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Reply #120 posted 07/26/16 8:50am

Telecaster5

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PURPLEIZED3121 said:

http://www.rollingstone.c...y-20160425 Alex articles like that reinspire me. As a writer I would hope you knock on the door of people like Van Jones, Llondell. In latter years there was an obvious shift to being a better person, helping others, being hands on with countless other artists etc. The article above is one account of many out there. I am also hopeful that you will be empathetic to him or indeed anyone who had an addiction...lets save the hatchet jobs for TMZ! 1 question for you i guess...will your book focus on the whole picture i.e. music, health, relationships, business etc OR is this going to be purely a music focussed assessment / summary of his latter career? I assume many who worked with him will already be planning their own books so interviews might be harder?

Thanks for sharing this article! That´s the kind of story we wanna read about!

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Reply #121 posted 07/26/16 12:56pm

BartVanHemelen

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Telecaster5 said:

LuxLove said:

The only book I'd be interested in at this point would be one that focused soley on the last 16 years- F the 80s purple rain blah blah, F the 90s name change & label war we've heard it all before.

Agreed. I´d like more focus from 2000 on... he always said in interviews that he didn´t looked back, so why keep him stuck in Purple Rain and label war again?

.

Yet his concerts were 80%-90% Purple Rain-era material. He failed to promote or perform his latest music and didn't keep it in print. He has repeatedly used unreleased music from the 1980s to sell new projects ("Splash", "Empty Room", "Extralovable",...). His piano tour was a look back at his career. And I bet his bio/book would have largely focused on his 1980s hits.

© Bart Van Hemelen
This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties, and confers no rights.
It is not authorized by Prince or the NPG Music Club. You assume all risk for
your use. All rights reserved.
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Reply #122 posted 07/26/16 1:06pm

TrivialPursuit

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BartVanHemelen said:

And I bet his bio/book would have largely focused on his 1980s hits.


Well, that's assuming he's writing a book on how/why songs were written (maybe). I do think that when the WB struggle really kicked into gear, and took off, that he'd have written a lot about that as well. It's apple and oranges, but I do believe there were just as many stories to tell in the 90s (between WB, Mayte, the $100M deal, The Undertaker, etc) as there were for the 80s (relationships, band members, the movies, Black album/Lovesexy, etc). At least, that's what I'd have hoped for.

[Edited 7/26/16 13:07pm]

"eye don’t really care so much what people say about me because it is a reflection of who they r."
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Reply #123 posted 07/27/16 8:28am

smoothcriminal
12

BartVanHemelen said:

Telecaster5 said:

Agreed. I´d like more focus from 2000 on... he always said in interviews that he didn´t looked back, so why keep him stuck in Purple Rain and label war again?

.

Yet his concerts were 80%-90% Purple Rain-era material. He failed to promote or perform his latest music and didn't keep it in print. He has repeatedly used unreleased music from the 1980s to sell new projects ("Splash", "Empty Room", "Extralovable",...). His piano tour was a look back at his career. And I bet his bio/book would have largely focused on his 1980s hits.

If only...would've loved to see it happen but we lost him so soon after he announced it.

But let's be honest, it probably would've been shelved anyways. lol

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Reply #124 posted 07/27/16 11:24am

AlexHahn

Hey guys, thanks for the ongoing thoughts and questions. To address a few of the recent ones:

  1. It will definitely be a multi-volume biography. The pace of releases, and how the whole thing goes, will depend on how the first volume does.
  2. As far as what I hope to accomplish in the first volume, I'm trying to create a complete and accurate factual record, and to tell an incredibly important and interesting story about my/our favorite musician ever. There are definitely biographical stories that have been passed inaccurately from book to book, so I'd like to create a clearer and sounder record. (But I'm not perfect, anymore than anyone else.)
  3. As much as I love the comments on this thread, when people say "I'm not buying it unless there are new revelations," sorry, it's probably not the book for you, and I think you can save the cash. I'm not focussing on breathtaking revelations, but rather am trying to the story completely and with more texture than has been done to date. There is definitely new information out there (including stuff in the public domain that hasn't been widely disseminated) and I feel like Laura and I are on the verge of hitting on some pretty significant new stuff, but I'm not encouraging people to buy it for that reason.
  4. There will be a strong element of cultural history in the book, putting Prince's story and music in context and exploring how he impacted things. It also goes back very deep in time.
  5. I think that this book will be something that hardcore fans can geek out over, but that's by no means the sole intention -- I'd like it to a book that would interest even non-fans.
  6. We're planning on doing a kickstarter for a limited edition print version of the first volume, but want to wait until I'm closer to done to get it started.
  7. Thanks again for the ongoing interest. Please feel free to join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/309126952765104/
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Reply #125 posted 07/28/16 1:58pm

Eileen

AlexHahn said:

We're planning on doing a kickstarter for a limited edition print version of the first volume, but want to wait until I'm closer to done to get it started.


Sounds great, glad to hear this. thumbs up!

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Reply #126 posted 07/29/16 3:35pm

AnnaStesia10

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Great Alex thank you for the update. I am down to purchase the limited edition print version of the 1st volume for sure!!

+++

Peace -

AnnaStesia10

"A strong spirit transcends rules." - Prince
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Reply #127 posted 07/29/16 5:03pm

purplethunder3
121

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Eileen said:

AlexHahn said:

We're planning on doing a kickstarter for a limited edition print version of the first volume, but want to wait until I'm closer to done to get it started.


Sounds great, glad to hear this. thumbs up!

cool

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." --Plato

https://youtu.be/CVwv9LZMah0
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Reply #128 posted 07/29/16 5:18pm

AlexHahn

Hey guys! Although this is perhaps of limited importance for we English-speakers who want to read the book, "Possessed" has been republished in German. It's called "Possessed: The Turbulent Life of Prince." I've posted some pics in the Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/...952765104/

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Reply #129 posted 07/29/16 6:52pm

wonder505

The timing of this thread doesnt sit right with me at all, but best of luck to you. The only book I would be interested in at this time are his memoirs. The little he was able to get out before his passing. should the family ever decide to release it. I would rather read his own words over and over.

[Edited 7/29/16 18:53pm]

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Reply #130 posted 07/30/16 6:51am

theartistirl

wonder505 said:

The timing of this thread doesnt sit right with me at all, but best of luck to you. The only book I would be interested in at this time are his memoirs. The little he was able to get out before his passing. should the family ever decide to release it. I would rather read his own words over and over.

[Edited 7/29/16 18:53pm]

I'm with you. I am just not up for it and won't be buying. It is about the music for me. I am sure I am not perfect, and neither was Prince. He remained private, and I think I will respect that. I am currently reading Geroge Clinton's own book and enjoying it. It is so interesting to read about his influences, and journey in his own words. It is like a "word jigsaw" as you picture how everything evolved while reading.

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Reply #131 posted 08/01/16 6:14am

BartVanHemelen

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djThunderfunk said:

Seriously though, Bart is not wrong on this. Look back at any of the threads about Prince books and you'll find limited interest here on the org.

.

Case in point: http://prince.org/msg/7/429955

.

Now granted, that title is far from clear (I mean, why the fuck isn't the word "book" in that thread's title?), but still...

.

Then again, this just proves the weakness of the Org, especially when it comes to news etc. If you're lucky it gets stickied or frontpaged, but even then chances are updates are buried somewhere on page 12.

© Bart Van Hemelen
This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties, and confers no rights.
It is not authorized by Prince or the NPG Music Club. You assume all risk for
your use. All rights reserved.
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Reply #132 posted 08/01/16 9:15am

QueenofCardboa
rd

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.

"I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters," Donald Trump
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Reply #133 posted 08/02/16 11:15am

CharlieGriffin

TrivialPursuit said:

Goddess4Real said:

I hope its not another cut and paste job (I can spot those a mile away!). Also I would like to see more info about The Time and Vanity 6 and the author's reaction to the Prince's show in Australia this year, in particular the Melbourne show...where Prince spoke so candidly. Thanks in advance biggrin


Did you read Possessed? It was far from a cut and paste job. If you want that, go get that heifer Liz Jones' book. She referenced most of the Oprah interview without one bit of credit to the show or its host or producers. God, I hated that I spent money on that. I bought it the same time I bought Crystal Ball.

Looked for it on Amazon, and the prices are outrageous, over $300! Not happening for me. A classic example of price gouging and freakin greeed. no no no!

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Reply #134 posted 08/02/16 12:24pm

babynoz

theartistirl said:

wonder505 said:

The timing of this thread doesnt sit right with me at all, but best of luck to you. The only book I would be interested in at this time are his memoirs. The little he was able to get out before his passing. should the family ever decide to release it. I would rather read his own words over and over.

[Edited 7/29/16 18:53pm]

I'm with you. I am just not up for it and won't be buying. It is about the music for me. I am sure I am not perfect, and neither was Prince. He remained private, and I think I will respect that. I am currently reading Geroge Clinton's own book and enjoying it. It is so interesting to read about his influences, and journey in his own words. It is like a "word jigsaw" as you picture how everything evolved while reading.



yeahthat

Now there's even going to be a kickstarter. Shameless hustle. This is the second thread. He started the first one barely two weeks after Prince passed. disbelief


I enjoyed George Clinton's book too.

Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise.
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Reply #135 posted 08/02/16 6:06pm

laurasmpls

I really loved the book possessed. I still can't get over the first page of the book is from April 21, 1986 with him having heart palpitations and drinking too much wine--pretty eerie. Bought the book for $9 on Amazon (that included shipping) on April 17 and it was shipped to me on the 23😞The people who were quoted in the book were some of the closest to him, so it seemed to document his genius and his humanity. He was as complex as they come and I look forward to an honest account of the man.
[Edited 8/2/16 18:09pm]
[Edited 8/2/16 19:12pm]
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Reply #136 posted 08/02/16 8:08pm

AlexHahn

laurasmpls said:

I really loved the book possessed. I still can't get over the first page of the book is from April 21, 1986 with him having heart palpitations and drinking too much wine--pretty eerie. Bought the book for $9 on Amazon (that included shipping) on April 17 and it was shipped to me on the 23😞The people who were quoted in the book were some of the closest to him, so it seemed to document his genius and his humanity. He was as complex as they come and I look forward to an honest account of the man.
[Edited 8/2/16 18:09pm]
[Edited 8/2/16 19:12pm]

Thanks very much Laura😀
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Reply #137 posted 08/02/16 8:43pm

luvgirl

Edited
[Edited 8/2/16 20:44pm]
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Reply #138 posted 08/03/16 1:35am

Krystalkisses

avatar

AlexHahn said:

  1. We're planning on doing a kickstarter for a limited edition print version of the first volume, but want to wait until I'm closer to done to get it started.

I'm interested in a print version as well. wave

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Reply #139 posted 08/03/16 3:58am

Purplestar88

Good luck with your book but I am not interested in it. I have yet to read a bio about Prince that make me feel like I know more about him.

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Reply #140 posted 08/04/16 7:52pm

keslie70

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CharlieGriffin said:



TrivialPursuit said:




Goddess4Real said:


I hope its not another cut and paste job (I can spot those a mile away!). Also I would like to see more info about The Time and Vanity 6 and the author's reaction to the Prince's show in Australia this year, in particular the Melbourne show...where Prince spoke so candidly. Thanks in advance biggrin




Did you read Possessed? It was far from a cut and paste job. If you want that, go get that heifer Liz Jones' book. She referenced most of the Oprah interview without one bit of credit to the show or its host or producers. God, I hated that I spent money on that. I bought it the same time I bought Crystal Ball.



Looked for it on Amazon, and the prices are outrageous, over $300! Not happening for me. A classic example of price gouging and freakin greeed. no no no!



Those prices are crazy, especially when some people are selling "former" library books with the stickers on them. The important thing to remember is that Alex has nothing to do with that and he's not making money from other people selling his book. I've noticed that people here have asked Alex to re-release or revisit the book. Please consider his invitation to join the Facebook page, I did and it's been cool to see the team communicate with the members and ask for feedback. I like where they're going with this and appreciate what the team is doing.
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Reply #141 posted 08/06/16 5:16am

LauraTiebert

Kelsie70, you are 100% correct, Make the House Shake is NO cut and paste job. I can attest that Alex and I are spending hundreds of hours (no doubt soon to be thousands) on our own original research and writing. There is no cutting corners here -- ask my poor family who's wondering what I'm doing all these early mornings and late nights!

Also echoing Kelsie70's words here ... over on the Make the House Shake Facebook page, we're looking for input from Prince fans and are having a blast learning from each other via some very active discussions. The book will ultimately be richer for these conversations. Please join us! We value everyone's input! Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/...952765104/

HUGE thanks to everyone here for their support and of course to the Org. How incredibly lucky are we as Prince fans to have this place as our online home? What an incredible resource and gift to Prince fans (and researchers and writers) everywhere.

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Reply #142 posted 08/06/16 5:32am

luvgirl

Mr Hahn: Looking forward to reading this book and the updated Possessed. Vanity is a beloved protégé here from us Prince fans. Would love to see more updated information on the Prince and Vanity era if possible.
[Edited 8/10/16 18:17pm]
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Reply #143 posted 08/06/16 8:46am

Misslink88

If you consider all of the things Prince predicted, drove or spear-headed in the industry, this could be a very good work in the classical "hero's journey" sense.

The concept was introduced by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), who described the basic narrative pattern as follows:

A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man

God is my Sugar Daddy.
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Reply #144 posted 08/06/16 8:58am

LauraTiebert

Oh, wow!! MissLink88, funny you should mention "hero's journey." Developing that type of story arc has been very much in the forefront of our minds as we craft the book. I've always admired "The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler and use it often.

I'd love to hear more from anyone who has thoughts on Prince's life as a hero's journey (if this thought process sounds nuts to those who aren't writers, you've now gotten a glimpse into how the sausage gets made! LOL). I'm going to start a thread over on our FB page so we can discuss "the hero's journey" idea in more depth. Please join us!

Luvgirl, we are currently working hard on Prince's early years and the second volume will include Vanity. Noted that readers want more of Prince and Vanity!

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Reply #145 posted 08/06/16 12:11pm

Misslink88

LauraTiebert said:

Oh, wow!! MissLink88, funny you should mention "hero's journey." Developing that type of story arc has been very much in the forefront of our minds as we craft the book. I've always admired "The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler and use it often.

I'd love to hear more from anyone who has thoughts on Prince's life as a hero's journey (if this thought process sounds nuts to those who aren't writers, you've now gotten a glimpse into how the sausage gets made! LOL). I'm going to start a thread over on our FB page so we can discuss "the hero's journey" idea in more depth. Please join us!

Luvgirl, we are currently working hard on Prince's early years and the second volume will include Vanity. Noted that readers want more of Prince and Vanity!

Agreed, Laura. When you look at his contributions as a whole, he doesn't get nearly enough credit for his maverick ways and ensuing changes. In essence, he was kinda like the "scout" you send out to scope the terrain and report back before you venture on any path.

God is my Sugar Daddy.
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Reply #146 posted 08/06/16 1:48pm

destinyc1

Mr Hahn ,How much will the book cost?I will purchase it.

[Edited 8/12/16 14:43pm]

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Reply #147 posted 08/10/16 6:09pm

Morningstarlet

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I was finally able to get Possessed from the library and started reading it tonight. So far I like it. biggrin
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Reply #148 posted 08/16/16 4:06am

PURPLEIZED3121

BartVanHemelen said:

Telecaster5 said:

Agreed. I´d like more focus from 2000 on... he always said in interviews that he didn´t looked back, so why keep him stuck in Purple Rain and label war again?

.

Yet his concerts were 80%-90% Purple Rain-era material. He failed to promote or perform his latest music and didn't keep it in print. He has repeatedly used unreleased music from the 1980s to sell new projects ("Splash", "Empty Room", "Extralovable",...). His piano tour was a look back at his career. And I bet his bio/book would have largely focused on his 1980s hits.

Bart you must be genuinley pleased that you no longer will ever have to hear him play his hits again...you got your wish. How much the vast majority of us though would give just to him play those damned hits again.

Prince kept his audiences - on the whole - blissfully happy across the world. A big part of the global love shown is through his consistent touring, after shows etc. He connected in a unique way & we miss him dearly. So, kindly look back & focus on the good memories he gave you & please find something good to say & at least respect the fact that he recorded & performed for years in pain.

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Reply #149 posted 09/02/16 1:00pm

djThunderfunk

avatar

PURPLEIZED3121 said:

BartVanHemelen said:

.

Yet his concerts were 80%-90% Purple Rain-era material. He failed to promote or perform his latest music and didn't keep it in print. He has repeatedly used unreleased music from the 1980s to sell new projects ("Splash", "Empty Room", "Extralovable",...). His piano tour was a look back at his career. And I bet his bio/book would have largely focused on his 1980s hits.

Bart you must be genuinley pleased that you no longer will ever have to hear him play his hits again...you got your wish. How much the vast majority of us though would give just to him play those damned hits again.

Prince kept his audiences - on the whole - blissfully happy across the world. A big part of the global love shown is through his consistent touring, after shows etc. He connected in a unique way & we miss him dearly. So, kindly look back & focus on the good memories he gave you & please find something good to say & at least respect the fact that he recorded & performed for years in pain.


There's no denying Bart's bitterness, but, he's not wrong. I expect within a couple years we'll see a live album, most likely a compilation. It will probably be focused on the hits and my attitude will be "meh, the aftershows are better". I know the last time I saw him live (Louisville 2015) I was disappointed in the focus on hits. That said, it was clear that the vast majority of those in attendence just saw one of the best shows of their lives. So, it is what it is. That's what's so great about Prince, there's something for everyone. Even Bart. (You know he loves something about Prince since he's still here & still grumbling). biggrin

Liberty > Authority
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