musician, you might know what a demanding schedule that is. I had no other option than to say let's do it.

My associates and I quickly produced two songs for Robin. She loved them. One of them was just a groove to which she could write her own rap. The other was music and rap. Since we were short on time, she sought material from other artists as well - I'm not sure who they are.

We assembled the collection on audio cassette and sent copies out to the musicians in different parts of the country. Since we did not have much time, we all agreed to learn all the songs by ourselves at home before we even got to Paisley Park.

When I got to Minneapolis, I met most of the musicians for the first time. By the second day, we were able to play our whole set because we had done our homework. The Paisley Park people were shocked - not only because we learned the set so fast, but also because we were women and we did it all by ourselves.
We earned our respect, and the president of Paisley started showing more interest in us. Even Prince started lending us a few tips here and there. Imagine - picking the brain of Prince! I couldn't believe what was happening... yet it was so hectic - it all seems like a blur to me right now.

-----

“I love you artpal. I just LOVE you! Prince seems to be a bit of a male chauvanist, did you get that vibe??”

Does that surprise you? Look at how he dresses his female protoges. Watch his movies again. Listen to the songs these protoges sing. The thing is, the whole music industry is this way - I'm not trying to pick on Prince or Paisley Park.

On top of being women, we were selected for our looks as well as our talent. And if you think about it for a minute, if you are a good looking woman, you might get the first job more easily; but at a higher level, it is even more difficult to prove your competence. I think you can probably relate to that, can't you, Krystal?

-----

Thanks for the compliment, Krystal. Hey - I'm not complaining - if I had three eyes and one eyebrow, there is no way I could have had this and other similarly wonderful experiences. It's sort of a double edged sword. But if someone told me I could be on tour or work with Prince as long as I wore makeup, heels, and sexy outfits, I was like - "okay!" sexy

I hope I don't seem egotistical bringing up looks. It's just that the subject was constantly brought up. They told us why they wanted us. We were constantly told to go to the gym, wear this, wear that, eat this don't eat that. I was just a musician minding my own business and people just kept bringing up that subject.

I actually feel insecure about my looks - I felt like I didn't quite belong in that group. I later learned that most of us felt that way. I guess we were all brainwashed by the advertisement media and couldn't match up to the "ideal." But hey - everyone was bringing up the subject of our looks - so at least on an abstract level we had to believe it sometimes.

And we were prejudiced against ourselves. When I wrote down some music off the top of my head for the other keyboard player, she said she was surprised. She thought we were just a bunch of pretty airheads. (Ironically, that bunch included her.) I must admit, I have those same stereotypes. So we had internalized the same prejudices.

Anyway, sorry I have not posted the music yet - I've been busy running my company and now I have to leave town for a week. I'm not sure how often I'll have internet access.

Meanwhile, y'all have a good week!

-----


Krystal666 said:
Oh artpal, I was wondering if you remember your first encounter with Prince? Were you scared? Nervous? Didn't really care? Were you a Prince fan before you worked with him? So curious!


Let’s see – the first time I met Prince… First of all, yes, I was a fan and I still am. However, my brand of fandom is that of a musician to musician admiration. I marvel at how well his music and lyrics work so well together – as if one cannot survive without the other. I marvel at how well he plays so many instruments. I marvel at his showmanship. I am not the kind of fan that keeps track of all the personalities in his world -not that there’s anything wrong with that wink – that’s just me. The one trivia I did get excited about was the fact that Prince enjoyed using the Emax sampler keyboard/module. That excited me because I liked the Emax too. In fact, when I was on tour with Stacy Lattisaw a few years earlier, my nickname in the group was “Emax.”

The first time I met Prince was when we were filming the video for “Number One.” We were working hard physically – dancing, moving etc. – to make the video cool. It went on and on and on until finally, on one take, Prince suddenly walked into the huge sound stage that we were shooting in. He was wearing a purple outfit and just stood there watching us. To me it felt surreal – like – is this really happening? I was thinking, “Got to keep working hard and doing my job – while trying to keep cool at the fact that Prince is watching us. “ So I kind of kept an eye on him from the corner of my eye while moving to the music behind my keyboard. When the song ended, he just kind of threw his head back and affectedly strutted away like a Beethoven-type supergenius. It was so surreal.

He never spoke directly to me – even when I was the musical director. He told Robin what to tell us and she relayed to us what his directions were. He did speak one sentence to me later on in the game – I’ll tell you that story later. Because of that vibe, I got the sense that it was not cool to initiate any conversation with him, much less ask him for his autograph etc.

When he walked back into the videotaping session to view the footage, he stood right next to me. The first thing that struck me was how little he was. He was my height with his big heels on. (I’m five foot four inches). He was kinda quiet. He had that male/female androgynous symbol on his back. So that was him – kinda quiet and unapproachable.

But it was still exciting for me.

-----
"What was Robin like?"


Robin... Robin... I actually got to know Robin pretty well, so it's hard to know where to begin. She grew up in Chicago - the rough part as I remember. She had a hard life and had to deal with poverty. I vaguely remember stories of her not having heat etc.

Because of her beauty, she was able to escape that through show biz, as you well know. After her stint at Paisley Park, she married basketball star Donald Royal of the Orlando Magic team. In fact, they were already dating when I was in MN.

The last time I spoke to her was in the year 2000, and it sounded like she was doing pretty well. They had a daughter. She was still in touch with Prince and told me he had become a Jehovah's Witness. I have since lost touch with her. (Hey Robin, if you are out there reading this, I'm trying to reach you okay? Send me an org note or something.)

Anyway, if you think she looked good in the movies, you should see her in person. She is much more beautiful in person. She had a strong personality but she was generally nice and respectful towards us Dames. She was very driven for success and would do what it takes to get there. She was quite resourceful too.

She and I come from polar opposite backgrounds. I come from a background of privilage etc. etc. So it was quite an adjustment for me to share an apartment with her and some of the other Dames. One nice part about being a musician is that you get to work with people who are from different backgrounds, races, etc. from yourself. It's definitely an enriching experience.

I'm not sure I should say much more. I got to know her so well, that I might inadvertantly invade her privacy. I think I'll just end it here if that's okay.

-----

"Artpal, did I miss a post or did you just not ever tell us who DID introduce Carmen to Prince? Was I suppose to assume it was Robin if it wasn't you? I've re-read this thread 4 times and I'm not seeing it, so who was it? Thanks."


dancing jig You got it! It was Robin! Ironic, huh?

-----

Okay - I'll cut the bs. Robin liked sex and was not ashamed of it. This article pretty much sums up the Robin I knew:

http://www.ejeanlive.com/basket.htm

I myself am an artsy fartsy moral relativist, so my whole attitude towards her was "to each her own." I remember Robin telling me that Prince changed her name from "Robin Herron" to "Robin Power" because of her strong independent personality and drive. smile

-----

(Request was made to tell stories about other celebs I met)

I was briefly introduced to Rosie and the keyboard player of NPG (white guy with long brown hair – I forget his name). They were generally nice, but the meeting was so brief, that’s all I can say. The real stories come from my meeting Jerome and Sheila E. I’ll start with Jerome:

As I previously said, I was not the kind of fan that kept track of Prince’s surrounding personalities. I was a musical nerd, ok? geek So when I met Jerome it was a comedy of errors.

One night some of the Dames, Robin, and I decided to go out to a club where the MN Vikings and other celebs hang out. I forget the name of the club. Anyway, we dress up, primp, parade into the club, and sit down at the bar. I already had a boyfriend, so I went just to hang with the girls. Soon, this regular looking black dude with a baseball cap sat down next to me and said, “Hi, I’m Jerome.” In my ignorance, I simply said, “Hi, I’m Liza (pronounced Leeza).” I think he could tell by my blank but polite facial expression that I was not particularly impressed by him. But he was persistent – and luckily I was polite. We talked on and on about I don’t remember what, and then he finally asked me if we could get together sometime. I told him no thanks cuz I already had a boyfriend. He kept persisting and I kept saying no thanks. Thank God I was otherwise polite and friendly. Cuz when I was riding in our car back to the apartment, I learned who he was.

The girls said, “Liza, do you know who that was?”
“No,” I said. shrug
“That was JEROME!”
“Jerome who?”
“Jerome Benton!”
“Who’s Jerome Benton?”
The girls were bursting out laughing at me. “Remember the guy who held out Morris Day’s mirror in the Purple Rain movie? That was Jerome!”
“Oh…” I said, “Ohhhhh. Oh shit.” duh
They just kept laughing at me. That’s also when I learned that Jerome had a thing for Asian women (I’m Asian).

If I had known, I could have asked him more interesting questions like what was Prince like etc. I must say he was nice enough to take the rejection like a good sport. He seemed really nice – just like a regular guy.

Here are some pictures of how we looked when we went to the club that night (taken in Robin’s apartment). I’m in the first photo.










-----


As far as Sheila E is concerned – no, I didn’t snub her. In fact, I’m sorry to say that she snubbed us Dames.

She and a friend came in un-announced to see one of our rehearsals and listened to us play for a while. They were kinda walking around amongst us checking out the band. Can you imagine playing and watching that out of the corner of your eye? (And yes, I knew who Sheila was wink ).

On the outside, we played it cool; although inside, we were star-struck-panting-drooling-fans-turned-Paisley-Park-newbie-protégé-subordinates.

When we finished a song, something happened but I didn’t see it cuz I was the musical director and probably was distracted by some technical concern. (I kinda wish I hadn’t been the director cuz I probably would have enjoyed myself more like some of the other Dames.)

Anyway, they walked around and stopped and leaned against the wall close to me. Sheila looked good and was dressed to the tee and she had these shades on. She and her friend seemed kinda distant (and I’m very sensitive to that) so I didn’t say anything. I vaguely remember one of the Dames saying, “It’s an honor to meet you,” or something like that, and she barely acknowledged that. She was really on the “I’m a such a star" vibe. So what else do you say? Nothing – ya just kinda stare. But not too long cuz you don’t want to look like too much of a geek. Soon they left.

Later on, I learned that our drummer Kim had tried to say something (probably while I was distracted) but apparently felt snubbed. Which is such a shame because Sheila was Kim’s idol – being a female drummer and all. Kim said she was so disappointed and lost respect for Sheila. I felt so sorry for Kim – imagine your idol becoming a reality and treating you like that. I still feel for her.

I guess while we admired Sheila, she probably saw us as competition. Too bad – we didn’t see it that way at the time. On the other hand, she could have just been uncomfortable with our hero worship – I’ve seen other celebs become quiet cuz of that when I was on tour with them.

Here are some more rehearsal photos –

First, Robin and singer Alisa at rehearsal.




Here's one of Kim the drummer and me.




Here, I'm being distracted by some sort of techie concern.



Well where do we go from here folks? Any questions? smile
[Edited 5/7/05 20:08pm]
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #1 posted 04/27/05 7:11pm

sosgemini

avatar

is that robin on guitar? she plays?
Space for sale...
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Reply #2 posted 04/27/05 7:42pm

artpal

sosgemini said:

is that robin on guitar? she plays?



No, that's Joanie, who looks a little like her. Prince noticed that they looked alike.

Joanie was my bud. We were both from the Washington DC area. She's the one who got me this job. She had already worked with Jam and Lewis, so they called her for the band first. Robin told her that they were considering Joanie (black woman) or some other woman, who was Asian, to be the bass player. They would prefer to have a black woman on bass (fits the stereotype better) if Joanie happened to know of an Asian keyboard player (me!).

I remember when she called. She asked, "So what are you up to these days?"

"Oh, I'm in a play at the Studio Theater. It's really kinda cool..."

"Well drop everything and forget that," she interrupted.

"Huh?" (I thought being in a real play was kinda impressive) confused

"You're gonna be in a band that Prince is putting together. We're gonna open for him on his next tour and back his new protoge Robin Power. Quick - send them your tape and headshot. NOW!!!"

shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked

Joanie and I had been in other bands together - people always wanted to put us together in a band cuz of that "look" thing.

One of them was an all girl go-go band called "Pleasure." Boy that was scary - we saw fights and guns and chairs flying at some gigs. We musicians felt safe on the stage, though, cuz nobody wanted to shoot the musicians. smile

On top of that, the other girls played some real bad jokes on us - apparently cuz we were like "light skinned" blacks to them. Once they bought special outfits for a big gig and "forgot" to get our outfits. We had to play in whatever we happened to be wearing. From then on, Joanie and I wore our own matching outfits to gigs.

I've lost touch with Joanie over the years. I hope she's okay.
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #3 posted 04/27/05 7:47pm

sosgemini

avatar

my goodness, you have such an awesome memory for details...i read each and every post with my mouth open...

so are you still in the industry?
Space for sale...
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Reply #4 posted 04/27/05 7:54pm

artpal

sosgemini said:

my goodness, you have such an awesome memory for details...i read each and every post with my mouth open...


so are you still in the industry?


I have an IQ of 200 and a photographic memory.

smile Just kidding. I knew the thread might be pulled, so I copied everything

I write music for TV, film and video. My favorite is a documentary I scored for the Discovery Channel.

It took me a while to recover from this Prince thing falling apart, so for years, people had to pay me to write music. I'm just now starting to write for myself again. I do have a song on a compilation album called "Octaves Beyond Silence." Predictably, it is about life's disappointments. You can google that or find it at amazon.com.
[Edited 4/27/05 19:59pm]
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #5 posted 04/27/05 7:55pm

sosgemini

avatar

cool..thanks!! have you hung out at the org musician forum? theres some awesome musicians doing their thing over there..
Space for sale...
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Reply #6 posted 04/27/05 7:57pm

artpal

sosgemini said:

cool..thanks!! have you hung out at the org musician forum? theres some awesome musicians doing their thing over there..


I posted once there. I should check it out some more.
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #7 posted 04/28/05 5:03am

laurarichardso
n

artpal said:

sosgemini said:

is that robin on guitar? she plays?



No, that's Joanie, who looks a little like her. Prince noticed that they looked alike.

Joanie was my bud. We were both from the Washington DC area. She's the one who got me this job. She had already worked with Jam and Lewis, so they called her for the band first. Robin told her that they were considering Joanie (black woman) or some other woman, who was Asian, to be the bass player. They would prefer to have a black woman on bass (fits the stereotype better) if Joanie happened to know of an Asian keyboard player (me!).

I remember when she called. She asked, "So what are you up to these days?"

"Oh, I'm in a play at the Studio Theater. It's really kinda cool..."

"Well drop everything and forget that," she interrupted.

"Huh?" (I thought being in a real play was kinda impressive) confused

"You're gonna be in a band that Prince is putting together. We're gonna open for him on his next tour and back his new protoge Robin Power. Quick - send them your tape and headshot. NOW!!!"

shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked

Joanie and I had been in other bands together - people always wanted to put us together in a band cuz of that "look" thing.

One of them was an all girl go-go band called "Pleasure." Boy that was scary - we saw fights and guns and chairs flying at some gigs. We musicians felt safe on the stage, though, cuz nobody wanted to shoot the musicians. smile

On top of that, the other girls played some real bad jokes on us - apparently cuz we were like "light skinned" blacks to them. Once they bought special outfits for a big gig and "forgot" to get our outfits. We had to play in whatever we happened to be wearing. From then on, Joanie and I wore our own matching outfits to gigs.

I've lost touch with Joanie over the years. I hope she's okay.

-----
Hey, just want to give a shout out to a fellow D.C area person. I remember Pleasure they were a really good band. (Don't worry about the guns and violence at Pleasure show. It is a D.C. thing (LOL) >
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Reply #8 posted 04/28/05 5:10am

ScarletteP

avatar

Girl, go ahead with your bad self. I think you're probably over it, but I just wanted to say don't let nobody- especially P back in the day- make you feel like you or any of the other girls were anything less than absolutely talented and worth it.

I'm sorry to hear about the way Sheila treated your drummer too. For the most part she seems like she'd be a pretty decent person... Maybe it was a really shitty/hard day for her... With P (@ that point in time) hanging over one's head, you all could probably well understand how that could be. Also, I know she was very sick for many years, which may have had something to do with it too.

The moral of the story is that- never mind any of our professions- we all have to take matters into our own hands (and obviously you did!). Irregardless of him or anybody else, you have your own career (and you seem like an awesome writer BTW!). If you stay strong & focused enough, you'll come out on top & MF's will be kicking themselves. It's a sort of trial by fire... Those who walk through, survive and keep doing that thing irregardless (& it sounds like you are in the here & now) are the ones who sky rocket. All others fall to the wayside.

Hey, where can I/we hear your solo stuff?
Also a big shout out to Laura R for the J-Bean interview... And DC rox!
Much respect ladies,
ScarletteP
Nasty girls, dance, dance, DANCE!
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Reply #9 posted 04/28/05 5:53am

kidcreole

ScarletteP said:

Girl, go ahead with your bad self. I think you're probably over it, but I just wanted to say don't let nobody- especially P back in the day- make you feel like you or any of the other girls were anything less than absolutely talented and worth it.

I'm sorry to hear about the way Sheila treated your drummer too. For the most part she seems like she'd be a pretty decent person... Maybe it was a really shitty/hard day for her... With P (@ that point in time) hanging over one's head, you all could probably well understand how that could be.

Also, I know she was very sick for many years, which may have had something to do with it too.

The moral of the story is that- never mind any of our professions- we all have to take matters into our own hands (and obviously you did!). Irregardless of him or anybody else, you have your own career (and you seem like an awesome writer BTW!). If you stay strong & focused enough, you'll come out on top & MF's will be kicking themselves. It's a sort of trial by fire... Those who walk through, survive and keep doing that thing irregardless (& it sounds like you are in the here & now) are the ones who sky rocket. All others fall to the wayside.

Hey, where can I/we hear your solo stuff?
Also a big shout out to Laura R for the J-Bean interview... And DC rox!
Much respect ladies,
ScarletteP



What does "P hanging over one's head" mean? Didnt he make Sheila and all those other proteges famous in the forast place? Didnt he give them their breaks?
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Reply #10 posted 04/28/05 11:05am

artpal

laurarichardson said:

Hey, just want to give a shout out to a fellow D.C area person. I remember Pleasure they were a really good band. (Don't worry about the guns and violence at Pleasure show. It is a D.C. thing (LOL) >



highfive

Hey Homey! Glad to know ya! smile

Joanie and I were in that band for only a few months. Pleasure's lead singer Michelle (?) and some other originals left, so the manager hired us. Towards the end, they wanted us to sign a very suspicious looking contract so we said no thanks (we knew we had that Prince gig anyway). So whatever did happen to Pleasure after we left? I didn't keep track.

I also played a few college tour gigs with TRJ - a faction of Trouble Funk after they broke up - the one with Taylor, Dyke and James (TRJ).

And I also toured with another homegirl Stacy Lattisaw.

DC rocks, yes it does!
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #11 posted 04/28/05 11:14am

artpal

ScarletteP said:

Girl, go ahead with your bad self. I think you're probably over it, but I just wanted to say don't let nobody- especially P back in the day- make you feel like you or any of the other girls were anything less than absolutely talented and worth it.

I'm sorry to hear about the way Sheila treated your drummer too. For the most part she seems like she'd be a pretty decent person... Maybe it was a really shitty/hard day for her... With P (@ that point in time) hanging over one's head, you all could probably well understand how that could be. Also, I know she was very sick for many years, which may have had something to do with it too.

The moral of the story is that- never mind any of our professions- we all have to take matters into our own hands (and obviously you did!). Irregardless of him or anybody else, you have your own career (and you seem like an awesome writer BTW!). If you stay strong & focused enough, you'll come out on top & MF's will be kicking themselves. It's a sort of trial by fire... Those who walk through, survive and keep doing that thing irregardless (& it sounds like you are in the here & now) are the ones who sky rocket. All others fall to the wayside.


ScarletteP, I can't tell you how much you just touched me. Seriously. I actually went to the piano and started playing something from the heart. I think I'll call it "New Beginning." smile

Yes, I did get over it. Over the years, I started seeing what seemed like a series of disappointments as in fact a series of exciting adventures that ended when they ended. I am grateful for them. That's why I am now happy to share my stories about Prince with fond memories. I wear all the rejection I got in my career as a badge of honor.

Hey, where can I/we hear your solo stuff?
Also a big shout out to Laura R for the J-Bean interview... And DC rox!
Much respect ladies,
ScarletteP


I have that one song "New Little Girl" on the "Octaves Beyond Silence" benefit CD. Maybe I'll post that on my website so you don't have to buy the whole CD. Meanwhile, you can hear what I've done for TV and Film on my website at http://www.artpal.tv/MusicDemo.html

Thanx for your interest! smile

Are you from DC too?
[Edited 4/28/05 11:22am]
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #12 posted 04/28/05 12:00pm

laurarichardso
n

artpal said:

laurarichardson said:

Hey, just want to give a shout out to a fellow D.C area person. I remember Pleasure they were a really good band. (Don't worry about the guns and violence at Pleasure show. It is a D.C. thing (LOL) >



highfive

Hey Homey! Glad to know ya! smile

Joanie and I were in that band for only a few months. Pleasure's lead singer Michelle (?) and some other originals left, so the manager hired us. Towards the end, they wanted us to sign a very suspicious looking contract so we said no thanks (we knew we had that Prince gig anyway). So whatever did happen to Pleasure after we left? I didn't keep track.

I also played a few college tour gigs with TRJ - a faction of Trouble Funk after they broke up - the one with Taylor, Dyke and James (TRJ).

And I also toured with another homegirl Stacy Lattisaw.

DC rocks, yes it does!

-----
Pleasure just disappeared like a lot of good Go-Go bands. Only the new Thug Go-Go gets any airplay or club dates around the city.
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Reply #13 posted 04/28/05 12:26pm

ScarletteP

avatar

What does "P hanging over one's head" mean? Didnt he make Sheila and all those other proteges famous in the forast place? Didnt he give them their breaks?[/quote]

Kid Creole- love your nickname! Prince did HELP to make people famous, but many of them had their own stuff going on well before (The Time, St. Paul (The Family), Sheila E., Vanity & Apollonia, Sinead O'Connor, etc). He has had (still does) thousands of great ideas, is a genious at marketing and possesses a truly unparallelled creative vision... He also is a great songwriter as well as an amazing live performer, but (from what many of us here in Minneapolis know) is a maniacal perfectionist (borderline egomaniac too)... To the point of having ABSOLUTELY no regard for their emotional state. Music is just like any other job & when you're working w/ people, you need to respect them... I don't care if you're The Beatles or Elvis. It's the golden rule- DO UNTO OTHERS. Know what I mean? Genious or not, we're all human.

Artpal, thanks for your words & the stories! They've been a facsinating read. I just peeped several of your soundbites & you're BADASS! I really can see how it/things would have been a big dissapointment, though... Especially when you all put so much love into it. Like I said, though, you're rocking it here & now... And ain't nobody gonna stop you!

Am not from DC (am a Minneapolis girl like Krystal), but get out there a couple times a year... love Baltimore too! You still over there?

Last but not least, I want a copy of NEW BEGINNING when you're done smile
XO
Scarlette P
[Edited 4/28/05 12:29pm]
Nasty girls, dance, dance, DANCE!
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Reply #14 posted 04/28/05 12:29pm

ScarletteP

avatar

ps, why did they pull this thread before?
Nasty girls, dance, dance, DANCE!
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Reply #15 posted 04/28/05 12:32pm

sosgemini

avatar

ScarletteP said:

ps, why did they pull this thread before?



because there was a slip of the toungue in regards to something personal that artpal felt should not have been said on her part...we mods agreed but it was too hard to edit out the statement so artpal and anxiety agreed to pull the thread and start a new....

all previous information has been carried over by artpal who deserves a lot of credit for showing discression.
Space for sale...
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Reply #16 posted 04/28/05 1:08pm

BlaqueKnight

avatar

kidcreole said:


What does "P hanging over one's head" mean? Didnt he make Sheila and all those other proteges famous in the forast place? Didnt he give them their breaks?


Sheila had a career long before Prince. She was Lionel Ritchie's percussionist right before the whole Prince thing.
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Reply #17 posted 04/28/05 4:28pm

Ifsixwuz9

avatar

laurarichardson said:

artpal said:




highfive

Hey Homey! Glad to know ya! smile

Joanie and I were in that band for only a few months. Pleasure's lead singer Michelle (?) and some other originals left, so the manager hired us. Towards the end, they wanted us to sign a very suspicious looking contract so we said no thanks (we knew we had that Prince gig anyway). So whatever did happen to Pleasure after we left? I didn't keep track.

I also played a few college tour gigs with TRJ - a faction of Trouble Funk after they broke up - the one with Taylor, Dyke and James (TRJ).

And I also toured with another homegirl Stacy Lattisaw.

DC rocks, yes it does!

-----
Pleasure just disappeared like a lot of good Go-Go bands. Only the new Thug Go-Go gets any airplay or club dates around the city.




"Thug Go-Go" lol I guess that's a good name for it. Gawd that crap sucks. Gimme some good ole Chuck Brown "Go-Go Swing" anyday...all 18 mins. That cut still rocks like 20 years later.

"Wind em' up Chuck! Wind 'em up!"

By the way - yes I'm from D.C. too. smile
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll play it first and tell you what it is later.
-Miles Davis-
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Reply #18 posted 04/28/05 7:55pm

artpal

Gimme some good ole Chuck Brown "Go-Go Swing" anyday...all 18 mins. That cut still rocks like 20 years later. "Wind em' up Chuck! Wind 'em up!"



headbang

By the way - yes I'm from D.C. too. smile


highfive


How bout these guys? Pump pump pump pump me up!


[Edited 4/28/05 20:13pm]
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #19 posted 04/28/05 8:08pm

artpal

Am not from DC (am a Minneapolis girl like Krystal), but get out there a couple times a year... love Baltimore too! You still over there?


Yup. Got too much family here to leave.

Last but not least, I want a copy of NEW BEGINNING when you're done smile
XO
Scarlette P


Aw shucks... sure why not? (blush)
[Edited 4/28/05 20:08pm]
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #20 posted 04/29/05 12:26am

JesseDezz

Thanks for the cool stories, Artpal - there are some cool "people in the know" here at the org.

Oh yeah, you're pretty hot, too razz
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Reply #21 posted 04/29/05 12:07pm

Ifsixwuz9

avatar

artpal said:

Gimme some good ole Chuck Brown "Go-Go Swing" anyday...all 18 mins. That cut still rocks like 20 years later. "Wind em' up Chuck! Wind 'em up!"



headbang

By the way - yes I'm from D.C. too. smile


highfive


How bout these guys? Pump pump pump pump me up!


[Edited 4/28/05 20:13pm]



Ha! Trouble Funk...
"We gon' drop the bomb on the SE Crew!, Drop the bomb, drop the bomb. Tell me SE Crew now wha'cha gonna do? Drop the bomb, drop the bomb!" dancing jig

Thanks for sharing the stories. And digging up some old go-go memories smile
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll play it first and tell you what it is later.
-Miles Davis-
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Reply #22 posted 04/29/05 12:14pm

artpal

JesseDezz said:

Thanks for the cool stories, Artpal - there are some cool "people in the know" here at the org.

Oh yeah, you're pretty hot, too razz



You're welcome! And thanks for the compliment. You really like that mullet? lol
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #23 posted 04/29/05 12:23pm

JesseDezz

artpal said:

JesseDezz said:

Thanks for the cool stories, Artpal - there are some cool "people in the know" here at the org.

Oh yeah, you're pretty hot, too razz



You're welcome! And thanks for the compliment. You really like that mullet? lol


Yeah, JesseDezz can work with that lol
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Reply #24 posted 04/29/05 4:10pm

artpal

Ifsixwuz9 said:

Thanks for sharing the stories. And digging up some old go-go memories smile


You're welcome! smile

HA! What a segue - if you like go-go then you might like "Robin Power and the Uptown Dames'" opening song of the show. This is from a rehearsal tape (as you know, we never did the studio/album thing with it). As in your Miles Davis quote, first I'll play it, then I'll tell you about it. smile

Here it is!!!

http://www.garageband.com...RobinPower


[Edited 4/29/05 16:14pm]
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #25 posted 04/29/05 4:28pm

Ifsixwuz9

avatar

artpal said:

Ifsixwuz9 said:

Thanks for sharing the stories. And digging up some old go-go memories smile


You're welcome! smile

HA! What a segue - if you like go-go then you might like "Robin Power and the Uptown Dames'" opening song of the show. This is from a rehearsal tape (as you know, we never did the studio/album thing with it). As in your Miles Davis quote, first I'll play it, then I'll tell you about it. smile

Here it is!!!

[snipped]
http://www.garageband.com...RobinPower



To be honest. I like the music a lot but, Robin's rapping...uhh, err..no. smile
I know she's your girl and all but ... shake

Thanks for sharing. I'd never heard of the band until you posted here. You had real potential. Too bad your project never really got off the ground.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll play it first and tell you what it is later.
-Miles Davis-
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Reply #26 posted 04/29/05 6:03pm

artpal

To be honest. I like the music a lot but, Robin's rapping...uhh, err..no. smile
I know she's your girl and all but ... shake

Thanks for sharing. I'd never heard of the band until you posted here. You had real potential. Too bad your project never really got off the ground.


I'm glad you like the music. smile

As far as Robin is concerned - don't worry I don't take it personally. Heck, I just worked there. whistling
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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Reply #27 posted 04/30/05 12:08pm

Krystal666

avatar

Wow, now you are REALLY making me wish the Uptown Dames cut an album! Thanks artpal! biggrin
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Reply #28 posted 04/30/05 1:30pm

Terilicious

avatar

Artpal, just listened to Robin Powers and The Uptown Dames.

It's so interesting listening to music from the past. At the time you don't think about how dated it will sound in the future. This is not at all meant to put down your music. I liked the music. I loathe Robin's "rapping". I detest the timbre of her voice, her style, her writing. Did the Dames ever consider regrouping without her or was it all-Robin, all-Prince or nothing at all?
[Edited 4/30/05 13:30pm]
I AM BEATLOAF
www.myspace.com/teriteriboberi
www.stickam.com/profile/Beatloaf
www.myspace.com/americasfunnyman
www.stephenking.com
www.tomgreen.com

I'm my own favorite orger and that trumps any elitist list you guys can come up with.
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Reply #29 posted 04/30/05 8:59pm

artpal

Krystal666 said:

Wow, now you are REALLY making me wish the Uptown Dames cut an album! Thanks artpal! biggrin



hug
The blessings and curses of being beautiful - a documentary
http://www.beautydocumentary.com

Read about my experiences working with Prince and Robin Power
http://www.prince.org/msg/5/143228
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