I mean really what is her purpose?? yes she sings, but i would pay to hear her sing as much as she does at a P concert!

avasdad said:

I mean really what is her purpose?? yes she sings, but i would pay to hear her sing as much as she does at a P concert!

I'm guessing you mean you wouldn't pay?

put your hands up

would have no problem paying...i think she gets too much exposure...people spend allot of money to see Prince and to listen her would be painful!

Christ...W&L more much more talented and contributed more musically and they got NO stage time!

avasdad said:

would have no problem paying...i think she gets too much exposure...people spend allot of money to see Prince and to listen her would be painful!

Christ...W&L more much more talented and contributed more musically and they got NO stage time!

W&L got enough stage time and then some when they were with Prince. Both sang along with him and he often namechecked them in his songs. Just both of them being in the Purple Rain movie, and once being a part of his band during that time period, most fans know who they are, and they benefitted, as musicians, from the popularity of that classic movie. That movie gave them household names, and helped to shine light on their talent. Everytime someone watches Purple Rain for the first time, they get to see W&L's roles in that movie I say that because every year someone sees that movie for the first time, W&L's roles in that movie were given major screen time, so yes both W&L have had the opportunity to benefit from Prince's career, and will always be known as part of the Revolution's history.

About ShelbyJ, an amazing and powerful singer. She can sing point blank, and more than likely produces a sound Prince seems to be happy with, so why would she be 'pointless', if Prince seems to be satisfied with her talent? It is obvious he has major respect for her not only as a bandmember, but as a close friend. Yes people come to see Prince when they pay their money, but does that mean he can't have other band members perform with him, and shine the light on their skills? He did it for W&L so why should it be different for any other that shares the stage with him, that he chooses to give a chance to show their talent?

With the two new band members, Hannah and Donna, I'm sure they were able to highlight their skills at the Dakota shows, and even if some may have their difference of opinions of them and question if they have the skills to match Prince's, well whether or not, I doubt we see these types of negative threads created inquiring if they are 'pointless' in his band or some other thread wishing they would just get out of Prince's band. It seems these types of threads are only created for 'particular' members of his band. Not saying you of course, but there's a history of threads like that on this site, only targetting certain musiicans that work with Prince. At the end of the day, regardless of how any of us feels about particular band members, it will be Prince who decides which musician(s)/artist(s) are relevant to the sound he's seeking, when hiring for his band. Thanks for asking.

[Edited 1/21/13 9:21am]

2elijah said:

With the two new band members, Hannah and Donna, I'm sure they were able to highlight their skills at the Dakota shows, and even if some may have their difference of opinions of them and question if they have the skills to match Prince's, well whether or not, I doubt we see these types of negative threads created inquiring if they are 'pointless' in his band or some other thread wishing they would just get out of Prince's band. It seems these types of threads are only created for 'particular' members of his band. Not saying you of course, but there's a history of threads like that on this site, only targetting certain musiicans that work with Prince. At the end of the day, regardless of how any of us feels about particular band members, it will be Prince who decides which musician(s)/artist(s) are relevant to the sound he's seeking, when hiring for his band. Thanks for asking.

[Edited 1/21/13 9:21am]

when he starts letting them sing lead for 1/4 to 1/3 of the show, you'll start seeing those threads. they haven't worn out their welcome yet. and said "put your hands up" 5,000 too many times on bootlegs.

errant said:

2elijah said:

With the two new band members, Hannah and Donna, I'm sure they were able to highlight their skills at the Dakota shows, and even if some may have their difference of opinions of them and question if they have the skills to match Prince's, well whether or not, I doubt we see these types of negative threads created inquiring if they are 'pointless' in his band or some other thread wishing they would just get out of Prince's band. It seems these types of threads are only created for 'particular' members of his band. Not saying you of course, but there's a history of threads like that on this site, only targetting certain musiicans that work with Prince. At the end of the day, regardless of how any of us feels about particular band members, it will be Prince who decides which musician(s)/artist(s) are relevant to the sound he's seeking, when hiring for his band. Thanks for asking.

[Edited 1/21/13 9:21am]

when he starts letting them sing lead for 1/4 to 1/3 of the show, you'll start seeing those threads. they haven't worn out their welcome yet. and said "put your hands up" 5,000 too many times on bootlegs.

I don't think ShelbyJ singing 1/3 or 1/4 of the show has anything to do with the reason behind the complaints. It is moreso. which band member Prince chooses to shine the light on, and fans thinking they have some special privilege to tell a musician/artist, which band mamber has a right to be on stage with him and how long.

I don't think you will see the same complaints with Donna or Hannah, even if he gave them 5 solos a piece during any show or left the stage, for a few moments and gave them their shine, and you won't see threads created by some fans degrading them, on the level, that has been seen towards some of his other band members here. There are just some fans who want to dictate what type of musician/artist Prince should only have on stage with him, present their talents or how long they should be allowed to perform with him.

During Musicology, Prince shined the light on John Blackwell, giving him plenty room for solo moments during that tour. When Sheila E toured with him, many times she shared that stage with him, for a very lengthy periods during her time on stage during a show. I didn't see the same complaints. If ShelbyJ is presenting the sound he wants, then it's obviously clear that she is. Same with the other 2 backup singers. One thing for sure, all 3 backup singers have talent.

[Edited 1/21/13 11:48am]

2elijah said:

errant said:

2elijah said:

I don't think ShelbyJ singing 1/3 or 1/4 of the show has anything to do with the reason behind the complaints. It is moreso. which band member Prince chooses to shine the light on, and fans thinking they have some special privilege to tell a musician/artist, which band mamber has a right to be on stage with him and how long.

I don't think you will see the same complaints with Donna or Hannah, even if he gave them 5 solos a piece during any show or left the stage, for a few moments and gave them their shine, and you won't see threads created by some fans degrading them, on the level, that has been seen towards some of his other band members here. There are just some fans who want to dictate what type of musician/artist Prince should only have on stage with him, present their talents or how long they should be allowed to perform with him.

During Musicology, Prince shined the light on John Blackwell, giving him plenty room for solo moments during that tour. When Sheila E toured with him, many times she shared that stage with him, for a very lengthy periods during her time on stage during a show. I didn't see the same complaints. If ShelbyJ is presenting the sound he wants, then it's obviously clear that she is. Same with the other 2 backup singers. One thing for sure, all 3 backup singers have talent.

[Edited 1/21/13 11:48am]

You know damn well you'd rather experience a Blackwell or Sheila solo for 45 minutes than listen to Shelbey caterwall her way through that Sarah Mclaughlin song for the 50th time.

Let me put your 'damness' in check. Wrong. As much as I can give John and Sheila E., their respect for the fantastic musicians that they are, I never had a problem with Prince giving them their shine, while performing on stage with him. It is through Prince introducing their drum skills to his audience, and letting the light shine on them, is why most Prince fans know who Sheila E and John Blackwell are.

As far as Shelby, I have no problem with her singing or how long she sings on stage with Prince. As a matter of fact, that Sarah McLaughlin song "Arms of an Angel', just happens to be one of my all-time favorite songs, and when Shelby sings it, she kicks the ass out of it, and sings it beautifully, along with the other 2 backup singers. Perhaps you can't relate to that type of sound in a singer, but it is obvious Prince does, which is more than likely why he chose her as one of his backup singers.

When you are blessed with a type of singing voice that many parents spend top dollar, only wishing their kids had a singing voice like Shelby's, then you know the difference between real talent vs manufactured, as there's a difference with being blessed with the natural ability to have such a powerful voice vs paying to have one like it.

[Edited 1/21/13 12:54pm]

SometimesIwonder said:

I disagree strongly Shelby J has such an outstanding voice, what a powerhouse & I love her presence on stage. I've only seen her once live & was apprehensive from the general low opinion of her on here. But boy did she prove all the haters wrong!! She blew me away & I can't wait to hear her perform again some day. She doesn't get enough credit for her God given talent on here & I find that really very sad. Really dig North Carolina, it's a top tune! Go Shelby!!

Sit down, Shelby.

be4 i saw shelby in concert with prince i had a negative thought due 2 reading all the horshit on here and when i walked up in the boncat arena was i proven wrong??? hell 2 the yes shelby lit that damn stage up with her awesome ass smile and her grooving stage appeal. wendy and lisa long go and of a whole different era that i dont wanna c return i am soo happy with how things are now.

only thing i wish is that instead of shelby and crew singing others songs they song some of the many many songs prince has done 4 others for instance i would love love 2 hear shelby sing come home by mavis staples elisa 2 sing ohh this i need or loves no fun and warfield can sing bed time story by sheila e

cbarnes3121 said:

be4 i saw shelby in concert with prince i had a negative thought due 2 reading all the horshit on here and when i walked up in the boncat arena was i proven wrong??? hell 2 the yes shelby lit that damn stage up with her awesome ass smile and her grooving stage appeal. wendy and lisa long go and of a whole different era that i dont wanna c return i am soo happy with how things are now.

only thing i wish is that instead of shelby and crew singing others songs they song some of the many many songs prince has done 4 others for instance i would love love 2 hear shelby sing come home by mavis staples elisa 2 sing ohh this i need or loves no fun and warfield can sing bed time story by sheila e

Yes, Shelby has been blessed with a powerful singing voice, and when singing along with Prince's other backup singers, Liv and Elisa, all 3 harmonize well together.

Not pointles, but doesn't really fit. She has talent and chops, but I'd rather hear her with a stripped down edgy/gritty soul band instead of taking up time I'd rather hear Prince do HIS thing.

[Edited 1/22/13 13:10pm]

Shelby's voice is fantastc. I don't think any of the background singers should go to the front of the stage, but then again Prince can't be everywhere, so they do no harm. The only thing I have consistently liked about recent Prince music is the quality of the background singing, and Shelby is the best of that group.

Not pointless. I think she's a great singer. Although unless she's an opening act, I don't need to hear her do a bunch of lead vocals at a Prince show.

2elijah said:

errant said:

2elijah said: You know damn well you'd rather experience a Blackwell or Sheila solo for 45 minutes than listen to Shelbey caterwall her way through that Sarah Mclaughlin song for the 50th time.

Let me put your 'damness' in check. Wrong. As much as I can give John and Sheila E., their respect for the fantastic musicians that they are, I never had a problem with Prince giving them their shine, while performing on stage with him. It is through Prince introducing their drum skills to his audience, and letting the light shine on them, is why most Prince fans know who Sheila E and John Blackwell are.

As far as Shelby, I have no problem with her singing or how long she sings on stage with Prince. As a matter of fact, that Sarah McLaughlin song "Arms of an Angel', just happens to be one of my all-time favorite songs, and when Shelby sings it, she kicks the ass out of it, and sings it beautifully, along with the other 2 backup singers. Perhaps you can't relate to that type of sound in a singer, but it is obvious Prince does, which is more than likely why he chose her as one of his backup singers.

When you are blessed with a type of singing voice that many parents spend top dollar, only wishing their kids had a singing voice like Shelby's, then you know the difference between real talent vs manufactured, as there's a difference with being blessed with the natural ability to have such a powerful voice vs paying to have one like it.

[Edited 1/21/13 12:54pm]

Sweetie, her name is Sarah MclaCHLAN, and the song is called "Angel". Can't be much of an all-time favorite song if you couldn't be bothered to find out the artist or song's name out correctly.

oceancrayon said:

oceancrayon said:

2elijah said:

Let me put your 'damness' in check. Wrong. As much as I can give John and Sheila E., their respect for the fantastic musicians that they are, I never had a problem with Prince giving them their shine, while performing on stage with him. It is through Prince introducing their drum skills to his audience, and letting the light shine on them, is why most Prince fans know who Sheila E and John Blackwell are.

As far as Shelby, I have no problem with her singing or how long she sings on stage with Prince. As a matter of fact, that Sarah McLaughlin song "Arms of an Angel', just happens to be one of my all-time favorite songs, and when Shelby sings it, she kicks the ass out of it, and sings it beautifully, along with the other 2 backup singers. Perhaps you can't relate to that type of sound in a singer, but it is obvious Prince does, which is more than likely why he chose her as one of his backup singers.

When you are blessed with a type of singing voice that many parents spend top dollar, only wishing their kids had a singing voice like Shelby's, then you know the difference between real talent vs manufactured, as there's a difference with being blessed with the natural ability to have such a powerful voice vs paying to have one like it.

[Edited 1/21/13 12:54pm]

Sweetie, her name is Sarah MclaCHLAN, and the song is called "Angel". Can't be much of an all-time favorite song if you couldn't be bothered to find out the artist or song's name out correctly.

Holy Jeebus! The world is going to end because I didn't spell a singer's name correctly or title of one of my favorite songs. Honeybunch, continue patting yourself on your back for making the correction, I'm not mad at you.

[Edited 1/23/13 7:15am]

I agree with the previous poster. Shelby J as a hypeman is tiresome and annoying as hell. In a concert setting, we don't need Shelby to "put out hands in the air". This is not a rap concert. The difference between Rosie Gaines and Boni Boyer was that they were instrumentalists and could "stay out of the way" while Prince sang and perform. She's been in the band long enough to perform her own songs as the opening act.

I wish he would ditch the background singers and go back to performing all vocals by himself live.

I will always be partial to the more subdued, blended or coy female vocals,

a wicked shout or screech here and there is nice

avasdad said:

would have no problem paying...i think she gets too much exposure...people spend allot of money to see Prince and to listen her would be painful!

Christ...W&L more much more talented and contributed more musically and they got NO stage time!

Seriously? Wendy and Lisa had the only acting/speaking parts of band members in Purple Rain, Fink & Bobby Z each had one line and Brown Mark didn't say a word. During the Parade Tour they performed I Wonder U while Prince was off stage. They also appeared with Prince on the cover of Rolling Stone and Wendy was the only band member in the Kiss video. They got plenty of time during their stint with him. Shelby is a good sing as well and you only really have to contend with her (if you don't like her) at live shows and it's not like she pushes Prince off the stage and starts belting out tunes.

HonestMan13 said:

avasdad said:

would have no problem paying...i think she gets too much exposure...people spend allot of money to see Prince and to listen her would be painful!

Christ...W&L more much more talented and contributed more musically and they got NO stage time!

Seriously? Wendy and Lisa had the only acting/speaking parts of band members in Purple Rain, Fink & Bobby Z each had one line and Brown Mark didn't say a word. During the Parade Tour they performed I Wonder U while Prince was off stage. They also appeared with Prince on the cover of Rolling Stone and Wendy was the only band member in the Kiss video. They got plenty of time during their stint with him. Shelby is a good sing as well and you only really have to contend with her (if you don't like her) at live shows and it's not like she pushes Prince off the stage and starts belting out tunes.

I agree. W&L had namechecks in Prince's songs, and like you said had the most speaking parts in Purple Rain and that is why they will be the former bandmates remembered the most. Even, when new viewers watch the Purple Rain for the first time, and the same for Morris Day and Jerome, because all 4 had major roles in that movie, including Jill Jones.

Both W&L received more than plenty of attention during Prince's Purple Rain era. and benefitted from it. Sheila E and Cat received the same during the LoveSexy eras as well, and Cat, Boni and Sheila E, helped to hype his audiences over the years. I also think Rosie's voice can't be missed in many of the songs she's done with Prince on his past cds. Her voice is much more towering than Shelby's, although Shelby has a powerful voice. Shelby's been with the likes of Santana, D'Angelo, Martin Luther, Anthony Hamilton and Larry Graham. If Prince didn't see any value in her singing talents, it's obvious she wouldn't have been a part of his NPG band..

He has apparently allowed his backup singers to be part of his stage performances, as he has done with former band mates. One can watch 'Sign of the Times' and see Cat, Boni and Sheila, Wally and that other guy (sorry forgot his name), sharing that stage with Prince, so Shelby and the other backup singers, 'hyping the audience' at various times, during a Prince concert or Prince dueting with ShelbyJ or giving her the opportunity to do a solo, as well as, when Liv, ShelbyJ and Elisa sing a song together, should be no surprise to fans. He's even give Nikka Costa some stage time with him. If Prince didn't extend the opportunity for other artists to share the stage with him, then you'd hear some fans complaining that 'He's selfish'. I remember when some claimed he did't let male musicians/artists share the stage with him, yet he has.

[Edited 1/23/13 13:07pm]

It is no use in trying 2 stick up 4 Shelby on here. I found out just how much she is hated when I posted a thread about her recent surgery. Barely anyone said any condolences toward her. It is so sad how much hate she & Larry get on here. I won't get into the reason I think it really is. I don't want to get ban..

Poor Tamar use 2 get the same hate....

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

It is no use in trying 2 stick up 4 Shelby on here. I found out just how much she is hated when I posted a thread about her recent surgery. Barely anyone said any condolences toward her. It is so sad how much hate she & Larry get on here. I won't get into the reason I think it really is. I don't want to get ban..

Poor Tamar use 2 get the same hate....

don't for get the Twinz

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

It is no use in trying 2 stick up 4 Shelby on here. I found out just how much she is hated when I posted a thread about her recent surgery. Barely anyone said any condolences toward her. It is so sad how much hate she & Larry get on here. I won't get into the reason I think it really is. I don't want to get ban..

Poor Tamar use 2 get the same hate....

She gets what she deserves.

Her performance, if you want to call it a performance, is plain and simple crap.

She and that oversized hat wearing pimp Graham are the worst things P has surrounded him with in the last 10-15 years.

I'd rather see Tony M. back then listening to those two farts.