http://www.startribune.co...64877.html

Prince's father eulogized; son not seen in sanctuary
Jon Bream
Star Tribune

Published 09/01/01
Tyka Nelson sang "Hello Dolly," the first song her father, John L. Nelson, had taught her. The Rev. Curtis Herron commented on how she had put a little gospel into her a cappella rendition, noting that her father would have liked that churchy styling.

Nelson, 85, was eulogized Friday at Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis as a man whose life theme was music. A woman who was his caretaker in his final months talked about how she and Nelson also often shared latenight jam sessions, with Nelson on piano and her standing in as drummer.

Nelson, a native of Louisiana, played piano and organ in various local churches and in such bands as the Prince Rogers Combo and Howard Brown & the Rhythm Kings. He was best known as the father of the pop superstar Prince, with whom he cowrote several songs, including ``Computer Blue'' on the Grammy- and Oscar-winning ``Purple Rain'' soundtrack in 1984.

Prince was not seen in the sanctuary of the church. Bobby Z and Matt Fink, former members of Prince & the Revolution, were among the 50 people in attendance.