How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Sam Bleazard
  • 4.2 (5)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Prince Rogers Nelson was a cultural icon, ground-breaking artist and one of the most influential, prolific and revered musicians of his generation, inspiring diverse groups of people around the world. This show talks to people who have memories of the Purple one, and will include associates, bandmates and fans alike. Don't be 'alone in a world that's so cold' - join us! May U Live 2 C the Dawn...

  1. We talk to Steve Parke, who for 13 years was Prince's Art Director at Paisley Park. Fulfilling all of his boyhood dreams required tenacity, imagination and always thinking on his feet.

    DEC 14

    We talk to Steve Parke, who for 13 years was Prince's Art Director at Paisley Park. Fulfilling all of his boyhood dreams required tenacity, imagination and always thinking on his feet.

    How do you go from being a teenager in high school with dreams of your favourite rock stars, to being Prince's Art Director for 13 years? Steve Parke discusses his journey to Paisley Park, the tenacity he needed to survive, how Prince had him thinking on his feet, but also how he managed what could often be a challenging relationship and set of circumstances. Future episodes will discuss the Paisley Park fan celebrations, Steve's incredible experiences behind the scenes, and more on the Prince ICON photobook and exhibition at the Iconic Images Gallery in London.

    48 min
  2. In part 2 we talk to Omar about the ownership of his work and masters, his many creative outlets, the resurgence of vinyl, being a vessel for music, spirituality and carrying the torch for a new generation.

    NOV 27

    In part 2 we talk to Omar about the ownership of his work and masters, his many creative outlets, the resurgence of vinyl, being a vessel for music, spirituality and carrying the torch for a new generation.

    Omar burst onto the UK and world music scene as a prodigious young teenage talent, and was signed to the Talkin' Loud label in the early 90s. Emerging from the London Acid Jazz scene alongside seminal groups like The Young Disciples, The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai, he made waves with breakout soul ballad There's Nothing Like This, and early albums such as 1992s Music. Having never compromised his musical and artistic integrity to court mainstream success his eclectic output has won him the admiring ears of many of the industry's biggest names. He's collaborated with Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Paul Weller, Leon Ware, Lamont Dozier and of course one of his biggest idols Stevie Wonder. In this candid conversation he discusses being compared to the likes of Prince and Stevie, but also how he's maintained his career over the last 30 years. 'Essensual' listening...

    33 min
  3. There's nothing like talking to Omar about Prince and his idol Stevie Wonder. In part 1 we discuss being hailed as a musical prodigy, influences, collaborators and the creative process. Not to be missed.

    NOV 19

    There's nothing like talking to Omar about Prince and his idol Stevie Wonder. In part 1 we discuss being hailed as a musical prodigy, influences, collaborators and the creative process. Not to be missed.

    Omar burst onto the UK and world music scene as a prodigious young teenage talent, and was signed to the Talkin' Loud label in the early 90s. Emerging from the London Acid Jazz scene alongside seminal groups like The Young Disciples, The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai, he made waves with breakout soul ballad There's Nothing Like This, and early albums such as 1992s Music. Having never compromised his musical and artistic integrity to court mainstream success his eclectic output has won him the admiring ears of many of the industry's biggest names. He's collaborated with Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Paul Weller, Leon Ware, Lamont Dozier and of course one of his biggest idols Stevie Wonder. In this candid conversation he discusses being compared to the likes of Prince and Stevie, but also how he's maintained his career over the last 30 years. 'Essensual' listening...

    30 min
  4. Charles 'Chazz' Smith shares memories of High School years in Minneapolis, band battles, talent shows, parental advice and the influence of his cousin Prince growing up.

    OCT 23

    Charles 'Chazz' Smith shares memories of High School years in Minneapolis, band battles, talent shows, parental advice and the influence of his cousin Prince growing up.

    Charles 'Chazz' Smith is the founder, original drummer and lead vocalist of Grand Central - the band that spawned Morris Day (of The Time), Andre Cymone, and also featured his cousin Prince Rogers Nelson. Charles and Prince attended Lincoln Junior High School together, with several other young local musicians they collaborated with, and formed the roots of what was later described as 'The Minneapolis Sound'. Grand Central was one of the only black groups in MPLS to fuse both rock and funk. Their name was inspired by the group Grand Funk Railroad. They performed yearly at outdoor summer festivals, school dances, and talent shows. Later Charles was slated to be the drummer on Prince's first tour, but his cousin was told that he needed a more multi-racial band. Prince credited Charles influencing him on three things in his life - drums, basketball and girls, as cited in Dan Piepenbring's book The Beautiful Ones.

    34 min
  5. In part 2 we talk chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album Milk & Honey, an enduring friendship and exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..." she tells us.

    MAY 5

    In part 2 we talk chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album Milk & Honey, an enduring friendship and exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..." she tells us.

    Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor, Entrepreneur and Music Supervisor. Growing up in Houston, Texas, she has been in the entertainment industry since her childhood. An early experience in the People's Choice Awards meant a chance meeting with Beyoncé, which led her into a very early incarnation of Destiny's Child. With her family's support she put her ambitions on pause briefly to go back to school and finish College. She is now a graduate of University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, with a Bachelor in Music Business. She first visited Prince's recording studios Paisley Park in her teens, before becoming part of his entourage as a singer songwriter in her early 20s, during the artist's 3121 era. She recorded and collaborated with Prince, who became a mentor to her - co-writing their Grammy-nominated duet "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Tamar appeared onstage with him at the NAACP Awards, Saturday Night Live and The Brit Awards, before going on tour with him in the US, performing songs from her album Milk and Honey. After parting ways with Prince, she went on to star on Broadway, in “Motown, the Musical”, and has wowed audiences in recent years with jaw-dropping performances on NBC’s “The Voice”...also touring with Tyler Perry productions. She has performed for former Presidents and first Ladies, and also recently launched an interactive iPad, iPhone and Android Music app. In 2010, Tamar initiated and created Syren Music Group, LLC: a music entertainment company that specializes in the advancement of independent music and live entertainment. Through the creation of Syren Music Group, LLC Tamar launched her independent album "My Name is Tamar" (3.24.2011), which has garnered sales and media coverage globally. Tamar is also the co-founder of The Tamar Davis Project: an international, educational and artistic project designed for singers, artists, musicians, writers, painters, composers, choreographers, and dancers to benefit from opportunities that will become a catalyst to successfully launch their careers under the watchful eye of industry professionals turned mentors. She's also become a vibrant presence on social media, is passionate as an educator and is a vocal campaigner for artists rights. Join us in part 2 when we talk about chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album album Milk & Honey, their enduring friendship and her many exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..." she tells us.

    24 min
  6. Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor and Entrepreneur. And her life was forever changed by Prince. This is her story.

    APR 12

    Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor and Entrepreneur. And her life was forever changed by Prince. This is her story.

    Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor, Entrepreneur and Music Supervisor. Growing up in Houston, Texas, she has been in the entertainment industry since her childhood. An early experience in the People's Choice Awards meant a chance meeting with Beyoncé, which led her into a very early incarnation of Destiny's Child. With her family's support she put her ambitions on pause briefly to go back to school and finish College. She is now a graduate of University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, with a Bachelor in Music Business. She first visited Prince's recording studios Paisley Park in her teens, before becoming part of his entourage as a singer songwriter in her early 20s, during the artist's 3121 era. She recorded and collaborated with Prince, who became a mentor to her - co-writing their Grammy-nominated duet "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Tamar appeared onstage with him at the NAACP Awards, Saturday Night Live and The Brit Awards, before going on tour with him in the US, performing songs from her album Milk and Honey. After parting ways with Prince, she went on to star on Broadway, in “Motown, the Musical”, and has wowed audiences in recent years with jaw-dropping performances on NBC’s “The Voice”...also touring with Tyler Perry productions. She has performed for former Presidents and first Ladies, and also recently launched an interactive iPad, iPhone and Android Music app. In 2010, Tamar initiated and created Syren Music Group, LLC: a music entertainment company that specializes in the advancement of independent music and live entertainment. Through the creation of Syren Music Group, LLC Tamar launched her independent album "My Name is Tamar" (3.24.2011), which has garnered sales and media coverage globally. Tamar is also the co-founder of The Tamar Davis Project: an international, educational and artistic project designed for singers, artists, musicians, writers, painters, composers, choreographers, and dancers to benefit from opportunities that will become a catalyst to successfully launch their careers under the watchful eye of industry professionals turned mentors. She's also become a vibrant presence on social media, is passionate as an educator and is a vocal campaigner for artists rights.

    25 min
  7. In part 2 we field fan Qs to Owen, he reflects on Prince's demands in the early days, and working with other MPLS artists. Meeting fans on his recent book tour and his feeling on the Purple One's incredible legacy. Essential listening.

    MAR 29

    In part 2 we field fan Qs to Owen, he reflects on Prince's demands in the early days, and working with other MPLS artists. Meeting fans on his recent book tour and his feeling on the Purple One's incredible legacy. Essential listening.

    Before Controversy, before 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, Sign O The Times and Paisley Park recording studios... local Minneapolis based entrepreneur Owen Husney, knew Prince Rogers Nelson, before he became Prince. The one who became one of the greatest artists and musicians of our time. As his first manager Owen ensured that Prince was signed to a 3 album record deal, with a high degree of autonomy to produce his own work. This was unheard of in the mid to late 1970s. This is his story, and his reflections on a unique time in music history.

    38 min
  8. As his first Manager, Owen Husney remembers Prince Rogers Nelson. "This was 1976. He was just a guy from North Minneapolis...he took the bus to my house, that's the Prince I loved."

    MAR 16

    As his first Manager, Owen Husney remembers Prince Rogers Nelson. "This was 1976. He was just a guy from North Minneapolis...he took the bus to my house, that's the Prince I loved."

    Before Controversy, before 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, Sign O The Times and Paisley Park recording studios... local Minneapolis based entrepreneur Owen Husney, knew Prince Rogers Nelson, before he became Prince. The one who became one of the greatest artists and musicians of our time. As his first manager Owen ensured that Prince was signed to a 3 album record deal, with a high degree of autonomy to produce his own work. This was unheard of in the mid to late 1970s. This is his story, and his reflections on a unique time in music history.

    33 min
See All (30)

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Prince Rogers Nelson was a cultural icon, ground-breaking artist and one of the most influential, prolific and revered musicians of his generation, inspiring diverse groups of people around the world. This show talks to people who have memories of the Purple one, and will include associates, bandmates and fans alike. Don't be 'alone in a world that's so cold' - join us! May U Live 2 C the Dawn...

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada