Prince opens up in rare interview with Essence Magazine
OPINION - It is a treat to pick up the June 2014 edition of Essence Magazine to see the one and only Prince on the cover. The words, “A Night With Prince: What Really Happens at the After Party” are printed in the upper left, with Prince in trademark purple...
It is a treat to pick up the June 2014 edition of Essence Magazine to see the one and only Prince on the cover. The words “A Night With Prince: What Really Happens at the After Party” are printed in the upper left, with “Prince” in trademark purple.
The cover picture is classic Prince, his well-styled Afro, black-fringed scarf tied around his neck with matching gauntlets on both arms, a grayish green sleeveless shirt and dark rose colored glasses. The leopard guitar strap adds emphasis to his right hand upraised; almost resembling a leopard’s claw with his guitar blending hues of red, orange, yellow, black and white just popping against his slim black pants.
The article’s writer, Cheo Hodari Coker, is an experienced producer and screenwriter. He is co-executive producer of Showtime’s dramatic series Ray Donovan. His credits include Southland, NCIS: Los Angeles, Notorious and Almost Human. He delivers a focused account of the superstar with excitement and vision. He seems just right to pull together all of the moving parts that make up a night with Prince.
The set up to the article is a header touting, “The man forever known as Prince pulls back the purple curtain on his legacy.” Coker writes, “Prince is the rarest of all creatures — someone who hasn’t aged a day.” Prince has about the same size, the same weight and sings in the the same voice that made up the Prince experience some 30 years ago. On June 7, Prince turns 56. Prince’s rare interview comes ahead of his headline performance at the 20th anniversary Essence Festival during Fourth of July weekend. It appears the article along with his headlining Essence Festival Performance is the start of a two month long birthday celebration.
Coker points out that Prince is still on stage, still vibrant, and still doing things his way. Prince’s resilience in the industry flies in the face of brick and mortar record stores folding, the Internet and paid radio models changing listener habits, and how these factors along with YouTube have allowed only artists with deep catalogs and the chops for live performances continue to survive. The writer goes on to say that Prince is one of the last artists who truly thrives in a live setting and can release records in any way he wants, negotiating any deal he wants.
For this expansive article, Essence’s access to Prince is noteworthy. A photo shoot takes place just before his performance at the Palladium. He vets the pictures on the spot in the meticulous manner that his is known for. This insight shows how he strives for perfection in every aspect of his image. And with that, the readers are the beneficiaries as the pages almost come to life with images of the music icon as a fashionista.
As one reads Cheo Hodari Coker’s high-energy account of the concert itself, images of Prince come flowing through the mind. Since many of the impresario’s songs go as far back as 30 years, the article is as musical as it is literary. The marathon concert that is being reported goes on for hours, ending at nearly 3am. But Prince is not ready to call it a night. He turns to Coker and asks if he still had energy, promoting the writer to tag along
The focus now turns to the after party, an account of an exclusive event that takes place in Prince’s expansive suite in Beverly Hills and hosts luminaries, actors, celebrities of all types. If you were invited to this party, you would have been treated to comedian Dave Chappell “tickling the ivories” with a rendition of Thelonious Monk’s “Round Midnight.” R&B sensation Janelle Monae, singer Marsha Ambrosius formerly of Floetry and British folk singer Lianne La Havas were also spotted in the crowd. Coker writes, “The most surprising thing about Prince is that in private, he’s not shy at at all.” This revelation makes reading the rest of the article more engaging.
Reading this story about Prince gives you great insight into how he keeps himself timeless and relevant. But when you turn the page after reading this exciting, insightful account, there are even more surprises about Prince.
Prince talks with Nile Rodgers, legend to legend
People tend not to get enough of Prince, so Prince interviewing his friend Nile Rodgers is something not to be missed. The two talk about Rodger’s start in music, who his mentors were, where he got his breaks. There’s even a question about who Rodgers regretted not having collaborated with in his storied career. We don’t want to blow it for you by giving spoilers, but here’s a hint … it is a jazz great.
Essence’s articles on Prince are a fun read loaded with insight and a few surprises. It certainly is a good way to say “Happy Birthday!” to a legend.
