Hello everyone,

Check out my brand-new interview with Susannah Melvoin of The Family on "Dyes Got the Answers to Ur ?s." The singer/songwriter talks about life, family, Quincy Jones, Clare Fischer, fDeluxe and, of course, Prince. You can read the story here:

http://beautifulnightschi...-with.html

Have a wonderful day.

-K

[Edited 4/18/13 17:56pm]

Nice interview. Out of all of Prince's love interests (that I know of anyway), she has always struck me as the most intelligent, unique and interesting.

Very nicely done. Thanks for doing these. And please do as many more as you can.

Thank you. That was a very cool read. I kind of want Susannah to adopt me. I hope fDeluxe keeps making and releasing music.

Just a heads up: for anymore who tried to read the story in the last hour, I was having some technical difficulties and the entire interview was not showing up. But as of Thursday at 6 p.m., everything is fine.

Great interview--enjoyed reading it. Thanks for posting!

Wasn't around during the Susannah/Prince period but it's clear she was his true love. Perhaps moreso than even Mayte. I also agree that she has the most poise, self assurance and intelligence out of all his girls!

peri1025 said:

Wasn't around during the Susannah/Prince period but it's clear she was his true love. Perhaps moreso than even Mayte. I also agree that she has the most poise, self assurance and intelligence out of all his girls!

I just read the article... Did I miss that part?

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

Efan said:

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

Did Susan write anything and not get credit for it? Because that would be the only legitimate complaint she would have in 2013 about money and Prince.

I am a little tired of the protegees and ex-girlfriencs carrying on about how they did not get paid back in the 80s. I had a minium wage job back in the 80s I quit that job and moved on to bigger and better things.

purple1968 said:

Efan said:

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

Did Susan write anything and not get credit for it? Because that would be the only legitimate complaint she would have in 2013 about money and Prince.

I am a little tired of the protegees and ex-girlfriencs carrying on about how they did not get paid back in the 80s. I had a minium wage job back in the 80s I quit that job and moved on to bigger and better things.

Did you read the interview?

She never complained about not getting any money.

She just made probably generally commentary about little checks, probably seems like she's making fun of it, she said it was the experience and the newness that mattered not the money, especially since she was young and at that age, money doesn't matter much.

purple1968 said:

Efan said:

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

Did Susan write anything and not get credit for it? Because that would be the only legitimate complaint she would have in 2013 about money and Prince.

I am a little tired of the protegees and ex-girlfriencs carrying on about how they did not get paid back in the 80s. I had a minium wage job back in the 80s I quit that job and moved on to bigger and better things.

I get what you're saying, because sometimes isome of their comments may give the impression, that there is a slight bitterness of some sort. Not saying there is, but often times it could be taken as such, and also probably based on their current financial status at time of being interviewed. I think some, not all, former Prince associates may sometimes look at how Pirnce has continued with his music career over the years without them, and maybe some, (again not all) wonder if they were still part of his band /or was invited to open for him at one of his shows/or just be invited to jam with him, if things would/could have been different/much better in their present-day music careers as well.

I gather some of them are seeing how he is still performing, making new music, hiring new band members, and promoting some new artists and giving those new artists the opportunity to highlight their talent, but at the same time, even though many of those former band members were part of his success during the Purple Rain era, Prince did help to highlight their talent and give them shine on stage as well, as they all worked together/performed, but at the end of the day, it was Prince, that most fans came to see perform. (Hope that doesn't sound too harsh).

The thing is, most of the former band members from the 80s, will always have his name as part of their resumé, during one of the most memorable times in his career, especially when he introduced the Minneapolis sound to the world, and brought many Minneapolis musicians in with him to do that. So some of those former, band members at least will always have that as part of their music history, even if they are not with him today, and regardless of the status of their relationship/friendship with him.

The music industry has changed dramatically these days, and it seems like image is more important to record execs/labels, moreso than real talent. It seems that unless you have a 'unique' sound or instrumental music talent that stands out/or know someone with enough clout/connections in the industry/or know a famous musican that can help promote you or discover you, then you are pretty much on your own as a self-promoting independent artist. I also find that many, older musicians/artists are not that well respected, by the music industry/or radio, as far as promotion or playing those musicians'/artists' music on the radio

[Edited 4/19/13 6:56am]

chocolate1 said:

peri1025 said:

Wasn't around during the Susannah/Prince period but it's clear she was his true love. Perhaps moreso than even Mayte. I also agree that she has the most poise, self assurance and intelligence out of all his girls!

I just read the article... Did I miss that part?

I hear you. I don't see how someone could come to that conclusiion unless they spoke to every woman Prince had a relatiionship with, including the two women he married.

Efan said:

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

I don't think she was making a big deal about it.

But, when we were that young, it was for the love of the music. I didn't have a family, so, I wasn't worried about the kids, the mortgage or anything like that. I was along for the ride.

OldFriends4Sale said:

Efan said:

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

I don't think she was making a big deal about it.

But, when we were that young, it was for the love of the music. I didn't have a family, so, I wasn't worried about the kids, the mortgage or anything like that. I was along for the ride.

I think because of the comment stated in the interview where she states "I wish I could pay my mortgage", is where readers may get the impression that Susannah is struggling to meet those payments, or like Efan assumed that she is broke. Unless it was the interviewer's comment. Maybe the interviiwer (MissEmeraldCity) can clarify if that was Susannah's comment as a joke or hers as a joke?

[Edited 4/19/13 7:12am]

2elijah said:

2elijah said:

chocolate1 said:

I just read the article... Did I miss that part?

I hear you. I don't see how someone could come to that conclusiion unless they spoke to every woman Prince had a relatiionship with, including the two women he married.

Hey, 2elijah!

MissEmeraldCity said:

2elijah said:

I think because of the comment stated in the interview where she states "I wish I could pay my mortgage", is where readers may get the impression that Susannah is struggling to meet those payments, or like Efan assumed that she is broke. Unless it was the interviewer's comment. Maybe the interviiwer (MissEmeraldCity) can clarify if that was Susannah's comment as a joke or hers as a joke?

[Edited 4/19/13 7:12am]

Every word, except for the intro, is Susannah's. As you can tell from the way it's written, it's an expository interview. She said it jokingly, but, she also told me to make sure I included it. I have not included any of my own opinions in this piece. Susannah read the interview and gave it her blessing. [Edited 4/19/13 7:45am]

Thanks for replying. Love reading your blogs by the way, and thanks for clarifying that inquiry. So I suppose now that Susannah's statement has been clarified, I gather although she may have said that in a joking manner, she did imply during at some point during the interview, that it's hard making money as a musician/artist in the music industry these days. I can certainly agree that the music industry has in fact changed in present day, and not as easy, if it ever was, to make it in that business, unless you know someone with major connections who is willing to help promote you.

I think using social media is definitely one of the best ways for independent artists to 'sell' themselves (so-to-speak), but they have to really work hard at promoting themselves and networking or 'grind' , a term many X-generationers have often and still use, when discussing working as hard as you can to get what you want and to where you want to go with your dreams/goals. I thought it was cool reading that she is a major fan of Aretha Franklin and her music though. Now I know why she was dancing all over the stage at Carnegie...she got bit by the 'soul' bug a while ago.

[Edited 4/19/13 8:58am]

Efan said:

2elijah said:

I hear you. I don't see how someone could come to that conclusiion unless they spoke to every woman Prince had a relatiionship with, including the two women he married.

Hey, 2elijah!

Hi Efan! You're such a sweetheart!

[Edited 4/19/13 8:57am]

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I don't think she was making a big deal about it.

But, when we were that young, it was for the love of the music. I didn't have a family, so, I wasn't worried about the kids, the mortgage or anything like that. I was along for the ride.

I think because of the comment stated in the interview where she states "I wish I could pay my mortgage", is where readers may get the impression that Susannah is struggling to meet those payments, or like Efan assumed that she is broke. Unless it was the interviewer's comment. Maybe the interviiwer (MissEmeraldCity) can clarify if that was Susannah's comment as a joke or hers as a joke?

[Edited 4/19/13 7:12am]

Yeah, but that comment is about now, not in 1985, when she said she had no mortgage to worry about.

*

The other part I took as her joking.

*

Interesting, I didn't know she was a studio singer in the Prince camp prior to the Family album, I mean I know she did the Ladder and assumed she might have done some other vocals, but it didn't hit me till this interview that she did a lot more, during the PR period, too.

purple1968 said:

Efan said:

This is the second former band member to comment recently on how little Prince paid. She kind of makes it sound like she's broke.

Did Susan write anything and not get credit for it? Because that would be the only legitimate complaint she would have in 2013 about money and Prince.

I am a little tired of the protegees and ex-girlfriencs carrying on about how they did not get paid back in the 80s. I had a minium wage job back in the 80s I quit that job and moved on to bigger and better things.

oh please, who from the 1980s have you heard complaining about not getting paid?

OldFriends4Sale said:

purple1968 said:

Did Susan write anything and not get credit for it? Because that would be the only legitimate complaint she would have in 2013 about money and Prince.

I am a little tired of the protegees and ex-girlfriencs carrying on about how they did not get paid back in the 80s. I had a minium wage job back in the 80s I quit that job and moved on to bigger and better things.

oh please, who from the 1980s have you heard complaining about not getting paid?

---------

JellyBean Johnson who is bitching in his interview which is linked on this board. Read it and come back and discuss.

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

I think because of the comment stated in the interview where she states "I wish I could pay my mortgage", is where readers may get the impression that Susannah is struggling to meet those payments, or like Efan assumed that she is broke. Unless it was the interviewer's comment. Maybe the interviiwer (MissEmeraldCity) can clarify if that was Susannah's comment as a joke or hers as a joke?

[Edited 4/19/13 7:12am]

Yeah, but that comment is about now, not in 1985, when she said she had no mortgage to worry about.

*

The other part I took as her joking.

*

Interesting, I didn't know she was a studio singer in the Prince camp prior to the Family album, I mean I know she did the Ladder and assumed she might have done some other vocals, but it didn't hit me till this interview that she did a lot more, during the PR period, too.

I don't think anyone said that comment about the mortgage wasn't about 'now', so not sure where you read it. She did say that she is happy she is not back in that time period, and is content where her life is now, but I think as far as musically, she may desire that if things were different in the music industry today, her career would be better than it is right now, and also doesn't deny that it is hard for musicians/artists today to get the kind of money they want to get paid, without solid backing to promote their music, and geting booked at venues.

[Edited 4/19/13 12:06pm]

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

Yeah, but that comment is about now, not in 1985, when she said she had no mortgage to worry about.

*

The other part I took as her joking.

*

Interesting, I didn't know she was a studio singer in the Prince camp prior to the Family album, I mean I know she did the Ladder and assumed she might have done some other vocals, but it didn't hit me till this interview that she did a lot more, during the PR period, too.

I don't think anyone said that comment about the mortgage wasn't about 'now', so not sure where you read it. She did say that she is happy she is not back in that time period, and is content where her life is now, but I think as far as musically, she may desire that if things were different in the music industry today, her career would be better than it is right now, and also doesn't deny that it is hard for musicians/artists today to get the kind of money they want to get paid, without solid backing to promote their music, and geting booked at venues.

[Edited 4/19/13 12:06pm]

My responses are directed at Purple1968:I am a little tired of the protegees and ex-girlfriencs carrying on about how they did not get paid back in the 80s.

*

Susannah had no complaints about anything from the 1980s in her posts, saying:when we were that young, it was for the love of the music. I didn't have a family, so, I wasn't worried about the kids, the mortgage or anything like that. I was along for the ride.

*

She said something about not having a mortgage in the 1980's, she's moved on yet appreciates that time period. Around the Musicology period she along with a few other band members began associating with Prince again, and leading up to the start of the "FDeluxe" project she along with Alan Leeds, and Paul Peterson were communicating with Prince, they hoped to do a song with him etc it didn't happen. She & Prince as far as I know are on good term.

*

I'm not disagreeing with anything U said about the music industry

*

My original responding was about Purple1968 gripe that all these 1980 proteges/girlfriends are bitching about not getting paid. Who:Jill Jones? Sheila E? the Time? Vanity? Susan & Brenda? I don't know of any of his 1980's proteges or girlfriends now complaining about not getting paid in the 1980's

[Edited 4/19/13 15:47pm]

purple1968 said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

oh please, who from the 1980s have you heard complaining about not getting paid?

---------

JellyBean Johnson who is bitching in his interview which is linked on this board. Read it and come back and discuss.

This thread is about Susannah Melvoin

share the link and I will discuss in that appropriate thread

Hell Brownmark didn't get his full PR pay till years after he left the band.

So just because someone may have an issue about something doesn't make it nonesense

Again.

Susannah was not complaining about not getting paid in the 1980s

She went on to do work with a lot of other popular entertainers from Madonna - Eric Clapton

Looking forward to listening to it, thanks for posting

edit: listening?.... reading? whatever, it's a brainfart moment. Thanks any way

[Edited 4/19/13 17:03pm]

nice read, thank you for posting

[Edited 6/20/15 19:00pm]

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I don't think she was making a big deal about it.

But, when we were that young, it was for the love of the music. I didn't have a family, so, I wasn't worried about the kids, the mortgage or anything like that. I was along for the ride.

I think because of the comment stated in the interview where she states "I wish I could pay my mortgage", is where readers may get the impression that Susannah is struggling to meet those payments, or like Efan assumed that she is broke. Unless it was the interviewer's comment. Maybe the interviiwer (MissEmeraldCity) can clarify if that was Susannah's comment as a joke or hers as a joke?

[Edited 4/19/13 7:12am]

I think I'd be more inclined to hold the recent exhusband more accountable for today's financials woes than I would the guy she worked for 30 years ago.

simm0061 said:

2elijah said:

I think because of the comment stated in the interview where she states "I wish I could pay my mortgage", is where readers may get the impression that Susannah is struggling to meet those payments, or like Efan assumed that she is broke. Unless it was the interviewer's comment. Maybe the interviiwer (MissEmeraldCity) can clarify if that was Susannah's comment as a joke or hers as a joke?

[Edited 4/19/13 7:12am]

I think I'd be more inclined to hold the recent exhusband more accountable for today's financials woes than I would the guy she worked for 30 years ago.

Good point. By the way, the author of the thread did clarify my inquiry in reply #15 on this thread.

[Edited 4/20/13 5:42am]

I LOOOOVE these innerviews! Thanks