I just heard this Prince demo for the first time and I love it! Does anybody know when this was released and if it was covered by any of his proteges?

I can tell you that Pepe Willie wrote the song.

Don't say nu-uh-thin, walk on by girl...
do u'reself a favor...

I'm feelin this song too...

someone did it, don't remember who...
maybe Jesse Johnson

PhilG said:

Original version, more correctly entitled 'If You See Me' by Pepe Willie

Songwriting and arrangement credits for later version performed by Jesse Johnson, known as 'Do Yourself A Favor' shared with Jesse Johnson.

The song on the 94 East featuring Prince: Symbolic Beginning album entitled 'If You See Me' is said to have been written by Pepe Willie about his break-up with Prince's cousin, Shauntel - according to that album's liner notes.

Pepe also refers to the song by a secondary title, 'Do Yourself A Favor' (a line from the chorus.) The title 'Do Yourself A Favor' is registered at the Library of Congress in 1983, but states that the song was created in 1975, and the Copyright title is 'If You See Me'. Words and music are credited by Pepe Willie.

There is a second registration at the Library of Congress in 1986, no doubt linked to song featuring on Jesse Johnson's self-produced 1986 album, Shockadelica (no Prince involvement). This second registration states the copyright author on application to be both Jesse Johnson and Pepe Willie, but this claim is limited to the new recording under the heading 'revised words, music and arrangement'.

The same applies to a third registration for a remix of the song which featured on a B-Side of a single by Jesse Johnson.

Pepe Willie claims sole ownership on the following website, no doubt alluding to the original composition and arrangement

see: http://www.pepemusic.com/...Pepe02.htm

The song was re-recorded in a longer version (about 8 minutes) by Prince in 1982 and is circulating - probably the version you have heard.

Two people have previously reported that Pepe was originally believed to have written the song for Prince to record but, with Prince showing no intention of ever releasing it, Pepe gave the song over to Jesse.

"This is Prince's version of Pepe Willie's catchy soul/pop tune "If You See Me." Prince strips the music down to the bass and drums toward the end and incorporates a scene where he meets his former girlfriend and tries to impress her with his money. He uses his Morris Day-like voice to great effect. Pepe recalls hearing Prince's version around Spring 1982. Jesse Johnson released the song on his 1986 Shockadelica album."

Revolution said:

Yep Jesse sang it also...

langebleu said:

Wow! Thanks for the info..

I that song too!

Pepe Willie wrote a song and called it "If you see me' in 1975. In 1982 Prince recorded the song without listening to the original closely (just from his memory) and called it 'Do yourself a favor'. Pepe had nothing to do with the recording, but knew of it because Prince gave him a tape with the song. There are many differences between the two versions; Prince's version is far more superior. At one point, Prince's version was intended for The Time.

In 1986 Jesse came up with the song, which sounds extremely like Prince's version. He said he based his version on Pepe's recording.

Possible scenario's:
- Jesse rerecorded Prince's version intended for The Time.
- Prince gave the song to Jesse.
- Pepe gave Prince's version to Jesse.