Prince’s Own Liner Notes On His Greatest Hits

Source http://neonrendezvous.tum...atest-hits

When Prince’s first greatest hits collection was released, Prince made private comments as a guide for the liner notes. Later briefly posted on his website thedawn.com in 1996, Prince’s comments have been lost for the last 20 years, but now provide a rare first-person insight into how he saw some of his most famous songs.

In 1993, just as Prince had changed his name and began wrangling with his record contract, he agreed to his first-ever collection of greatest hits, released as a 3-disc set, The Hits/The B-sides. Prince’s longtime manager Alan Leeds wrote the liner notes for the box set; already an industry legend for his work with James Brown, Leeds had won a Grammy for his extraordinary work on the liner notes for Startime, the definitive James Brown box set released in 1991.
But Leeds’ notes on Prince’s work included a number of mentions of anecdotes and inspirations that Leeds couldn’t have been privy to first-hand, and a few that only Prince himself could have known. When liner notes for The Hits were posted on thedawn.com three years later, fans were shocked to see that, rather than simply replicating Leeds’ writing, the notes on the site were clearly Prince’s own thoughts. The notes omit many tracks, include mention of songs that weren’t included in the box set at all, and include what appear to be editorial suggestions for Leeds.
Prince often refers to himself as “PRN” (Prince Rogers Nelson) throughout. This was likely both reflective of his longtime habit of trying to issue his pronouncements as coming from a larger, vague collective rather than just himself, and the fact that the notes were likely captured as recited to an assistant. However, it could also have been a deliberate stylistic choice in reference to his then-recent name change; at the time this was published, his public position was that “Prince” was dead.

Update:
Alan Leeds himself has weighed in, on Reginald Hudlin’s Facebook page, saying he hadn’t known these notes were ever posted online, but confirming that he did use these comments from Prince to inform his work.

Interesting — I’d never seen this before and wasn’t aware P had posted these comments. For the record, I had volunteered to Warner Bros. to help assemble and sequence the 3 CDs. However, they were stuck on “their” sequence — I never knew for sure if Prince liked or was involved in the sequencing. I believe it was put together by WB’sr in-house catalogue maven, my friend Gregg Geller and I doubt he had much dialogue with Prince. However, Prince did call me to write the notes. I told him it was an honor but only if he’d answer a few questions so I could add some background that wasn’t common knowledge among fans. He agreed but asked me not to write like an interview. So I simply incorporated some of his “revelations” into my notes. When I sent him the finished notes, he called to say “thanks, nice job” and that was it. He surprisingly did zero editing.

LINER NOTES

“I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER”
originally recorded as a demo 4 Patrice Rushen’s album. PRN had a mad crush on her at the time and the song is about her.

“HEAD”
was only used as a concert tune. This song was picked as Lisa Coleman’s initiation into the band. Gayle Chapman quit because the material of the Dirty Mind period got 2 strong 4 her. Prince figured if Lisa could sing the lyrics to head she could handle anything. The song as a demo as was all the Dirty Mind LP.

“DO ME BABY”

the 1st time Prince turned the control room into a bedroom. Candles were lit, chiffon veils were hung and all the doors were locked.

“CONTROVERSY”
write about the first time U heard reflective notes

“LITTLE RED CORVETTE”
after another marathon all-night recording session PRN wrote this in the front seat of Lisa’s pink car (brand of car can be gotten from her) whom PRN drove when she was in LA. PRN always considered the song a dream because it was written between 3 or 4 catnaps and he was never fully awake.

“DIRTY MIND”
Dr. Fink came up with the original keyboard line which PRN heard and wrote lyrics 2 that same night. PRN and Dr. Fink came 2 rehearsal the next day proud of their creation. The band flipped when they heard it. The centerpiece was in place.

“WHEN DOVES CRY”
originally recorded with bass, backing 2 sets of keys and guitar. Frustrated with the mix, PRN sat discouraged in the studio (Sunset Sound). Jill Jones came 2 visit, saw the long face and asked what was wrong. PRN was said to have said, “if. had my way the song would sound like this.” He then shoved down the bulk of the instrument faders and left up only the drums and the xylophone, when the voices began to sing the chorus. Jill then asked PRN why he thought he couldn’t have his way with the mix. There was no reply. Everyone who passed by the studio was enthralled by the strange sound coming out of Studio 3 that day. The next time Jill heard the song it was on the radio and it was bassless and stark. PRN had his way.

“KISS”
PRN after recording this shelved it because he thought it 2 strange a production 4 human consumption. It was included in the Parade album was an afterthought. PRN thought it never quite worked on that album. Every time he plays it live he changes the arrangement. Probably still feels the same about the public’s acceptance of the sound. It concert it’s never sounded like the record.

“U GOT THE LOOK”
a friend of PRN used 2 jump up and dance whenever Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” came on. As a test this song was recorded to find out of the friend would dance 2 a similar groove or just chill because it wasn’t a hit. Sure enough the friend didn’t like the song until it was in the Top 10.

“SEXY M.F.”
the song that made PRN abandon computers just before he retired. Proof that nothing beats the feel of a live band of funky M.F.’s.

“CREAM”
PRN wrote this standing in a mirror.

“DAMN U”
one of the songs PRN is most proud of; he adores it. Used to play it live even fore it was released. Through the years this has been the indication of his feelings about a new composition.

“I FEEL 4 U”
another demo written 4 the Patrice Rushen project. PRN tended 2 write more Top 40 when writing 4 other artists.

“WHEN U WERE MINE”
written in a hotel room in North Carolina on the Rick James tour. This was not a happy period. PRN didn’t want to do this tour but he needed the exposure cuz his record was breaking R&B first. He was ready 2 headline his own tour but had 2 wait.

“UPTOWN”
a favorite concert number during this period. The anthem 4 all the freaks and funkateers of the Dirty Mind generation. Vocal recorded in one take, no punching in after PRN in his 16 trackhome studio set up the song on the board, plugged in the mic, and left his leather coat on the chair. He went to get pumped at a movie and when it was over walked straight into the studio, donned the leather coat, and sang it straight out. He didn’t listen 2 it until the next day and then began finishing it.

“1999"
was meant 2 be a group vocal. Lisa, Dez, and Prince actually sang the whole song every line. When Prince mixed it he made the decision 2 split up the lines. That’s why the melody keeps changing. Jill Jones 1st big vocal assignment. She does the ad libs on the vamp. Prince loved her voice. Vocally he said she was a ‘cliffdiver.’

“LET’S GO CRAZY” & “PURPLE RAIN”

“POP LIFE”
the jam in the ‘hood.

“ADORE”
inspired by Patti LaBelle & Luther Vandross who Prince was digging at the time. Patti — ”if only u knew”…

“SIGN O’ THE TIMES”
written, recorded, and mixed in one day.

“ALPHABET STREET”
Prince always called this an ‘aural cartoon.’ Recorded during the LoveSexy period.

“BATDANCE”
originally a 12" 4 the song “200 BALLOONS.” This song with every sample just grew and grew. Listening 2 “200 BALLOONS” Prince commented “this sounds like it came from BATDANCE — not the other way around.”

“DIAMONDS AND PEARLS”
written as a duet with Rosie Gaines. Prince vowed never 2 performs it with anyone else. As much as Prince wanted Rosie 2 go solo he hated the fact that he wouldn’t be able 2 peform one of his most prized possessions, Diamonds and Pearls, until they were 2gether again. Prince has called Rosie one of the greatest singers of all time. He most likens her 2 Ella Fitzgerald. Range, speed, and styling. Rosie’s got it all.

Yet again you post some lame tumblr link instead of linking to the original: https://medium.com/@anild...7baf4aec66 .

BartVanHemelen said:

Yet again you post some lame tumblr link instead of linking to the original: https://medium.com/@anild...7baf4aec66 .

Once again you're a dick for no reason.

Remarkably, those liner notes sound very much like the ones later written 4 Crystal Ball. I wish Prince could have written similar comments for all the tracks on albums reissues, though I really wonder if there would ever have been any reissue had he lived. I really like the way he writes those, the liner notes on CB were really smart because while revealing some details about the songs' genesis, it also added an aura of mystery to them, with the notes being more poetic than explanatory.

I wonder why only some songs are covered here (7 is in the original post linked by Bart, too, but not pasted by Laura), and whether Prince only wrote something about those tracks or if more notes exist that remain unpublished.

BartVanHemelen said:

Yet again you post some lame tumblr link instead of linking to the original: https://medium.com/@anild...7baf4aec66 .

I found this at the lame tumbler link. I am sure your hands were not broken as you managed to find it for me. It is nice to get other people to things for me. Thank you.

BartVanHemelen said:

Yet again you post some lame tumblr link instead of linking to the original: https://medium.com/@anild...7baf4aec66 .

What's your favorite funny joke?

laurarichardson said:

Prince’s Own Liner Notes On His Greatest Hits

Source http://neonrendezvous.tum...atest-hits

When Prince’s first greatest hits collection was released, Prince made private comments as a guide for the liner notes. Later briefly posted on his website thedawn.com in 1996, Prince’s comments have been lost for the last 20 years, but now provide a rare first-person insight into how he saw some of his most famous songs.

In 1993, just as Prince had changed his name and began wrangling with his record contract, he agreed to his first-ever collection of greatest hits, released as a 3-disc set, The Hits/The B-sides. Prince’s longtime manager Alan Leeds wrote the liner notes for the box set; already an industry legend for his work with James Brown, Leeds had won a Grammy for his extraordinary work on the liner notes for Startime, the definitive James Brown box set released in 1991.
But Leeds’ notes on Prince’s work included a number of mentions of anecdotes and inspirations that Leeds couldn’t have been privy to first-hand, and a few that only Prince himself could have known. When liner notes for The Hits were posted on thedawn.com three years later, fans were shocked to see that, rather than simply replicating Leeds’ writing, the notes on the site were clearly Prince’s own thoughts. The notes omit many tracks, include mention of songs that weren’t included in the box set at all, and include what appear to be editorial suggestions for Leeds.
Prince often refers to himself as “PRN” (Prince Rogers Nelson) throughout. This was likely both reflective of his longtime habit of trying to issue his pronouncements as coming from a larger, vague collective rather than just himself, and the fact that the notes were likely captured as recited to an assistant. However, it could also have been a deliberate stylistic choice in reference to his then-recent name change; at the time this was published, his public position was that “Prince” was dead.

Update:
Alan Leeds himself has weighed in, on Reginald Hudlin’s Facebook page, saying he hadn’t known these notes were ever posted online, but confirming that he did use these comments from Prince to inform his work.

Interesting — I’d never seen this before and wasn’t aware P had posted these comments. For the record, I had volunteered to Warner Bros. to help assemble and sequence the 3 CDs. However, they were stuck on “their” sequence — I never knew for sure if Prince liked or was involved in the sequencing. I believe it was put together by WB’sr in-house catalogue maven, my friend Gregg Geller and I doubt he had much dialogue with Prince. However, Prince did call me to write the notes. I told him it was an honor but only if he’d answer a few questions so I could add some background that wasn’t common knowledge among fans. He agreed but asked me not to write like an interview. So I simply incorporated some of his “revelations” into my notes. When I sent him the finished notes, he called to say “thanks, nice job” and that was it. He surprisingly did zero editing.

LINER NOTES

“I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER”
originally recorded as a demo 4 Patrice Rushen’s album. PRN had a mad crush on her at the time and the song is about her.

“HEAD”
was only used as a concert tune. This song was picked as Lisa Coleman’s initiation into the band. Gayle Chapman quit because the material of the Dirty Mind period got 2 strong 4 her. Prince figured if Lisa could sing the lyrics to head she could handle anything. The song as a demo as was all the Dirty Mind LP.

“DO ME BABY”

the 1st time Prince turned the control room into a bedroom. Candles were lit, chiffon veils were hung and all the doors were locked.

“CONTROVERSY”
write about the first time U heard reflective notes

“LITTLE RED CORVETTE”
after another marathon all-night recording session PRN wrote this in the front seat of Lisa’s pink car (brand of car can be gotten from her) whom PRN drove when she was in LA. PRN always considered the song a dream because it was written between 3 or 4 catnaps and he was never fully awake.

“DIRTY MIND”
Dr. Fink came up with the original keyboard line which PRN heard and wrote lyrics 2 that same night. PRN and Dr. Fink came 2 rehearsal the next day proud of their creation. The band flipped when they heard it. The centerpiece was in place.

“WHEN DOVES CRY”
originally recorded with bass, backing 2 sets of keys and guitar. Frustrated with the mix, PRN sat discouraged in the studio (Sunset Sound). Jill Jones came 2 visit, saw the long face and asked what was wrong. PRN was said to have said, “if. had my way the song would sound like this.” He then shoved down the bulk of the instrument faders and left up only the drums and the xylophone, when the voices began to sing the chorus. Jill then asked PRN why he thought he couldn’t have his way with the mix. There was no reply. Everyone who passed by the studio was enthralled by the strange sound coming out of Studio 3 that day. The next time Jill heard the song it was on the radio and it was bassless and stark. PRN had his way.

“KISS”
PRN after recording this shelved it because he thought it 2 strange a production 4 human consumption. It was included in the Parade album was an afterthought. PRN thought it never quite worked on that album. Every time he plays it live he changes the arrangement. Probably still feels the same about the public’s acceptance of the sound. It concert it’s never sounded like the record.

“U GOT THE LOOK”
a friend of PRN used 2 jump up and dance whenever Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” came on. As a test this song was recorded to find out of the friend would dance 2 a similar groove or just chill because it wasn’t a hit. Sure enough the friend didn’t like the song until it was in the Top 10.

“SEXY M.F.”
the song that made PRN abandon computers just before he retired. Proof that nothing beats the feel of a live band of funky M.F.’s.

“CREAM”
PRN wrote this standing in a mirror.

“DAMN U”
one of the songs PRN is most proud of; he adores it. Used to play it live even fore it was released. Through the years this has been the indication of his feelings about a new composition.

“I FEEL 4 U”
another demo written 4 the Patrice Rushen project. PRN tended 2 write more Top 40 when writing 4 other artists.

“WHEN U WERE MINE”
written in a hotel room in North Carolina on the Rick James tour. This was not a happy period. PRN didn’t want to do this tour but he needed the exposure cuz his record was breaking R&B first. He was ready 2 headline his own tour but had 2 wait.

“UPTOWN”
a favorite concert number during this period. The anthem 4 all the freaks and funkateers of the Dirty Mind generation. Vocal recorded in one take, no punching in after PRN in his 16 trackhome studio set up the song on the board, plugged in the mic, and left his leather coat on the chair. He went to get pumped at a movie and when it was over walked straight into the studio, donned the leather coat, and sang it straight out. He didn’t listen 2 it until the next day and then began finishing it.

“1999"
was meant 2 be a group vocal. Lisa, Dez, and Prince actually sang the whole song every line. When Prince mixed it he made the decision 2 split up the lines. That’s why the melody keeps changing. Jill Jones 1st big vocal assignment. She does the ad libs on the vamp. Prince loved her voice. Vocally he said she was a ‘cliffdiver.’

“LET’S GO CRAZY” & “PURPLE RAIN”

“POP LIFE”
the jam in the ‘hood.

“ADORE”
inspired by Patti LaBelle & Luther Vandross who Prince was digging at the time. Patti — ”if only u knew”…

“SIGN O’ THE TIMES”
written, recorded, and mixed in one day.

“ALPHABET STREET”
Prince always called this an ‘aural cartoon.’ Recorded during the LoveSexy period.

“BATDANCE”
originally a 12" 4 the song “200 BALLOONS.” This song with every sample just grew and grew. Listening 2 “200 BALLOONS” Prince commented “this sounds like it came from BATDANCE — not the other way around.”

“DIAMONDS AND PEARLS”
written as a duet with Rosie Gaines. Prince vowed never 2 performs it with anyone else. As much as Prince wanted Rosie 2 go solo he hated the fact that he wouldn’t be able 2 peform one of his most prized possessions, Diamonds and Pearls, until they were 2gether again. Prince has called Rosie one of the greatest singers of all time. He most likens her 2 Ella Fitzgerald. Range, speed, and styling. Rosie’s got it all.

Interesting notes on Little Red Corvette. Yet another reason why I question the categorical assertion that he wrote his classic ditty about someone he knew years earlier.

FlyOnTheWall said:

laurarichardson said:

Prince’s Own Liner Notes On His Greatest Hits

Source http://neonrendezvous.tum...atest-hits

When Prince’s first greatest hits collection was released, Prince made private comments as a guide for the liner notes. Later briefly posted on his website thedawn.com in 1996, Prince’s comments have been lost for the last 20 years, but now provide a rare first-person insight into how he saw some of his most famous songs.

In 1993, just as Prince had changed his name and began wrangling with his record contract, he agreed to his first-ever collection of greatest hits, released as a 3-disc set, The Hits/The B-sides. Prince’s longtime manager Alan Leeds wrote the liner notes for the box set; already an industry legend for his work with James Brown, Leeds had won a Grammy for his extraordinary work on the liner notes for Startime, the definitive James Brown box set released in 1991.
But Leeds’ notes on Prince’s work included a number of mentions of anecdotes and inspirations that Leeds couldn’t have been privy to first-hand, and a few that only Prince himself could have known. When liner notes for The Hits were posted on thedawn.com three years later, fans were shocked to see that, rather than simply replicating Leeds’ writing, the notes on the site were clearly Prince’s own thoughts. The notes omit many tracks, include mention of songs that weren’t included in the box set at all, and include what appear to be editorial suggestions for Leeds.
Prince often refers to himself as “PRN” (Prince Rogers Nelson) throughout. This was likely both reflective of his longtime habit of trying to issue his pronouncements as coming from a larger, vague collective rather than just himself, and the fact that the notes were likely captured as recited to an assistant. However, it could also have been a deliberate stylistic choice in reference to his then-recent name change; at the time this was published, his public position was that “Prince” was dead.

Update:
Alan Leeds himself has weighed in, on Reginald Hudlin’s Facebook page, saying he hadn’t known these notes were ever posted online, but confirming that he did use these comments from Prince to inform his work.

Interesting — I’d never seen this before and wasn’t aware P had posted these comments. For the record, I had volunteered to Warner Bros. to help assemble and sequence the 3 CDs. However, they were stuck on “their” sequence — I never knew for sure if Prince liked or was involved in the sequencing. I believe it was put together by WB’sr in-house catalogue maven, my friend Gregg Geller and I doubt he had much dialogue with Prince. However, Prince did call me to write the notes. I told him it was an honor but only if he’d answer a few questions so I could add some background that wasn’t common knowledge among fans. He agreed but asked me not to write like an interview. So I simply incorporated some of his “revelations” into my notes. When I sent him the finished notes, he called to say “thanks, nice job” and that was it. He surprisingly did zero editing.

LINER NOTES

“I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER”
originally recorded as a demo 4 Patrice Rushen’s album. PRN had a mad crush on her at the time and the song is about her.

“HEAD”
was only used as a concert tune. This song was picked as Lisa Coleman’s initiation into the band. Gayle Chapman quit because the material of the Dirty Mind period got 2 strong 4 her. Prince figured if Lisa could sing the lyrics to head she could handle anything. The song as a demo as was all the Dirty Mind LP.

“DO ME BABY”

the 1st time Prince turned the control room into a bedroom. Candles were lit, chiffon veils were hung and all the doors were locked.

“CONTROVERSY”
write about the first time U heard reflective notes

“LITTLE RED CORVETTE”
after another marathon all-night recording session PRN wrote this in the front seat of Lisa’s pink car (brand of car can be gotten from her) whom PRN drove when she was in LA. PRN always considered the song a dream because it was written between 3 or 4 catnaps and he was never fully awake.

“DIRTY MIND”
Dr. Fink came up with the original keyboard line which PRN heard and wrote lyrics 2 that same night. PRN and Dr. Fink came 2 rehearsal the next day proud of their creation. The band flipped when they heard it. The centerpiece was in place.

“WHEN DOVES CRY”
originally recorded with bass, backing 2 sets of keys and guitar. Frustrated with the mix, PRN sat discouraged in the studio (Sunset Sound). Jill Jones came 2 visit, saw the long face and asked what was wrong. PRN was said to have said, “if. had my way the song would sound like this.” He then shoved down the bulk of the instrument faders and left up only the drums and the xylophone, when the voices began to sing the chorus. Jill then asked PRN why he thought he couldn’t have his way with the mix. There was no reply. Everyone who passed by the studio was enthralled by the strange sound coming out of Studio 3 that day. The next time Jill heard the song it was on the radio and it was bassless and stark. PRN had his way.

“KISS”
PRN after recording this shelved it because he thought it 2 strange a production 4 human consumption. It was included in the Parade album was an afterthought. PRN thought it never quite worked on that album. Every time he plays it live he changes the arrangement. Probably still feels the same about the public’s acceptance of the sound. It concert it’s never sounded like the record.

“U GOT THE LOOK”
a friend of PRN used 2 jump up and dance whenever Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” came on. As a test this song was recorded to find out of the friend would dance 2 a similar groove or just chill because it wasn’t a hit. Sure enough the friend didn’t like the song until it was in the Top 10.

“SEXY M.F.”
the song that made PRN abandon computers just before he retired. Proof that nothing beats the feel of a live band of funky M.F.’s.

“CREAM”
PRN wrote this standing in a mirror.

“DAMN U”
one of the songs PRN is most proud of; he adores it. Used to play it live even fore it was released. Through the years this has been the indication of his feelings about a new composition.

“I FEEL 4 U”
another demo written 4 the Patrice Rushen project. PRN tended 2 write more Top 40 when writing 4 other artists.

“WHEN U WERE MINE”
written in a hotel room in North Carolina on the Rick James tour. This was not a happy period. PRN didn’t want to do this tour but he needed the exposure cuz his record was breaking R&B first. He was ready 2 headline his own tour but had 2 wait.

“UPTOWN”
a favorite concert number during this period. The anthem 4 all the freaks and funkateers of the Dirty Mind generation. Vocal recorded in one take, no punching in after PRN in his 16 trackhome studio set up the song on the board, plugged in the mic, and left his leather coat on the chair. He went to get pumped at a movie and when it was over walked straight into the studio, donned the leather coat, and sang it straight out. He didn’t listen 2 it until the next day and then began finishing it.

“1999"
was meant 2 be a group vocal. Lisa, Dez, and Prince actually sang the whole song every line. When Prince mixed it he made the decision 2 split up the lines. That’s why the melody keeps changing. Jill Jones 1st big vocal assignment. She does the ad libs on the vamp. Prince loved her voice. Vocally he said she was a ‘cliffdiver.’

“LET’S GO CRAZY” & “PURPLE RAIN”

“POP LIFE”
the jam in the ‘hood.

“ADORE”
inspired by Patti LaBelle & Luther Vandross who Prince was digging at the time. Patti — ”if only u knew”…

“SIGN O’ THE TIMES”
written, recorded, and mixed in one day.

“ALPHABET STREET”
Prince always called this an ‘aural cartoon.’ Recorded during the LoveSexy period.

“BATDANCE”
originally a 12" 4 the song “200 BALLOONS.” This song with every sample just grew and grew. Listening 2 “200 BALLOONS” Prince commented “this sounds like it came from BATDANCE — not the other way around.”

“DIAMONDS AND PEARLS”
written as a duet with Rosie Gaines. Prince vowed never 2 performs it with anyone else. As much as Prince wanted Rosie 2 go solo he hated the fact that he wouldn’t be able 2 peform one of his most prized possessions, Diamonds and Pearls, until they were 2gether again. Prince has called Rosie one of the greatest singers of all time. He most likens her 2 Ella Fitzgerald. Range, speed, and styling. Rosie’s got it all.

Interesting notes on Little Red Corvette. Yet another reason why I question the categorical assertion that he wrote his classic ditty about someone he knew years earlier.

All it tells us his the work up with the song in his head but remember he also said in the Rolling Stone he wrote the whole album sitting in his house so maybe the words came later.

Thanks Laurarichardson for the insight and great read, I enjoyed this.

I remember these as I read them, but totally forgot they existed, thanks for posting.

"reflective notes"

laurarichardson said:

Prince’s Own Liner Notes On His Greatest Hits

Source http://neonrendezvous.tum...atest-hits

“DIAMONDS AND PEARLS”
written as a duet with Rosie Gaines. Prince vowed never 2 perform it with anyone else. As much as Prince wanted Rosie 2 go solo he hated the fact that he wouldn’t be able 2 peform one of his most prized possessions, Diamonds and Pearls, until they were 2gether again. Prince has called Rosie one of the greatest singers of all time. He most likens her 2 Ella Fitzgerald. Range, speed, and styling. Rosie’s got it all.

WHat a sweet heart

Lovejunky said:

laurarichardson said:

Prince’s Own Liner Notes On His Greatest Hits

Source http://neonrendezvous.tum...atest-hits

“DIAMONDS AND PEARLS”
written as a duet with Rosie Gaines. Prince vowed never 2 perform it with anyone else. As much as Prince wanted Rosie 2 go solo he hated the fact that he wouldn’t be able 2 peform one of his most prized possessions, Diamonds and Pearls, until they were 2gether again. Prince has called Rosie one of the greatest singers of all time. He most likens her 2 Ella Fitzgerald. Range, speed, and styling. Rosie’s got it all.

WHat a sweet heart

.

You do realize this was a load of BS, right? http://princevault.com/in...And_Pearls

BartVanHemelen said:

.

You do realize this was a load of BS, right? http://princevault.com/in...And_Pearls

I resalise YOU are...Yes

RudeNephew said:

BartVanHemelen said:

Yet again you post some lame tumblr link instead of linking to the original: https://medium.com/@anild...7baf4aec66 .

Once again you're a dick for no reason.

.

No, I'm not. Anil Dash did a lot of effort to dig up those notes, clean them up and post them online, and he deserves credit for it.

.

In the past Laura and others have repeatedly posted entire copyrighted articles and only linked to some lame blog post, while the original was still available. In case you haven't noticed: clicks is a currency online, and Prince fans should be encouraged to click on a link and read the original at its orignal place because that way that publisher knows there's interest in those topics and will invest time and money into getting more reporting on the subject.

BartVanHemelen said:

OperatingThetan said:

BartVanHemelen said:

.

You do realize this was a load of BS, right? http://princevault.com/in...And_Pearls

Prince obviously changed his mind. But in 1993, when the notes were written, it was an accurate statement of intent. [Edited 10/12/17 4:01am]

Even if it wasn't, every one is entitled to building up their own mythology with some exaggerated BS every once in a while. Artists do it all the time. It's cool.

OperatingThetan said:

BartVanHemelen said:

.

You do realize this was a load of BS, right? http://princevault.com/in...And_Pearls

Prince obviously changed his mind. But in 1993, when the notes were written, it was an accurate statement of intent. [Edited 10/12/17 4:01am]

You know what is the only thing that matters? This:

In the old days, the traditional gift for a 30th wedding anniversary was diamonds. Nowadays, the traditional gift for the 30th wedding anniversary is pearls.

Tuesday was my 30th wedding anniversary and.........

I played "Diamonds and Pearls" for my wife.

Score!

RodeoSchro said:

BartVanHemelen said:

Lovejunky said:

WHat a sweet heart

.

You do realize this was a load of BS, right? http://princevault.com/in...And_Pearls

Did it ever occur to you that he had a right to change his mind about his music and that he had paying customers who wanted to hear the song?

Do you honestly think that people make statements and they are written in fucking stone to never change?

I think people are misunderstanding what he meant when he "vowed to never perform it with anyone else." He didn't say he would never perform it again. I'm thinking he meant that he would never perform it as a duet with anyone other than Rosie. If that's the case then he kept his promise, right? I mean, yeah he performed it many times after Rosie left the band, but it was usually just the first verse and the chorus. To my knowledge, he never did a full version of the song after the Diamonds and Pearls tour. It was always in a piano medley. So maybe he kept his vow after all?

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[Edited 10/13/17 11:15am]

Mindbells9 said:

I think people are misunderstanding what he meant when he "vowed to never perform it with anyone else." He didn't say he would never perform it again. I'm thinking he meant that he would never perform it as a duet with anyone other than Rosie. If that's the case then he kept his promise, right? I mean, yeah he performed it many times after Rosie left the band, but it was usually just the first verse and the chorus. To my knowledge, he never did a full version of the song after the Diamonds and Pearls tour. It was always in a piano medley. So maybe he kept his vow after all?

Didn't he perform it at least once with Lalah Hathaway?

FlyOnTheWall said:

Mindbells9 said:

I think people are misunderstanding what he meant when he "vowed to never perform it with anyone else." He didn't say he would never perform it again. I'm thinking he meant that he would never perform it as a duet with anyone other than Rosie. If that's the case then he kept his promise, right? I mean, yeah he performed it many times after Rosie left the band, but it was usually just the first verse and the chorus. To my knowledge, he never did a full version of the song after the Diamonds and Pearls tour. It was always in a piano medley. So maybe he kept his vow after all?

Didn't he perform it at least once with Lalah Hathaway?

Did he? I'm not sure.

Mindbells9 said:

FlyOnTheWall said:

Didn't he perform it at least once with Lalah Hathaway?

Did he? I'm not sure.

He did. It's been awhile since I viewed the video, which has been pulled, but from what I can recall, it was delightful. I adore both Rosie Gaines and Lalah Hathaway, so I have no problem with him changing his mind. That he would even make such a pledge speaks to how much affection and respect he had for Rosie and her craft; however, Diamonds and Pearls was one of his biggest hits, so it's only natural that he would sing it from time to time. I found this interview with Hathaway about opening for and performing with Prince. Here is a bit of it.



Lalah Hathaway on opening for Prince during the “Welcome 2 America" Tour:

(Previously), he had been to a couple of my shows. One day, I was in the studio and his manager called me. She said, “Prince is going to call you in an hour.” I sat in the studio paralyzed for the next hour. Somebody else called, though, and they wanted me to open up a (concert) date for him. It really fulfilled the most far-out dream that I ever had... I've opened up for him three times. He is one of my absolute idols-- having grown up in the 1970s and 1980s-- and he is absolutely one of my top five artists of all time. (When you start touring), you get the dose of reality that the clubs are smaller than you imagined. But, to go on that stage opening for Prince and sing in front of 17,000 people, it really did give me boost and a surge of energy. He's also one of the most musical cats on the planet, so playing with him, you just learn so much. We sang a whole bunch of (songs), like “Sometimes it Snows in April” and “Diamonds and Pearls.” It was almost like a haze; It's almost like it didn't happen. If he ever asked me, I would be honored to open up for him again. Read more...

[Edited 10/13/17 12:10pm]

BartVanHemelen said:

Yet again you post some lame tumblr link instead of linking to the original: https://medium.com/@anild...7baf4aec66 .

Well I'm glad he posted what he did! And like your link also.

[Edited 10/13/17 12:57pm]

This is a good one:

“DO ME BABY” -

the 1st time Prince turned the control room into a bedroom. Candles were lit, chiffon veils were hung and all the doors were locked.

[Edited 10/13/17 13:02pm]