Being a later starter I've only just discovered Curtis Mayfield.

After listening to his greatest hits, Superfly soundtract, Short Eyes soundtrack and Do It All Night albums I'm convinced Curtis must have had quite an influence on Prince.

Are there any quotes by Prince to support this ?

Is there anyone who has NOT had an influence on Prince?

Curtis could run rings around ole bighead

I have always thought that Adore was Prince's paean to Curtis.
[Edited 12/21/08 11:23am]

prince peformed curtis song "people get ready" during gold era

I really listened to Curtis for the first time this year. It was kind of a letdown because I thought Prince invented that shit.

abigail05 said:

Prince didnt invent shit.. he stole off of everybody. He isnt original in anyway shape or form. sorry to bust your bubble but it is true.

IAintTheOne said:

no worries, I've been over it for years

but it does make me feel a bit for Lenny, who still consistently takes flak for being the consummate rip-off artist. I don't think Prince ever took a fraction of the heat Lenny takes

IAintTheOne said:

That shit is depressing as hell

I want to know if he gave props to James Brown besides mentioning him in a song.

trueiopian said:

He talked about seeing the finest women come out of James Brown's stage, I'm sure he meant the dancers and "funky divas".

He also praised his band leadership & discipline.

Harlepolis said:

We know Maceo played with him a few times too. Honestly he never talks about it that much but you can tell he gives props when he performs with them (like Chaka Khan for example).

Harlepolis said:

ahem.. you know better

abigail05 said:

Well I got into Prince because I recognized the influences. I the early 80s I was listening to a lot of classic 70s soul & funk, Curtis, Parliament etc. I noticed that Prince was using some of their influences and began to delve deeper.

So although it was never a big deal for me, I still like to see the reaction on the face of a Prince diehard who's never heard Parliament before and I play the, "P. Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)" for instance... it's like their whole world has been turned upside down

Although he is not entirely original, Prince does what he does very well. His musical taste is quite impeccable and he uses these influences in his own compositions.

IAintTheOne said:

after much resistance I finally had to ditch my heavy metal in favor of Prince back in '85 - I didn't realize it at the time but what I really wanted was an updated version of Jimi Hendrix. I think Prince delivered on that very well.

Harlepolis said:

you feisty today aint you.

abigail05 said:

wow.. how wrong you are

IAintTheOne said:

Prince gave me the 60s psychedelia I needed in an 80s package. Just more listenable to me. Same goes for Curtis - I'm glad I got to enjoy Prince all those years first!

Jamie Starr's a thief?! no lord no!!!

Graycap23 said:

Too busy being a clever w*nker you didn't answer the question.

Are you one of life's losers who's only way to get off is with constant negative comments ?

I have seen you posts over the past year or so. You just like to put other people down and Prince.

Why don't you get a real life instead ? Don't you get tired of mending the punctures in your blow up doll ?

IAintTheOne said:

Don't let the Fams hear you say that

Does "Kiss" reminds you of Curtis Mayfield?