The new book from Dez Dickerson has revealed one thing that I find remarkable: of all the books claim to be accurate accounts of Prince and his career, this one is the first one from someone who was there and a part of it.

This makes it more relevant than everything out there. Dez was there in those big afro/blow wave days when they were broke. He was there when the true genius began to show on Dirty Mind. He helped Prince kick down the racist barriers at MTV with 1999 (who can ever forget the guitar solo on Little Red Corvette?).

Dez is easily the most underrated ex Prince band member and has probably done the best for himself since departing - running his own record label, producing, and releasing a damn good solo album.

Thanks, Dez - and God bless
[This message was edited Wed Dec 10 17:42:00 PST 2003 by undulatingacrobat]

Good words. I agree. Dez is the man!

I agree...anyone have first hand account of his shows opening for Billy idol?

what's a dolo album?

origmnd said:

No, the only time I saw Billy Idol, The Cult was the opening act. I do have a promo CD of a Idol concert from the King Biscuit Flower Hour where Dez sits in on guitar for a song.

I am just making another post about Dez because it is still the most important and relevant associated Prince news and evey real Prince fan should have this book.
[This message was edited Mon Dec 15 16:34:59 PST 2003 by undulatingacrobat]

December 4, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: The CR Group
(615) 599-2279
(615) 599-2278 fax
Littlecamilla60@aol.com
1710 Gen. George Patton Drive
Suite 103
Brentwood, TN 37027 USA


Guitarist Memoir, My Time With Prince Debuts Dec. 5

NASHVILLE, TN—Original Prince guitarist Dez Dickerson releases his book, My Time With Prince on December 5. A first-person recollection of everything from Dickerson’s first audition with Prince in 1978, to his departure from the band after the release of “1999,” My Time With Prince brings the reader backstage at nearly every important moment of Prince’s early career.

The first member of the original inner circle to write a book on life alongside The Purple One, Dickerson gives an insider’s view of events on everything from Prince’s molding of the group’s ground-breaking look and sound, to the first hit singles and their climb up the charts.

From his observations of the mysterious media persona cultivated by the Artist Formerly Known As, to the gritty day-to-day workings of life on the road, Dickerson’s recollections are more historical perspective on a highly influential career than a dirt-dishing session.

Dickerson thinks readers will find many surprises in his account. “Folklore surrounding an artist works in funny ways,” says Dickerson. “We love the romantic idea of the incredible genius who dropped whole, out of the sky. And Prince is a genuine genius. But in anyone’s career, so many of the events and decisions which turn out to be important later on, started out as accidents. When the urban legends are exploded, we can see how everything evolves and unfolds through natural events. Not a lightning bolt.”

According to Dickerson, “Every generation produces just a handful of Pop icons, and although a performer may not be the hot artist du jour, it’s still important for these stories to be told. When an artist has sold 100 million records, their influence is tremendous.”

Dickerson spent the last 20 years evolving from a touring musician, to music business executive and author. As part of the Prince camp, he appeared in the iconic “Little Red Corvette” and “1999” music videos and the cult film classic, “Purple Rain.” He was a primary songwriter for Prince protégés The Time and Vanity 6. His instantly recognizable guitar solo from “Little Red Corvette” was named one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitar Solos Of All Time’ by Guitar World magazine. His studio credits include Producer and Executive Producer for more than 70 albums in two decades. He has founded his own record label, developed and managed dozens of artists, and recently started a media distribution company. Dickerson and his family reside in Nashville, TN.

My Time With Prince also contains 39 never-before-seen photos from Dickerson’s personal memorabilia collection.

My Time With Prince is available through Ebay on-line auctions and DezDickerson.com. Phone orders in the U.S. may be placed at (877) 852-8512.

Janfriend said:

somethin dolemite would do.

and i ordered a copy of dez's book...just waitin for it to arrive in my mailbox.