Don't know how any of us missed this, but with Unversal announcing all kinds for reissues and greatest hits collections this has too be be the most appealling on



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All Of The Solo Funk-Rock Dance Groove Hits And More From Former Prince And The Time Guitarist Jesse Johnson Collected On New “Best Of” Album



-- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 04/28/2000 -- In the pantheon of the coolest, sexiest, funkiest guitar heroes of all time, Jesse Johnson took the spotlight in the ‘80s. As the lead guitarist for Prince as well as his backing band-turned-featured artist The Time (which included Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Morris Day and others), Johnson was a major funk-rock element in the driving dance groove of the Minneapolis Sound. During a stellar solo career, he reached beyond the Prince universe with three Top 40 R&B albums and five Top 10 R&B tracks.



Jesse Johnson: Ultimate Collection (Hip-O Records), released June 13, 2000, is the first compilation ever issued of Johnson’s best work as a solo artist. Besides his hits, the 15-selection album includes the previously unreleased Funkadelic-inspired “Vibe” and three b-sides previously unavailable on any album.



In 1981, Johnson was renowned as one of the baddest guitarists around when he went to Minneapolis to play with Enterprise, a band led by young drummer Morris Day. Jesse immediately impressed with his gear (two Marshall stacks and a white flying V guitar) and his swagger. When Day introduced Johnson to Prince, the guitarist was hired on the spot.



Over the four years Johnson held down the lead guitar spot in the funkiest band in the land, he developed his skills as a songwriter. With Prince embarking on his Purple Rain incarnation, Jesse came up with a funky groove that would catapult him into a solo career. “Jungle Love” became the highest charting pop single for The Time and Johnson was soon signed to A&M, releasing Jesse Johnson’s Revue in 1985. The album hit #8 R&B, “Be Your Man” #4, “Can You Help Me” #3 and “I Want My Girl” #7. “Fast Girl,” initially produced for Janet Jackson’s second solo album, became a b-side to “I Want My Girl.” Both it and “Free World,” the b-side of “Can You Help Me,” have never been previously available on an album.



Shockadelica, released the following year, was a #15 R&B hit and included his duet with Sly Stone, “Crazay,” a #2 charting smash hit, and two more Top 30s, “She (I Can’t Resist)” and “Baby Let’s Kiss.” The latter’s b-side, the previously unavailable on album “Fool’s Paradise,” and the former’s b-side, “Black In America,” are also heard on Ultimate Collection. Johnson’s third album, 1988’s Every Shade Of Love, went Top 30 R&B, with “Love Struck” #4 plus “I’m Just Wanting You” and “So Misunderstood.” After a brief reunion with The Time, Johnson took a hiatus from recording. In 1996 he released a no-holds-barred rock album titled Bare My Naked Soul, which featured “Monika.” Today, Jesse Johnson’s legacy includes being an inspiration for anyone aspiring to be a cool, sexy, funky guitar hero.



Jesse Johnson: Ultimate Collection is the latest compilation album in the Hip-O series which celebrates noteworthy artists.



Contact: Sujata Murthy

Company: Universal

Phone: 818-777-7812



Contact: Todd Nakamine

Company: Universal

Phone: 818-777-7797