Marking a decade since his passing, this article compiles intimate recollections from Prince's inner circle—including George Clinton, Apollonia Kotero, childhood friends, bandmates, and managers—offering a mosaic of his genius, eccentricities, vulnerabilities, and profound impact on their lives.
A decade after his death, Prince's friends, family, and collaborators share poignant memories and insights into the iconic artist. George Clinton recalls meeting a 19-year-old Prince, describing him as a 'new Sly Stone'—a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and dancer with incredible swagger. Clinton also recounts Prince signing him to Paisley Park Records and their late-night philosophical talks. Apollonia Kotero, his 'Purple Rain' co-star, speaks of their deep, non-romantic bond, revealing how Prince pushed her to excel and cared for her during a hypothermia incident on set. She shares anecdotes like Prince humming 'When Doves Cry' into her answerphone and her observation of his declining health and reclusiveness before his death, following his joy at regaining his music rights. Childhood friend Charles 'Chazz' Smith details Prince's early obsession with music after seeing Sly Stone, his prodigious talent on guitar, and his shy, romantic nature. He also touches on the sadness of Prince's intense life and the profound impact of losing his child. André Cymone, another childhood friend and bandmate, describes their 'brotherhood,' fierce competition, and Prince's desire to speak to 'misfits' through his genre-bending music, often challenging traditional masculinity in his songs. Singer Mica Paris recounts Prince's mesmerizing stage presence, his unexpected offer to write songs for her, and their quiet, validating sessions at Paisley Park. She highlights his 'incredibly sexy' aura and his preference for the company of strong women. Owen Husney, Prince's first manager, reflects on the 18-year-old's 'supernatural' talent, self-confidence, and his falsetto's vulnerability, along with his shy nature and prankster side. Audio engineer Susan Rogers describes Prince's 'hypercreative' process, where 'inhibitory brakes were always off,' leading to spontaneous, round-the-clock recording sessions and lyrics inspired by mundane objects like Tic Tacs. Susan Moonsie, a friend and vocalist, shares memories of Prince's quiet intellectualism, their fun days rollerskating, and the inspiration behind 'When Doves Cry' from their relationship. Drummer Bobby Z, a friend for 40 years, speaks of Prince's 'ruthless' musicianship, his constant drive to outdo himself, and how songs often came to him in dreams. He also notes Prince's discomfort with other celebrities unless he was a fan. Keyboardist Matthew 'Dr' Fink recalls Prince's unwavering confidence in building his own fanbase despite early racist backlash, his strict discipline against drugs and alcohol, and his relentless work ethic. Fink also alludes to Prince's trauma from his parents' divorce and the loss of his child, which he believes contributed to his intense dedication to music. Saxophonist Candy Dulfer shares the story of how her 'chutzpah' led her to perform with Prince, describing his gentlemanly yet androgynous style. She reveals his struggles with childhood teasing, his conversion to a strict Jehovah's Witness to avoid suicide, and how an untreated hip injury (due to his faith) likely led to painkiller use and mood changes. Singer Sananda Maitreya (formerly Terence Trent D'Arby) felt an immediate connection to Prince, seeing him as a 'missionary' who represented diversity and pushed artistic boundaries. Lighting director LeRoy Bennett details Prince's extraordinary stamina, his demanding 'test' period for new crew members, and their shared vision for pushing show boundaries. He recalls Prince's playful side, his concern about others stealing his ideas, and a poignant last conversation where Prince revealed he didn't expect to live past 35. The collective narrative paints a picture of a complex genius whose profound impact on music and the lives of those around him continues to resonate, even a decade after his passing.
