The Whitsdom Press

Tag: Prince

  • Celebrating Prince: The Innovator of Music and Culture

    June 7th. For millions worldwide, this date sparks an instant refrain: the birth of Prince Rogers Nelson. Born in Minneapolis in 1958, he reshaped music, culture, and countless souls. Today, we remember not just the icon, but the innovator, the secret giver, and the revolutionary who painted the world purple.

    The Sound Revolution: Where Genius Defied Gravity

    Prince wasn’t just a musician—he was a one-man cosmos of creativity. Signed to Warner Bros. at 19 with unprecedented control, he fused funk, rock, pop, and soul into a sound that ignored racial and genre boundaries. His early band—a defiant mix of Black, white, male, and female members—embodied the “Uptown” ethos: “black, white, Puerto Rican / everybody just a freakin’.” 

    • The “Purple Rain” Eruption: The 1984 film and album weren’t just hits; they were cultural tsunamis. Tracks like “When Doves Cry” (with its absence of bass) rewrote production rules, while his electrifying stage presence—trench coat, bandana, and fearless sexuality—left audiences breathless.
    • The Collaborator’s Heart: Prince’s Paisley Park became a laboratory for proteges (Sheila E., Apollonia) and peers (Madonna, Chaka Khan). He penned hits like “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Sinead O’Connor) and “Manic Monday” (The Bangles), proving his genius flowed beyond his own voice.

    The Secret Garden: Philanthropy Without Fanfare

    While his music roared, Prince’s giving whispered. He donated millions anonymously through one of his charities, Love 4 One Another, believing “love needs no publicity.”

    • Education & Empowerment: He gifted $200,000 to transform a nursing home into Harvest Prep Academy, funded recording studios for youth programs, and backed tech initiatives like #YesWeCode to diversify Silicon Valley.
    • Crisis Compassion: After the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, he quietly sent $50,000 to victims’ families. When Trayvon Martin was killed, he supported the family.
    • Other philanthropic efforts include $80,000 to Urban Ventures to build a youth music studio and $50,000 to Green for All’s environmental jobs initiative.

    Birthdays: From Lavish Parties to Quiet Reflection

    Prince’s relationship with June 7th evolved dramatically:

    • 1980s Extravagance: In 1984, he celebrated at First Avenue with The Revolution, debuting new songs days before Purple Rain exploded. The next year, a masquerade ball featured “giant spiral staircases, brass beds, and international food stations.”
    • A Spiritual Shift: After embracing Jehovah’s Witness beliefs in the 2000s, he publicly rejected birthdays. Yet in 2015, he broke silence just once—tweeting a fan’s tribute article with the caption, “What U give U get back tenfold.”

    In Their Words: The Prince They Knew

    Prince himself was poetic, provocative, and profound:

    “Cool means being able to hang with yourself… If there’s nobody you’re afraid of? Then you’re cool.” 
    “Our consciousness is programmed…Try to create. Start by creating your day.” 

    Fellow artists revered him:

    • Van Jones: “He wasn’t red, and he wasn’t blue. He was purple.” 
    • Nelson George (music journalist): “Prince humped the bassist’s leg, kissed the keyboardist… Whatever was going on in frigid Minnesota was definitely freaky.” 

    The Eternal Rain: Why He Still Matters

    Prince’s 2016 departure left a silence only his music fills. Yet his legacy thrives:

    • Artistic Fearlessness: He fought Warner Bros. for creative freedom, infamously writing “slave” on his face and changing his name to a symbol
    • Inclusion as Gospel: His bands, audiences, and beliefs celebrated unity. As Jones noted, “Nobody went to a Prince concert and said, ‘I don’t belong here.’” 

    On this day, we don’t just say “Happy Birthday.” We say thank you. For the guitar solos that cracked the sky, the kindness hidden in plain sight, and the courage to be defiantly, beautifully you. As Prince himself might whisper: “Don’t cry. He’s coming. Don’t die.”

    “I wish U heaven. I wish U purple rain.”
    — Prince, “I Wish U Heaven”

    Prince of my favorite artists and musicians since I was a kid. I have every movie (except the Second Coming…still looking) and even got to see Prince live in concert on his Musicology tour as a high school graduation gift to myself. This man had style, the art of beautiful noise, and broke barriers in the music industry as he fought for his masters and royalties. Though he left us in 2016, his artistic presence lives on.

    Enjoy one of his best performances from his best one of his best movies and albums… “It’s Gonna Be a Beautiful Night” from the Sign o’ the Times album and movie. Real music, real energy, real band, REALLY REAL!!!

    It’s Gonna Be a Beautiful Night by Prince

    What’s your favorite Prince memory? Share how his purple threads still weave through your life below. 💜

  • Remembering Cat Glover: The Dance Icon Behind Prince

    The world has lost yet another legendary artist. Cat Glover, an extraordinary dancer, choreographer, and creative force, has passed away. Cat was known for her iconic collaborations with the late singer Prince. Her unique style and raw talent forever transformed the landscape of dance and music.

    Born Catherine Vernice Glover. She began her career as a professional dancer in the early 1980s. She quickly rose through the ranks of the entertainment industry. Cat was renowned for her high-energy moves, street dance influence, and ability to combine precision with improvisational flair. These qualities caught the attention of none other than Prince. She would go on to share some of the most memorable moments in music history with him.

    Cat Glover in dance group ‘Pat & Cat’ performing on Star Search semifinals in 1986.

    Cat’s introduction to the Purple One came in the mid-1980s. This was during a time when Prince was solidifying his legacy as a musical genius and cultural icon. Their partnership began when she became one of his principal dancers.

    Cat Glover with Prince

    She captivated audiences on his Sign o’ the Times tour in 1987. Her fierce performances in the accompanying concert film, also titled Sign o’ the Times, made her an instant fan favorite. She became particularly popular during her solo dance sequence in “Hot Thing.” This film immortalized Glover’s ability to command the stage, and her chemistry with Prince was electrifying.

    Prince performs ‘Hot Thing’ with Cat Glover in background on Sign O’ the Times tour.

    Beyond her undeniable dance skills, Cat’s influence extended into the realm of choreography. She helped craft some of the distinctive movements that made Prince’s stage shows legendary. She added her own flavor to his concerts and videos. Their collaboration was not only professional but deeply artistic. Cat embodied the creative energy that made Prince’s performances so iconic.

    Prince and Cat Glover perform ‘Erotic City’ with Sheila E. on Lovesexy tour.

    Though best known for her work with Prince, Cat Glover’s talent was boundless. She worked with other prominent artists and left her mark on the entertainment industry with her choreography and performances. She helped bridge the worlds of street dance and pop culture. She contributed to the evolution of dance styles that continue to influence performers today.

    Cat Glover in 2006

    The loss of Cat Glover is profound. She was a beacon of creativity. She was also a dancer who lived fully in her art. Fans of Prince, the music community, and dance aficionados alike will remember her for her dynamic energy. They will honor her trailblazing spirit. Her everlasting contributions to the world of entertainment will never be forgotten.

    Rest in power, Cat Glover. You were truly one of a kind, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations of dancers and artists.