In this first part of another multi-part episode, we get into the "Purple Rain" music or the music of 1983-1985, one of the most productive and creative eras for Prince.  Prince is creating a tremendous amount of music for himself and the side groups, as he is filming the "Purple Rain" movie, but most of it remains unreleased.  

Touring in 1983, on the "1999" tour, inspires Prince to write the song "Purple Rain".  Then, fellow WB artist Stevie Nicks, asks Prince for help with the song, "Stand Back". 

That summer, Prince begins writing and recording what will turn out to be hundreds of songs for consideration of inclusion in the "Purple Rain" movie.  Prince involves the band, in the songwriting process; a change to his usual music production process.   

Prince's band, now called "The Revolution" and including the newest member Wendy Melvoin, debuted at First Avenue on August 3, 1983 for a benefit concert for the Minnesota Dance Theatre.  It was in this show that some of the songs for the movie were recorded live, for use in the movie and its soundtrack.  In this episode we look at live clips from that historic show and moment in Prince history. 

Prince is now living with Susannah Melvoin ( Wendy's twin sister who he met at the benefit concert show at First Avenue) while he is also restarting his relationship with Sheila E.  We will dive deep into Wendy, Susannah, and Sheila's back stories as well as the similarities in the gematria coding, and their scripted roles in Prince's life.  

Another moment in Prince history occurred on August 20, 1983, when Prince attended a James Brown show in Los Angeles.  Michael Jackson and James invite Prince onstage, and a memorable yet embarrassing moment in Prince history occurred.  We will look at that performance in this episode as well.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are gone, and Prince is continuing to have trouble keeping The Time together, despite the new members added to the group.  Morris and Jesse are unhappy with Prince's control and input, and both want to go solo.  Prince is also growing cold on Apollonia 6, since Apollonia is not the vocal talent needed to keep the group going.

-6 Unreleased Prince tracks from the episode for patrons on the "Lovesexy" Tier of support and higher.