George Clinton, the renowned singer and leader of Parliament-Funkadelic, reflected on the profound impact of Prince’s passing, which occurred a decade ago. At the time of Prince’s death, Clinton felt paralyzed by grief, but he now finds solace in discussing their relationship. Their first encounter took place in 1977 when Prince attended one of Clinton’s shows at the young age of 19. Clinton noted that Prince embodied the essence of a new-era Sly Stone, showcasing remarkable talent on the guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums. He credited Prince’s father, a skilled arranger, for his son’s musical acumen and emphasized Prince’s exceptional dance skills reminiscent of James Brown. Beyond being an extraordinary musician, Clinton regarded Prince as a unique individual.
Clinton reminisced about introducing Prince’s music to a pirate radio DJ in Detroit, which boosted their recognition. Years later, Prince honored Clinton by signing him to Paisley Park Records and inducting him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their collaboration blossomed into a close friendship, with Prince often reaching out late at night for conversations. Clinton shared that Prince was fascinated by his stories from the past, including encounters with legends like Mavis Staples, Sam Cooke, and Jimi Hendrix. Once a bond was formed with Prince, it lasted for many years.
Clinton recalled how Prince was envious of his ability to leave venues after performances, a feat Prince struggled with himself. During their last meeting in London, two years prior to Prince’s death, Clinton was spotlighted by Prince during a performance, while Prince discreetly exited, leaving Clinton to engage with the audience.
Apollonia Kotero, who starred alongside Prince in the film Purple Rain and was part of Apollonia 6, expressed her grief over the past decade since Prince’s death. She described their relationship as familial, characterized by love and mutual respect for over three decades, despite never having dated. Kotero credited Prince with helping her establish a foothold in the music industry, allowing her to walk the red carpet at the Oscars. While he could be demanding, he consistently encouraged those around him to excel.
Reflecting on their intense work schedule during the production of Purple Rain, she recounted a harrowing experience where she nearly drowned in a sub-zero lake, prompting Prince to express deep concern for her wellbeing. Kotero shared personal moments, revealing that during times of illness, Prince offered care and companionship, demonstrating his genuine character. She fondly remembered a moment when he left a voicemail humming the melody that would become “When Doves Cry,” instructing her to preserve it.
Kotero described Prince as an avid learner, deeply engaged with literature and current events. He often visited her late at night, leading to spontaneous adventures through Hollywood while sharing new musical creations. As their friendship deepened, she discovered a more vulnerable side of him. In later years, he became increasingly reclusive and cautious, citing concerns over technology and becoming less accessible. However, in 2014, he expressed joy over regaining control of his music rights and began to make amends in his life, including providing support for others in need. Kotero noted that Prince was profoundly affected by the death of Denise Matthews, known as Vanity, and observed changes in his health that troubled her. Their last encounter was marked by a heartfelt exchange of love before his untimely passing.
Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith, a cousin and original drummer of Grand Central, reminisced about their childhood experiences, including sneaking into a Sly and the Family Stone concert. Smith recalled how Prince’s passion for music was evident from a young age, as he quickly mastered the guitar after receiving it as a gift. The two friends spent countless hours practicing and critiquing each other’s performances, alongside their shared love for basketball. Smith acknowledged Prince’s potential in sports, but music was always his primary focus. He described Prince’s dedication to his craft, often outshining others during local jam sessions, and how he dreamed of stardom while gazing at the night sky.
While Smith celebrated Prince’s remarkable achievements, he also expressed sorrow over the pressures Prince faced, suggesting that a more conventional lifestyle might have allowed him to thrive longer. He pondered the toll of navigating the music industry and the relentless demands that accompanied fame, recognizing that Prince’s commitment to his art often pushed him to the brink.
