Celebrating our 5th Anniversary Pt 1: Those who knew Prince in the late 1970s, from school days through to early band try outs in Minneapolis...we spoke to his first Manager, band members, but also writers who studied this crucial period. Essential.

INTRO

2mins - Prince's High School days and local Talent Shows with Cousin Chazz Smith

3mins30s - Mark Brown (aka BrownMark) discusses growing up in Minneapolis, the club scene and a 'sense of segregation'.

5mins30s - Author and Journalist Neal Karlen shares his memories of Minneapolis in the late 1970s, and Prince's childhood mischief.

9mins - Chazz and Prince go exploring in the local neighbourhoods on the lookout for musicians and band members...they meet future New Power Generation member Sonny Thompson along the way.

15mins - First Manager Owen Husney talk about the 'original Prince'. "He was just a kid, he was 18 when I met him...he took the bus to my house."  

17mins30s - "I realised what had to be done for him. He was just a guy from North Minneapolis...as much as I admired his talent, I knew he was vulnerable."

19mins - "Controversy creates awareness...", Owen and Prince prepare to do anything to get attention, studying P.T. Barnum and Colonel Tom Parker along the way.

22mins - Understanding the magic required to be a star. "He could see down the tunnel, he knew how talented he was..."

23mins30s - Guitar tech and Luthier Dave Rusan talks about his experience trying out for a very early version of Prince's group... at Del's Tire Mart.

29mins30s - Meeting Prince for the first time, as a cook in a local Minneapolis restaurant, and cooking him pancakes. "He looked like a rock star."

31mins30s - Dr. Casci Ritchie on The Life and Legacy of Prince's Fashion. "It's one of my favourite eras of Prince to look at, because he's really messy...and there's a relatability to it."

35mins - "He is figuring out things. He was always borrowing people's clothes." Prince obsesses about borrowing keyboardist Gayle Chapman's boots.

37mins - Founding member of The Revolution Lisa Coleman discusses her teenage years, how she got the gig, and came to meet Prince. "It sounds a bit like Introverts anonymous!"

How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

LINKS

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