Cat Glover, Boni Boyer, Sheila E, Eric Leeds & Atlanta Bliss

What did they do, where did they go after leaving Alphabet St?

I saw the Catwoman video for the first time, the other day

.

I left Prince's band in 1989 and it was my choice to leave. He did not fire me. I chose to leave, because, I'm mother's child-- I have morals, values and I could make my own decisions.
I was asked to do something I didn't agree with. So, I chose to leave. That was my decision, not Prince's decision. I wasn't offered (an opportunity for) a solo career before I left Prince. I was actually on a retainer while Prince was doing the "Batman" movie. He fired someone—but, he actually wanted me to fire that person-- and that's why I left.

.

Cat Glover on her unreleased solo album I Am Energy: When I moved to London, they wanted me to sign with Warner Bros., or WEA International (now Warner Music International), with Fargnoli. He had started his own (record) label called Red Dot Music. The album's title, I Am Energy, was, because, everyone said when they saw me on stage I had so much energy. Prince called me his endorphin. Most of my clothes (on the Lovesexy Tour) said "Endorphin."

Basically, everyone said "Cat, when you're around me, you give me so much energy." So, I called the album I Am Energy.
However, it was never released, because, of a conflict of interest. Fargnoli was my manager, but, he also owned the label. So, it was not working out. I asked to be released from my contract and (the album) never came out. There were no more releases after (the single) "Catwoman."

"Now it Rains" was on the b-side. They asked me out of all the songs, what would I like on the b-side, and that song was something different. I wrote that about Prince. "Now It Rains" is still my favorite song.

The album was completed. However, Simenon, my producer, actually owns the masters; Warner Bros. never paid him. He has all my masters. He produced everybody: Neneh Cherry, Seal and he did a lot of remixes for Prince. He's a really good friend of mine.

In early 1989 after leaving Prince's band,Cat began working on a solo album titled I Am Energy.These two songs are from that project.

"Catwoman" by Cat (1989)

Cat - Catwoman - YouTube

"Now It Rains" by Cat (1989)

Cat Glover - Now It Rains... - YouTube

"Catwoman" was released as a single in late 1989 but the album was never released.

OldFriends4Sale said:

.
I left Prince's band in 1989 and it was my choice to leave. He did not fire me. I chose to leave, because, I'm mother's child-- I have morals, values and I could make my own decisions.
I was asked to do something I didn't agree with. So, I chose to leave. That was my decision, not Prince's decision. I wasn't offered (an opportunity for) a solo career before I left Prince. I was actually on a retainer while Prince was doing the "Batman" movie. He fired someone—but, he actually wanted me to fire that person-- and that's why I left

not to be nosey,but do we know who that fired person is?

OldFriends4Sale said:

Sheila E

She didn't like the songs that Prince was planning for her fourth album,so in 1989,she got out of her Paisley Park Records deal and signed directly to WB.She began working on what became the Sex Cymbal album.

"Sex Cymbal" official music video by Sheila E.

Sheila E - Sex Cymbal - YouTube

It was sad in early 1989 when the Lovesexy Band was over.I really,really enjoyed the two years when they were Prince's band.I remember seeing the SOTT concert film in a theatre and I was practically dancing in the aisle that band was smokin!! I still think that was Prince's best band.

SoulAlive said:

It was sad in early 1989 when the Lovesexy Band was over.I really,really enjoyed the two years when they were Prince's band.I remember seeing the SOTT concert film in a theatre and I was practically dancing in the aisle that band was smokin!! I still think that was Prince's best band.

I love the Lovesexy unofficial npg as well. I don't think they had the 'creative' synergy he had with the Revolution though. I would have loved a Dream Factory band that consisted of the Revolution + Sheila E Juan Escovedo Eddie M Eric Leeds Atlanta Bliss David Coleman Suzi Katayama and Novi Novog Cat Jerome Susannah

.

but that is a different discussion lol

.

I too wanted to see them in the next phase. I was looking for them in the Batman videos... searching for Cat, where is Sheila

.

But I knew in 1987 this wasn't going to last, I expected by the end of Lovesexy something was going to disrupt again.

SoulAlive said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

.
I left Prince's band in 1989 and it was my choice to leave. He did not fire me. I chose to leave, because, I'm mother's child-- I have morals, values and I could make my own decisions.
I was asked to do something I didn't agree with. So, I chose to leave. That was my decision, not Prince's decision. I wasn't offered (an opportunity for) a solo career before I left Prince. I was actually on a retainer while Prince was doing the "Batman" movie. He fired someone—but, he actually wanted me to fire that person-- and that's why I left

not to be nosey,but do we know who that fired person is?

I don't know, I'm thinking Steve, but also a different assistant

OldFriends4Sale said:

SoulAlive said:

not to be nosey,but do we know who that fired person is?

I don't know, I'm thinking Steve, but also a different assistant

oh yeah...Steve Fargnoli was fired at that time and the other managers too.

Sheila E 1989 prior to release of Sex Cymbol

A Dream Defered

Proteges in the Shadows

Aborted Project

.

the UPTOWN DAMES -1989-90

.

Robin Powers (lead vocals)

Joanie on bass

Tracy on guitar,

Lisa B on keyboards

Liza on keyboards,

Dione the dancer

Alisa backup singer
Kimberly (dancer)

Kim (drummer)

http://prince.org/msg/5/143228

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...

-----

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 ).

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.

Stevie Knicks & Sheila E circa 1989

"In 1989, I finally quit his band and the whole organization. I was totally exhausted… I had left Prince’s band because I really felt his direction was wrong, I was uncomfortable, you know? I was changing and I knew something was missing, but I didn’t know what. I knew that my life had to change and I didn’t want to live that way anymore or be in that environment, where it was always so negative. It was just wrong."

"Number One" by ROBIN POWER and the UPTOWN DAMES (1989)

POWER IS #1 - YouTube

OldFriends4Sale said:

THE UPTOWN DAMES

Robin Powers (lead vocals)

Joanie on bass

Tracy on guitar,

Lisa B on keyboards

Liza on keyboards,

Dione the dancer

Alisa backup singer
Kimberly (dancer)

Kim (drummer)

http://prince.org/msg/5/143228

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.

OldFriends4Sale said:

"In 1989, I finally quit his band and the whole organization. I was totally exhausted… I had left Prince’s band because I really felt his direction was wrong, I was uncomfortable, you know? I was changing and I knew something was missing, but I didn’t know what. I knew that my life had to change and I didn’t want to live that way anymore or be in that environment, where it was always so negative. It was just wrong."

—

Sheila E: Playing to the Heartbeat of God, 2002

before she left,she recorded a bunch of songs for her planned fourth album on Paisley Park Records.

Album: Sheila E. (1989) - Prince Vault

• Side 1:

1. 3 Nigs Watchin’ A Kung Fu Movie
2. It’s A Hard Life¹
3. Chicken Legs¹
4. Knucklehead
5. Latino Barbie Doll

• Side 2:

1. Soul Company
2. Day After Day¹
3. Girl Power
4. The Ghetto
5. Scarlet Pussy

a few screenshots from Catwoman

The album songs seems scattered and unfocused.

Glamorous Life was the most cohesive Sheila E album

Sheila E(1986) was a very evolved mature album

SoulAlive said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

"In 1989, I finally quit his band and the whole organization. I was totally exhausted… I had left Prince’s band because I really felt his direction was wrong, I was uncomfortable, you know? I was changing and I knew something was missing, but I didn’t know what. I knew that my life had to change and I didn’t want to live that way anymore or be in that environment, where it was always so negative. It was just wrong."

—

Sheila E: Playing to the Heartbeat of God, 2002

before she left,she recorded a bunch of songs for her planned fourth album on Paisley Park Records.

Album: Sheila E. (1989) - Prince Vault

• Side 1:

1. 3 Nigs Watchin’ A Kung Fu Movie
2. It’s A Hard Life¹
3. Chicken Legs¹
4. Knucklehead
5. Latino Barbie Doll

• Side 2:

1. Soul Company
2. Day After Day¹
3. Girl Power
4. The Ghetto
5. Scarlet Pussy

OldFriends4Sale said:

The album songs seems scattered and unfocused.

Glamorous Life was the most cohesive Sheila E album

Sheila E(1986) was a very evolved mature album

SoulAlive said:

before she left,she recorded a bunch of songs for her planned fourth album on Paisley Park Records.

Album: Sheila E. (1989) - Prince Vault

• Side 1:

1. 3 Nigs Watchin’ A Kung Fu Movie
2. It’s A Hard Life¹
3. Chicken Legs¹
4. Knucklehead
5. Latino Barbie Doll

• Side 2:

1. Soul Company
2. Day After Day¹
3. Girl Power
4. The Ghetto
5. Scarlet Pussy

yeah,this album seems like a mess.Can this really be the correct song sequence? It's hard to believe that Sheila would open an album with a song called "3 Nigs Watchin' A Kung Fu Movie"

I've heard a few of these tracks and nothing really stood out.I can see why Sheila wasn't very impressed."Scarlet Pussy" doesn't belong here,imo."Girl Power" has a great concept,but the song really doesn't go anywhere.

I think that her third album (self-titled) is her strongest,most consistent album.I hate that it wasn't promoted very well.

SoulAlive said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

The album songs seems scattered and unfocused.

Glamorous Life was the most cohesive Sheila E album

Sheila E(1986) was a very evolved mature album

yeah,this album seems like a mess.Can this really be the correct song sequence? It's hard to believe that Sheila would open an album with a song called "3 Nigs Watchin' A Kung Fu Movie"

I've heard a few of these tracks and nothing really stood out.I can see why Sheila wasn't very impressed."Scarlet Pussy" doesn't belong here,imo."Girl Power" has a great concept,but the song really doesn't go anywhere.

I think that her third album (self-titled) is her strongest,most consistent album.I hate that it wasn't promoted very well.

There was references in the 87 draft of Bridge of Graffiti/Graffiti Bridge that his drummer was going to go her own direction (seems a hint at putting sheila e back as a protege)

Some of those songs seem to go into the direction of what could have been Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic or Graffiti Bridge

Wasn't Love & Sex connected to the 4th album? or was it her Sheila E album?

.

SHEILA E (1986) started out strong with Hold Me. But there were no videos until Koo Koo in 1987

the disolving of the Revolution really did have riple affects into the protege scene

OldFriends4Sale said:

SHEILA E (1986) started out strong with Hold Me. But there were no videos until Koo Koo in 1987

the disolving of the Revolution really did have riple affects into the protege scene

When she became Prince's drummer,it seems like her solo career was put on hold.Her third album didn't get the proper promotion and attention that it deserved."Hold Me" was getting some airplay on R&B stations but with no video,the song faded away quickly."Koo Koo" actually had a video,but it was not a good choice for a single.Songs like "Faded Photographs" and "Pride And The Passion" should have been singles.

At this point in his career,Prince had too much on his plate.He was trying to do too many different things.He was planning movies,touring,trying to run a record label,writing and producing for his proteges,and of course,writing and recording for himself.This may be an unpopular opinion but Prince probably should have slowed down at this point (86/87).He needed to get Paisley Park Records in order.

SoulAlive said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

SHEILA E (1986) started out strong with Hold Me. But there were no videos until Koo Koo in 1987

the disolving of the Revolution really did have riple affects into the protege scene

When she became Prince's drummer,it seems like her solo career was put on hold.Her third album didn't get the proper promotion and attention that it deserved."Hold Me" was getting some airplay on R&B stations but with no video,the song faded away quickly."Koo Koo" actually had a video,but it was not a good choice for a single.Songs like "Faded Photographs" and "Pride And The Passion" should have been singles.

At this point in his career,Prince had too much on his plate.He was trying to do too many different things.He was planning movies,touring,trying to run a record label,writing and producing for his proteges,and of course,writing and recording for himself.This may be an unpopular opinion but Prince probably should have slowed down at this point (86/87).He needed to get Paisley Park Records in order.

I still remember hearing Hold Me back then, it was played a lot as a good ballad/slow romantic song. It sounded different. It sounded more 'mainstream'. That song made me think at the time Sheila E might have left the Purple camp. I remember hearing/reading something about her and the song back then that suggested this song had no Prince involvement.

.

At having changed up her band members, I think that might have slowed down certain progression for her. Because I don't remember seeing/hearing much from her like I did with the Glamorous Life/Romance 1600 period. Plus she had Tony Toni Tone people in her band, and they were clearly not going to be there long. I believe they made a line about their issue with Prince when he took Sheila for his band in one of their songs something like 'I'm not going to be wearing Paisley...'

.

But she was in a good place with the 3rd album having done a lot of trench work since 1984. I think if she had the other(GL/Romance 1600) band members, and they were able to reap the benefits of now being albe to record music that fit the Prince vision would have been great.

.

I believe Sheila E did say Prince would ask if she wanted to do some of her songs on the tour, but she was done with it.

.

I missed Sheila E as a frontman. His 'kingdom' shrunk considerably in 1987 and it didn't recover in that aspect

Atlanta Bliss flat out retired

OldFriends4Sale said:

she had Tony Toni Tone people in her band, and they were clearly not going to be there long. I believe they made a line about their issue with Prince when he took Sheila for his band in one of their songs something like 'I'm not going to be wearing Paisley...'

Yeah,the Tony Toni Tone guys were pissed at Prince.He had promised them a deal with Paisley Park Records,but according to one of the members,"he kept frontin".On their 1988 song "Born Not To Know",they sing "things are getting crazy....I ain't wearing Paisley".

What was so cool about "Hold Me" is that...unlike her previous singles,this one truly sounded like a Sheila E. song.Previous hits like "Erotic City","A Love Bizarre" and "The Glamorous Life" were all Prince-heavy,with him singing along with her.If she wanted to be something other than "just another Prince girl",the "Hold Me" song was a step in the right direction.

OldFriends4Sale said:

I still remember hearing Hold Me back then, it was played a lot as a good ballad/slow romantic song. It sounded different. It sounded more 'mainstream'. That song made me think at the time Sheila E might have left the Purple camp. I remember hearing/reading something about her and the song back then that suggested this song had no Prince involvement.

for some reason I think this was right into the end of Lovesexy or right after she left