I was in Jr. High when Prince came out. I didn't like him.

Maybe I was too young, maybe it was just a matter of taste.

Purple Rain came out my Sr. year of High School. I didn't go to see it. In fact, I didn't see it in the theater until 2008.

I had a roommate who was into Prince when I was in college. She helped me see what I had been missing...

I have been there since the beginning, as far as memories go.

chocolate1 said:

yeahthatsthe1 said:

chocolate1 said:

I was in Jr. High when Prince came out. I didn't like him.

Maybe I was too young, maybe it was just a matter of taste.

Purple Rain came out my Sr. year of High School. I didn't go to see it. In fact, I didn't see it in the theater until 2008.

I had a roommate who was into Prince when I was in college. She helped me see what I had been missing...

I have been there since the beginning, as far as memories go.

Purple Rain was at the theater in 2008???

In NYC:

We went to the 92nd St. Y... it was a sing-along.

Later on that year, we went to Lincoln Center to the Walter Reade Theater, I believe.

chocolate1 said:

I was in Jr. High when Prince came out. I didn't like him.

Maybe I was too young, maybe it was just a matter of taste.

Purple Rain came out my Sr. year of High School. I didn't go to see it. In fact, I didn't see it in the theater until 2008.

I had a roommate who was into Prince when I was in college. She helped me see what I had been missing...

I have been there since the beginning, as far as memories go.

u look so young! i'd have thought u were my age

purplemookiebut said:

chocolate1 said:

I was in Jr. High when Prince came out. I didn't like him.

Maybe I was too young, maybe it was just a matter of taste.

Purple Rain came out my Sr. year of High School. I didn't go to see it. In fact, I didn't see it in the theater until 2008.

I had a roommate who was into Prince when I was in college. She helped me see what I had been missing...

I have been there since the beginning, as far as memories go.

u look so young! i'd have thought u were my age

Thank you!

I'm 43...

rewording edit

[Edited 1/25/11 17:34pm]

I adore "Purple Rain." When you catch it, the purple rain fever...it lasts forever. I am grateful.

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

I agree. I watch his 80s stuff and feel so sad that I missed out on all that greatness. I'm happy with what I have now, but I know its not nearly as much as folks as yourself had of Prince. This is one of those cases where youth is a disadvantage!

DaphneLovesPR1NCE said:

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

I agree. I watch his 80s stuff and feel so sad that I missed out on all that greatness. I'm happy with what I have now, but I know its not nearly as much as folks as yourself had of Prince. This is one of those cases where youth is a disadvantage!

Exactly my words. It makes me wanna' cry. 60's and 70's babies were sooo lucky to grow up during the 80s... But I'm glad for yall, much respect

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

I can remember being in first or second grade (sometime late seventies) and hearing about this guy who had come to town and put on a concert, no one had heard of him at the time, and someone said, "he's banned from ever coming here again! he did dirty stuff on stage!" - by third grade I was buying his records and have loved him ever since!

In high school I was a big MJ fan, but then a friend introduced me to my first Prince cd in my senior year (1985). I was hooked. I went back and bought his earlier cd's and so the obsession began. I continued to follow MJ, but less and less as Prince and his music became my love. I feel honored and blessed to have grown up in the same era with such an amazing talent. His music has touched every area of my life. I would love to meet him just to say THANK YOU!!

I really do think the 1980's was the last years that a person could be a superstar. There are huge performers now, but no superstars.

I remember one radio station that always played these Prince mixes of songs including protege or other artist. I would tape them and buy my next lp based on which song stood out.

Too hear a song come on the radio that you never heard before, it sounds like Prince but that's a womans voice... and realize Sugar Walls was Prince music

To run down to the record store(s) and search each one for B sides and albums you don't have yet was an experience.

MP3s and internet downloads can NEVER match the actual experience of the Record Store

CD's can compare to Albums/LPs to hold that material in your hands, the production to me always felt like the artist actually touched it before release. A poster possibly included, the words and the credits, pictures the design. Searching magazines for Prince pictures... I had a folder that I collected and kept all my Prince stuff in.

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

Thanks for sharing Bulldog, I too have been there from the beginning. I'm just glad I was around to experience the genius of Prince's music from the beginning of his career to present day.

I remember my ex-boyfriend at the time, who was a guitar player, coming over with one of Prince's earliest albums, and I asked "Who is that?" He said "Prince", and I said "Prince who?" Well, the rest is history. I always admired the boldness of Prince, and how he seemed to always go against the grain of the music industry, and not allow anyone to pigeonhole his music into one category or label him as one type of artist, especially since you can't do that with his music, as he has proven over the years that he has the ability to play various styles of it.

I admire his various performance styles, his unpredictability, the mystery he maintained about himself over the years--always leaving fans in question about his next move and desiring to know more about him, which kept the interest. He never seemed uncomfortable with his sexuality when wearing the various types of clothing/outfits he's worn over the years or concerned about his fans/the public's curiosity/criticism he would/may receive from it. He managed to get fans to pay attention to his music, his persona, his creative skills as a musician and his stage performances.

Today, although he omits the swearing from many of his songs and chooses not to sing the more sexually-explicit songs of the past, he is still the daring, unpredictable, captivating Prince who succeeds in lyrically seducing his audience with his music and stage persona.

I've heard some say, a picture speaks a thousand words, and the poster that is available during the W2A concert series, with the image of Prince the musician today, proudly standing in front of the image of Prince the musician of the Controversy era, pretty much sums it up in one phrase, "There will never be another like PRINCE."

[Edited 1/26/11 19:04pm]

My very first rock concert (which I went to alone, at 16) was seeing Prince and the Revolution on the Purple Rain tour and I met my first boyfriend there that day, who was also a huge Prince fan. I love that Prince was such an integral part of my first love.

Simply put, Prince and his music has truly been a soundtrack to my life and has given me some of the THE most incredible, wonderful memories.

I'm thankful for being a teenager in the 80s and getting to experience Prince the way I did, before all the technology of today stripped away (imo) so much of the mystery and excitement that was present in the 'old days'. Oh and I was also fortunate in that my hometown was only hours from Minneapolis, so there were a number of great road trips in those years and a LOT of amazing experiences.

I'm almost 43 and I'm just so glad Prince has been in my life the way he has/is ever since I was 15.

[Edited 1/26/11 7:29am]

I love this thread I have such great memories of growing up in the 80's. I remember the 1st time I heard Prince my mom bought a bunch of 45's for a house party she was having I was like 7yrs old and one of the singles she bought was I wanna be your lover. I heard the song and told my mom that lady has a pretty voice. Then I remember being in 5th grade and hearing Controversy on the radio as I got ready for school the song stuck in my head all day I couldn't stop singing it I remember I got in trouble for singing in class. Then a yr later my best friend's big sister had the 1999 album we would sit and listen to every song trying to figure out what each one meant staring at the album cover for hidden messages and meanings. My 1st Prince purchase was 1999 and then I went back and bought the other 3 I was so hooked my entire life changed then Purple Rain came out and time stopped I was no longer my mom's lil girl I was an undiscovered Prince protege and no one could tell me different.. Now all these yrs later I'm still hooked and I try to get my son (Christopher Tracy) to understand the depths of my love for Prince but in this technology age he just doesnt get it makes me sad

2elijah said:

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

Thanks for sharing Bulldog, I too have been there from the beginning. I'm just glad I was around to experience the genius of Prince's music from the beginning of his career to present day.

I remember my ex-boyfriend at the time, who was a guitar player, coming over with one of Prince's earliest albums, and I said "Who is that?" He said "Prince", and I said "Prince who?" Well, the rest is history. I always admired the boldness of Prince, and how he seemed to always go against the grain of the music industry, and not allow anyone to pigeonhole his music into one category or label him as one type of artist, especially since you can't do that with his music, as he has proven over the years that he has the ability to play various styles of it.

I admire his various performance styles, his unpredictability, the mystery he maintained about himself over the years--always leaving fans in question about his next move and desiring to know more about him, which kept the interest. He never seemed uncomfortable with his sexuality when wearing the various types of clothing/outfits he's worn over the years or concerned about his fans/the public's curiosity/criticism he would/may receive from it. He managed to get fans to pay attention to his music, his persona, his creative skills as a musician and his stage performances.

Today, although he omits the swearing from many of his songs and chooses not to sing the more sexually-explicit songs of the past, he is still the daring, unpredictable, captivating Prince who succeeds in lyrically seducing his audience with his music and stage persona.

I've heard some say, a picture speaks a thousand words, and the poster that is available during the W2A concert series, with the image of Prince the musician today, proudly standing in front of the image of Prince the musician of the Controversy era, pretty much sums it up in one phrase, "There will never be another like PRINCE."

[Edited 1/26/11 8:05am]

I couldn't have said it better myself!

I've been there from day 1 as well.

It has been one hell of a musical ride and the good thing is..........it's NOT ova.

I first heard him in Junior high... Didnt care for him much then... UNtil I hit high school in 81 and Ive been hoooked ever since!

I saw purple rain in the theatre when it first came out back in 84...

That introduced me to the Time and from there I discovered Vanity 6, Sheila E, and The Family etc...

tinaz said:

I first heard him in Junior high... Didnt care for him much then... UNtil I hit high school in 81 and Ive been hoooked ever since!

I saw purple rain in the theatre when it first came out back in 84...

That introduced me to the Time and from there I discovered Vanity 6, Sheila E, and The Family etc...

I actually liked The Time in high school. Prince just irked me.

I think it was back in either 1982 or 83 when I heard "Do Me Baby" for the first time. I couldn't believe anyone would sing a song like that. I was hooked from that moment on.

I can remember how excited I used to get when I would see Prince on tv or read a magazine article about him. My friends used to laugh at me, but they don't laugh anymore. Most now realize what a great and talented musician he really is and some are even big fans.

I have all most of his music (am missing some boots) but I still enjoy listening to everything today. He has done some questionable things over the years and his JW religion does not thrill me at all, but I still love his music and hope he continues to release new music and tour! Seeing him live is amazing!

Being born in 1989, I always felt like I was born a few decades too late. I always felt like I should've been in my early 20s in the 80s. Just thinking about the powersuit and 80s Chanel gives me chills.

Being there when the History is made is something else.

tinaz said:

I first heard him in Junior high... Didnt care for him much then... UNtil I hit high school in 81 and Ive been hoooked ever since!

I saw purple rain in the theatre when it first came out back in 84...

That introduced me to the Time and from there I discovered Vanity 6, Sheila E, and The Family etc...

This is one reason why a lot of his fans dream back on those days concerning Prince. We try not to criticize, but when he presented the gift of For UPrinc DirtyMindControversrythTime1999Vanity6WhatTimeIsIt?PurpleRainGlamorousLifeIceCreamCastlesApollonia6ATWIADRomance1600theFamilyMazaratiParadeSheilaE.SignOtheTimesMadhouseLovesexy

Jill Jones Cat

and the outfits and the sync stage movements the bandmember who added 2 the fandom the B sides the movies the mystery

It's hard to accept less....

But at least I can say I lived it and have that to dream on.

I'm loving his image and shows right now though too

2elijah said:

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

Thanks for sharing Bulldog, I too have been there from the beginning. I'm just glad I was around to experience the genius of Prince's music from the beginning of his career to present day.

I remember my ex-boyfriend at the time, who was a guitar player, coming over with one of Prince's earliest albums, and I said "Who is that?" He said "Prince", and I said "Prince who?" Well, the rest is history. I always admired the boldness of Prince, and how he seemed to always go against the grain of the music industry, and not allow anyone to pigeonhole his music into one category or label him as one type of artist, especially since you can't do that with his music, as he has proven over the years that he has the ability to play various styles of it.

I admire his various performance styles, his unpredictability, the mystery he maintained about himself over the years--always leaving fans in question about his next move and desiring to know more about him, which kept the interest. He never seemed uncomfortable with his sexuality when wearing the various types of clothing/outfits he's worn over the years or concerned about his fans/the public's curiosity/criticism he would/may receive from it. He managed to get fans to pay attention to his music, his persona, his creative skills as a musician and his stage performances.

Today, although he omits the swearing from many of his songs and chooses not to sing the more sexually-explicit songs of the past, he is still the daring, unpredictable, captivating Prince who succeeds in lyrically seducing his audience with his music and stage persona.

I've heard some say, a picture speaks a thousand words, and the poster that is available during the W2A concert series, with the image of Prince the musician today, proudly standing in front of the image of Prince the musician of the Controversy era, pretty much sums it up in one phrase, "There will never be another like PRINCE."

[Edited 1/26/11 8:05am]

That was nice!

Bulldog said:

2elijah said:

Thanks for sharing Bulldog, I too have been there from the beginning. I'm just glad I was around to experience the genius of Prince's music from the beginning of his career to present day.

I remember my ex-boyfriend at the time, who was a guitar player, coming over with one of Prince's earliest albums, and I said "Who is that?" He said "Prince", and I said "Prince who?" Well, the rest is history. I always admired the boldness of Prince, and how he seemed to always go against the grain of the music industry, and not allow anyone to pigeonhole his music into one category or label him as one type of artist, especially since you can't do that with his music, as he has proven over the years that he has the ability to play various styles of it.

I admire his various performance styles, his unpredictability, the mystery he maintained about himself over the years--always leaving fans in question about his next move and desiring to know more about him, which kept the interest. He never seemed uncomfortable with his sexuality when wearing the various types of clothing/outfits he's worn over the years or concerned about his fans/the public's curiosity/criticism he would/may receive from it. He managed to get fans to pay attention to his music, his persona, his creative skills as a musician and his stage performances.

Today, although he omits the swearing from many of his songs and chooses not to sing the more sexually-explicit songs of the past, he is still the daring, unpredictable, captivating Prince who succeeds in lyrically seducing his audience with his music and stage persona.

I've heard some say, a picture speaks a thousand words, and the poster that is available during the W2A concert series, with the image of Prince the musician today, proudly standing in front of the image of Prince the musician of the Controversy era, pretty much sums it up in one phrase, "There will never be another like PRINCE."

[Edited 1/26/11 8:05am]

That was nice!

Thanks, appreciate that. I guess we all have our own personal memories about growing up with Prince's music.

My generation is unfortunate, you guys had alot of the geniuses.

You guys had Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, etc... you know lol.

My mom and her generation was lucky so was my older brothers and sisters, they all enjoyed good music in the 90s and still had good groups around that time, but mine, we got this soulja boi bs and rihanna and Beyonce who thinks that this is what music is.

As a musician, I have to say its not the same. I'm very happy you guys had that opportunity, I just think our generation lacks that substance in music. I love Prince, always have ever since I was little, but the more I get into my own music the bigger of a fan I become. It would be a dream to sit down and talk to the dude, maybe we can get all the musicians together from back then to talk some sense into my generation.

But honestly, I wish all this technology didnt exist, and we get our lazy butts up and actually be able to see him in person more likely.

We'll get it together, as long as I am a part of this generation, there is a whole bunch like me so I know we will for now we will remained pissed. born in the wrong generation shame!!

chocolate1 said:

tinaz said:

I first heard him in Junior high... Didnt care for him much then... UNtil I hit high school in 81 and Ive been hoooked ever since!

I saw purple rain in the theatre when it first came out back in 84...

That introduced me to the Time and from there I discovered Vanity 6, Sheila E, and The Family etc...

I actually liked The Time in high school. Prince just irked me.

I agree with you Bulldog. I still have some of those early "Right On!" magazines from 1978 when P was rockin' the Afro and the leather jacket. And then wondering what he sounded like because

radio didn't play anything from the 1st record.

My fave moments:

Seeing the group on "Bandstand" for the 1st time.

Seeing the "Dirty Mind" video for the 1st time and being blown away.

Hearing the song "1999" for the 1st time and wondering why did it sound so familiar.

Seeing P on top of the world all thru 1984 and 1985.

Seeing "P.R." and "Cherry Moon" to packed movie houses.

Going to the "wrecka stow" and buying every Prince LP on the 1st day it came out from

79 to 88.

Seeing "Graffitti Bridge" with only 4 people in the entire theater.

..and of course everything else you mentioned. The dude owes me nothing. He's given me everything.

I didn't become a admirer of P's music til 1996. I have two very good friends who have been there since album one and I am in awe of how long they've been fans. One of my closest friends is Morris Day to 'my' being Jerome and we have fun with the back and forth just like M.D. and Jerome. I so wish I could've recognized P's brilliance back when I was much younger but, it's been all part of the journey being a admirer as I am 'now'.

I do remember hearing 'Sexy Dancer' when I was a lil boy and my mother and I dancing to it in the basement on the South Side of Chicago. Thoz days are long gone but, will forever be one of my favorite moments experiencing the music of Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson ...

Bulldog said:

I feel so lucky and fortunate to be there at the beginning in 1978. To witness the changes in the music, the performances, the concerts, the wardrobe, the bands, the concerts, the TV apprearences, the magazines, the singles (w/b-sides), the videos, the early bootlegs on cassette, and so many other things I have forgotten at the moment. I'm not pressed to see him at MSG or hear the new matrial. I was there at the beginning. I am three years younger than Prince. I can't imagine my teen years and my adulthood without this genius, who seem to know my troubles and joy. Who could speak the words i was afraid to say or wasnt able to find. He was my Elvis, my Hendrix, my Dylan, my Joni, and on and on. I was able to "get it" early, and I'm grateful. New fans, you have ability to go back via MP3, YouTube, video and print. It's not the same. Holla if you're one of The Beautiful Ones! [Edited 1/25/11 15:20pm]

There you go....rubbing it in my 29yr old face . R u trying to start a with us young folk. I WISH that I was there from the beginning to the current Prince I see today. The after parties u mustva seen. He grew right w/u....too cool

If it's the beautiful ones that are heartbreakers, I won't say a word.