February 2011 – Finally going to see Prince for my birthday, 29 years later
Dear Prince,
I was just thinking about you yesterday when I was listening to Cherrelle, and Alexander O’Neil, and Jesse Johnson. I was thinking of how much of a musical influence you were, and how you shared your gift to bring life to the music of so many others. And I wanted to say thank you. So I turned the music up real loud in my car in hopes that that would be my thanks to you. Like so many others my heart hurts right now. I feel like a part of my childhood is gone. I loved your music, but I honestly don’t know anyone who loved you as “The Time” as much as I do. When I heard that story about you being the Time I was really and truly hurt. I felt betrayed. But I think I understand, kinda. It’s like you created so much that you needed someone else to help spread your gifts. I’m thankful, really I am. I guess I just felt a bit duped. I remember in the 9th grade I wanted so badly to go to the concert – Prince, the Time, and Vanity 6. I don’t know how, but me and my friend Jennine got tickets. Then we got t-shirts made. She had “Do Me Baby” on the front and “I’m So Cool” on the back. I had “Let’s Work” on the front and “Get it Up” on the back. Lord knows we had no idea what any of that meant (LOL) but we were just happy to be going to the show. Then my report card came, and I guess it wasn’t good because just as quickly as I was going to see you, all of a sudden I wasn’t. That was 1982 or something like that and I gotta tell you I never forgave my mama for that. Never. It’s because of that experience that I recently paid hella money to take my daughter to see Justin Bieber, because I know first hand what it’s like to love music and love a musician and want to show your appreciation by going to the show. But anyway…
Fast forward to 2011, I didn’t even realize it but I’m still mad about missing the concert. Then I hear you’re coming to Oakland, again, 29 years later. This time my hubby said let’s go! I got on 2 phones and a computer and dammit, a few minutes and a couple hundred bucks later, I got those tickets! They sold out within the hour. And lucky for me, you did The Time’s music. Now my life is complete.
When I heard the news today I first thought of my hubby, and my brother Bilal. I don’t know anyone else who can truly appreciate you as a musician like those two. We are all deeply saddened by this earthly loss.
I just want to say thank you. For The Time. For Cherrelle. For Alexander O’Neil. For SOS. For Vanity 6. For Jesse Johnson. For Jody Whatley. And Sheila E. You influenced them all and for that I’m so appreciative. That Minneapolis sound – for me, there is none greater.
