Another reason that Prince earned his Best musician ever title, from a lot of people, is because he decided as a youth (11-12 yrs old) that he was going to become a great musician. He...decided...to practice and learn what went into music production, composition, engineering, etc... to become a great musician. That is admirable....and it paid off for him in a major way. He did an awesome job. He provided quite a few musical masterpieces, including jams, ballads, and straight up funny musical art (Cloreen Baconskin; Bob George, etc...)for us to enjoy for the rest of our days.
Yes I agree with everything you said but also the money he made when he got big around 84 was very generous and put it back in the business of his craft built Paisley Park in 87 n I hear it's like going to Graceland kinda like Jimi Hendrix building Electric Lady studios Prince such a inspirational n incredible musician RIP Bruh 💯
That's true! I think people get a lot of romantic ideas about genius, or religious ideas about God-given talent. Prince had a vision, drive, and a stellar work ethic that got him to the top.
David was my friend and mentor when I was a staff assistant engineer in Mpls during the mid eighties..A true engineering and musical genius. Plus a cool and talented person.
David Z. Is a talented man, he does not get enough credit, I think. You think about it he says he is a singles guy. Three singles that involved him and that were smash hits: Funky Town ( Lips Inc.), Kiss (Prince and the Revolution) an She drives me crazy (Fine Young Cannibals). Those are all very memorable hits all over the globe.
I’m sure David Z is very well known amongst Prince fanatics and nerds😀👍,but it has to be said,David Z played a pivotal role in one of the most important artist in the history of popular music...
@@pocket1684 got it. Somehow I heard different times that Bobby wrote that song, guess people got mixed up. Kind of like how some people say that Maurice White was approached to produce For You and then you hear that it was actually Verdine White (his brother, bassist for EWF) who they had in mind
Man o man, i was so devastated by the passing of Prince I haven't been able to think about it since. But these interviews have been amazing, thanks very much
I love Peggy and David. But man...people ask some of the most exhausting questions. The magic in Prince's creativity came from him. As Peggy stated, he wanted to get a sound and then get it down. He wasn't obsessed with gear the way so many are. He'd rather have a good recording of a great performance than the reverse. Man, I wish we still had him. 💜
Peggy has been my #1 in terms of reliability and truth. There is so much mystique and cryptic fog around Prince that I really appreciate a straight-shooter. Come back, Peggy.
Susan did not turn him into a god. She obviously loved him -- nothing wromg with that -- but she didn't paint him as being perfect either. And who's to say what's "truth" decades ago?
No shes not. She was with him for only a short time (4 and a half) years....Morris Hayes who was with Prince for a much longer time is FAR more reliable than Susan as a source of inside Prince information...so are Andre Cymone (Anderson) and Michael Bland...certain people just praise Susan Rodgers as such, because she's a whyte woman, and she goes all over the world constantly talking about Prince as if she were his mother, wife or sister...
I v just watched Eddie Van H Eruption and compared to Prince it just utter noise to the point of being painfully to listen to, Princes guitar solos seem to sing, cry, howl and ache if this makes sense and take you on a musical journey they were so beautiful musically blissful
@@ChromaflorLtd I relate to that. I come across many people who appreciate watching fast technical players even when the music doesn't sound great. I always ask "would I ever want to hear that again?" The answer is often no. Michael Jackson fans are the worst. They've been won over by imagery and now, legends.
@@nomandad2000 There is nothing tedious about making a comparison to make a point unless you are feeble-minded. ruclips.net/video/5JVI-L31DQY/видео.html
Have you seen the podcast that Apollonia does? I actually forget what it's called but you should probably be able to search it by like Apollonia studio 6 podcast. Now that I say all this I actually think that's the name of it, I just don't have time to look right now. But she has a lot of people on and the interviews are really really good if you want to hear some more stories
Prince started to work on his biography shortly before he passed away. So, since we can’t hear it from the Purple Maestro himself we are dependent on people like David Z. and Peggy. Very interesting - and I wonder if Prince himself would have written about his early years as detailed as these (true) stories are. Too sad he didn’t live to tell. Over 5 years now since he passed away and sometimes it really hits me nearly as hard as the day when I learned about his death. Keep resting easy, Prince and hopefully one sweet day we’ll join you in the purple afterworld.
A fantastic and very revealing expose!!! Because Prince was such a phenomenally gifted multi-instrumentalist, anyone who played in his band had to be at least amazing as well as his engineers!!! There will never be another musical talent like him.
Is Peggy married? Asking for a friend. Seriously - she is funny and so talented. I know she is married. David Z was a blast. I pictured him telling these stories at the bar and everyone say, "yeah, yeah . . .whatever old man," and him not caring. David's perspective is very new (to me); thank you so much for having him. I doubt if you could get Wendy, but a Lisa sit-down would be great (she is wonderful to listen to) and perhaps Levi who is exceptionally talented and played a big part in bridging P to the 1990s. BTW: Keep doing Prince episodes - we went 40 years without knowing. how the sausage was really made so five years of people talking freely while we are all on this side of the earth is great.
Such great insights from Peggy and David! They, along with Bobby Z and Dr. Fink seem very credible about the early years. Morris Day and Susan Rodgers as well. I’m so glad they are telling these stories (from a position of knowledge) and setting the record straight.
good interview..I am glad they were upfront,not bitter,not backstabbing,like Morris and others.If you're great and love what you do,you might demend the best of yourself as well as others.People generally do not understand that level of devotion and diligence,because they live with vagueness,loopholes,excuses,and being an underachiever..
im very new to prince and i truly appreciate the real stories abt him even if it sadly breaks the image of a sexy sensitive lover into a million pieces😂 he poured his entire soul and lifetime into his work and i love that most abt him eventho its sad that it cost him alot of other valuable things in his life. a true artisan of an unforgiving craft
Wow what an amazing interview! Thank you for doing this interview, I learned so much! So many memories they have of working with prince. I wished prince wouldn’t had overworked himself too much, that way he had time to take care of himself and not pushed his body too much but dam it must have been his competitive side of him, wanting to do all those dance moves and jumping off pianos and stuff with his heels. Man I’m always left upset after watching these interviews because I wish he were still here with us today
Peggy nailed my sentiments exactly...the thing we - the fa[n]m - loved about his live performances, in the end is what took him from us. I saw him in Detroit: Lovesexy & Jam of the Year and his energy was incredible!! But it brings a tear to my eye now...
These videos are so valuable. I am asking an open question to the estate to allow a track by track breakdown with these amazing talents. I'm talking about stems and allowing these people to share the process with a direct example. PLEASE!!!
What I like to do after watching these videos, I will listen to the songs that they talk about. After hearing their stories, I have a greater insight of each track. If that makes sense lol. Thank you Sunset Sound so much for these series!
thank you so much for making these videos. this is very special, having these super talented people who worked with legends sharing amazing behind the scenes stories.
1:35:23 that isn't true. Prince got his start on black radio. During his earlier shows, most of the audience members were black. The crossover started with Little Red Corvette and peaked during Purple Rain.
We definitely loved him before he hit top 40. We listened to EVERYTHING Prince. It was weird because when White people were rocking 1999 and Little Red Corvette, we were rocking Lady Cab Driver, DMSR and International Lover. We were rocking Nasty Girl, Get It Up and 777-9311 when nobody else was.
@@suzeesix the Black community supported Prince from the very beginning. There was a black DJ in Chicago that was suspended for playing Prince. When his suspension was over, he came back to work and played Prince again. The station manager finally left him alone, because the demand to hear Prince's music was overwhelming! There was another Black DJ in Detroit who introduced his audience to Prince. I live in Chicago. To this very day, I never hear Prince on white radio. It's like he doesn't even exist to them. They play Michael, but no Prince. Even the classic rock stations ignore him. The ONLY station that played one of Prince's last singles, "1000 hugs & kisses," was a black radio station.
Yep! We been hanging with Prince years before he became mainstream. Radio station WDAS in Philly used to play Prince albums when he first came out in 78, and they were famous for blasting deep album cuts. DJs Tony Brown and Dr, Perry Johnson used to play International Lover, Lady Cab Driver, Dirty Mind, Party Up, so many early ones. I went to see Prince in Cherry Hill and when he opened for Rick- Fire It Up tour. I loved the PR years but I adore his early years.
This channel ❤️is teaching young people,and even Gen x guys like myself who were at school when Purple Rain broke into our imaginations.....David Z is definitely an old G,also of course I love Bobby Z❤️..Bobby got drafted 😃
Buying 1999 when it was released was even to this day one of the most important records I ever purchased. It was just my age, puberty and coming of age and the first artist that was mine because I chose it…..or it chose me and that hadn’t happened like that before. My first record of a new age and it planted a seed. Thank you 🙏 so much for putting this together and bringing these two together as I just never had any insight into who he was past the music and it only makes it richer.
What a fascinating interview! David Z - almost a myth so it was great to see and hear from him. What a career before and after Prince too. I think we underestimate the input of all these collaborators (particularly the 80s and early 90s) and what their pedigree brings to the table. Fascinating. Thank you David for taking time to do this. Thank you again to Peggy for her time and insight also.
How does David Z go from How Much Ive Lied (Gram Parsons) to Funkytown? Now thats an artist. An artist evolves with the times. Artists dont decry new music while clinging to the past, fearing change. They lean into it. While we were playing VH Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne in the early 80's, David Z was playing with drum machines, loops and samples. Total visionary and pioneer.
Sun Ra and Prince were the two musicians that just didnt stop. They couldnt. Creativity oozed out of them and I am so forever grateful they dud that. Made people think differently. Lovely podcast brother!
THIS WAS AMAZING!!! Thank you Drew for documenting this artist and studio. I love your humor and enthusiasm, plus you’re beautiful to listen to and look at
1:35:17 David Z nail it! Prince wasn't Motown, he was cultural integrated, he mix David Bowie with Gary Numan, ("he mix English Punk with R&B"). One of the best Prince's collaborators interviews I seen, no pretension, no lies, no credits taken, just two music legends talking about music. Thank you Sunset Sound!!!!!!!!
Nope--y'all are lying. Prince was a black man primarily influenced by his black father and community, to which he testified as much. Yes, Prince was influenced by all types of music. But, trying to separate Prince from his black roots is an act of white supremacy. In fact, black radio and black fans supported Prince first. White radio stations and white people didn't support Prince until MTV put "Little Red Corvette" in heavy rotation. Monte Moir testifies to this in Dave Hill's Prince: A Pop Life. Moreover, all of Prince's pre-Purple Rain promotional radio visits were at black radio stations. Finally, before MTV put "Little Red Corvette" in heavy rotation, all of Prince's tours were seventy to eighty percent a black audience. As Dez Dickerson said, "the black audience was critical to and for Prince." It's a shame that today so many white people are trying to make Prince not black.
@@PsychedelicLiterature Thank you for saying this! There are so many easily accessible facts and documented accounts that counter this narrative, yet these people who have not worked with Prince in 40 years keep peddling the same untruths. They are deeply invested in perpetuating the myth that white influences, collaborators, and fans "made" Prince. It is sickening. I really wish they would stick to what they know and demonstrate some humility by simply stating they do not know about anything related to Prince an blackness. You can identify Gary Numan as a Prince influence but not Junie Morrison, yet you are in the industry and know so much about music and Prince music in particular. OK.
@Horrorpowerfilms David Z does not nail anything but ignorance and inaccuracy with his statement. His claim that the black audience did not like Prince in the beginning is completely false. Does this look like black people were not listening to Prince in the beginning? ruclips.net/video/qWC-BtAZIZM/видео.html As @Psychedelic Literature commented, Prince was almost solely supported by black audiences and media for the first five albums of his career. The 1999 album peaked on the black charts months before MTV started playing the “Little Red Corvette” video because black radio and BET where playing him ALL the time, and black audiences had been buying his albums and going to his concerts before most white people had even heard of Prince. This was at a time when white radio and MTV were not even playing black artists, so how could white people have embraced him from the beginning? That is why there were two legs of the 1999 tour - the first one was pre-MTV with mostly black audiences and the second leg was after all the white folks finally caught on. The Dirty Mind and Controversy albums didn’t even crack the top 20 on the white charts, with Dirty Mind peaking at #65 white and #7 black, so facts do not support Z’s claim that black folks had an atavistic reaction to Prince’s melding of new wave, punk, and funk. Also, David Z’s “Motown” remark is highly offensive as it ignores the rich tapestry of genres and styles that comprise black music. Black musical tastes did not begin or end with Motown. Z ignores an entire decade of black artists who played a variety of styles such as Sly and the Family Stone, Rufus, Parliament Funkadelic, The Ohio Players, LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Mother’s Finest, all of whom Prince himself has cited as influences. Also, David Bowie has cited Little Richard, another Prince influence, as his reason for even pursuing music. Many so-called punk artists were influenced by black musicians anyway. Lastly what is with the interviewer saying Prince didn’t want to be “encapsulated in black music?” In his first MTV interview in 1985, he identified his roots as funk, a black musical style. Everyone in this video needs to do some research before speaking about Prince, black music, and black audiences because at best they are woefully inept at discussing the intersection of these subjects.
Great stuff in this one! What David said about finding a distinct snare sound that was unique to that artist was great. I read somewhere about how Brendan O’Brien used to like to use piccolo snares in different ways. You can here on STP albums he produced. Hope we get to see Peggy at Paisley! Nice job on this one Drew!
Thank you for sharing the stories, I can't tell you how much it means to a huge Prince fan that misses him so much. That man brought me more joy than any person I have never met.
Today with digital audio workstations everyone could make a whole album by himself at home. It's remarkable that I do not know one artist who released so many groundbreaking albums like Prince. He made it with analog gear, that's unbelievable. He had a vision , he had discipline, no hard drug consumption, great song writing skills, best perfomer ever, originality and a deep relation to real instruments, I think that's what you will hardly find nowadays. Prince did it all without support of super famous people like Maurice White, Quincy Jones or Bruce Swedien, instead he had way better people, who could adapt to his work ethic like the ones we see in this video who were part of that miracle. I could listen for hours to your videos, thanks a lot Sunset Sound. It would be great to see or hear about Peggie's first impressions of Paisley Park.
A lil correction, “todays youth” think they can record an entire album in their basement. They have no clue what they are doing, we all know it and it’s shows.
@@mrflynn01 yes, I agree, I think one reason is that a lot of them have no deep relation to a real instrument and maybe also the fact that a daw with software plugins is way more comfortable and gives you unlimited options, whereas analog makes you taking and using what you have got and also knowing the gear you have got pretty well. Maybe unlimited choices are not good for creativity, so many choices make you loose too much time with a questionable focus. One of today's examples is the instrument called voice. "Everyone uses autotune on vocals today". That's what I read several times recently. Is no one able to sing properly any more? , autotune as an effect is overused, they mainly use it as a correction tool and that's very sad
@@mrflynn01 Perhaps, my friend. While I'm from the same age group as you are, I would counter your assumption that today's youth don't know what they're doing. While there are some clear and obvious cases where that is correct, don't let the horrible radio playlist mislead you. There are tons of younger artists who share Prince's work ethic and innovation. Check out Jamie Collier. He's at home in a home set up as well as a in a live session. Let's give the newer generations a chance. ruclips.net/video/mJR6XSSKi-g/видео.html
Finally! Now I know who, what, when. I have wanted to know this for a long time. It’s like it was hidden the way Prince carried on with his persona. Like he didn’t want anyone to know how he started. Thanks David. Bucket list mystery done. 😂 Let me say this with respect…Thank You David and Peggy! I wished I had caught this live stream. Hope you read my comment. A Great music and an awesome artist you two helped create. Super interview!💜💜💜
This is phenomenal. I loved every tidbit. I'd love to hear what they think of most of todays music and it's current state. Thanks so much.❤️ Okay. .. Im back, they covered it at the end and they're SPOT ON!!!
Music is an art form. There is no such thing as greatest. It's like saying who is the greatest painter? Prince was lucky enough to play at the 7th Ave club in Minneapolis. Why? Because playing in the next room was one of the greatest bands ever: Husker Du.
So many stories so little time..smh I appreciate all of u folks and your mind blowing enlightenment on the genius of Mr Nelson...so so much love 2 u all..I would love 2 go 2 Paisley but STILL the sadness overcomes me...jus the thought takes me 2 a place of mourning. Even though I never meet him Ive seen him enough in several cities and venues that he was a huge part of who I am. If it was meant 2 b One day one day I will find strength 2 experience his life his home, his space! Thanks 4 the upload thanks 4 sharing your stories it does fill a void where an energy once occupied all of my days. And this being June ur energy and life means so much at this moment 4 me! 💜
Love these chats, very informative and Peggy seems nice and laid back. Had no idea David worked with Prince from the start. Just curious did Prince give Bobby & David the Z ? I'm sure he did wonder how he came up with it.
As much as I dig Prince and as much as I understand you have to keep people on their toes, I would never have chosen to go work for my hero. Because you don't talk to me the way Prince talked to others. I don't care who you are, how much talent you have, how much of a "genius" you are or claim to be. You treat me bad in the work place, you're gonna have a bad time with me.
@@jayandgemit seem like when it came to work he was just like ur typical construction foreman lol but beyond the jerkish stories I realize he’s a great friend and has a good heart and that’s why ppl seem to stay around. Like yeah he’s bratty and rude but he’s loyal good hearted and want what’s best for everyone around
15:10 David started talking about Prince getting 90% done, and was interrupted before he finished the sentence. Do we know for how long they were sitting inside the studio witnessing this? Great interview! Could’ve maybe interrupt a little less when David was going somewhere interesting. But it’s easier said than done.
Probably….(my guess)… Prince got 90% done playing ALL of the instruments on one song, in front of these executives, and they were completely convinced that he could do it all and they signed him immediately.
Fantastic interview. Do another :D Thank you so much ! Very inspiring and comforting.
Another reason that Prince earned his Best musician ever title, from a lot of people, is because he decided as a youth (11-12 yrs old) that he was going to become a great musician. He...decided...to practice and learn what went into music production, composition, engineering, etc... to become a great musician. That is admirable....and it paid off for him in a major way. He did an awesome job. He provided quite a few musical masterpieces, including jams, ballads, and straight up funny musical art (Cloreen Baconskin; Bob George, etc...)for us to enjoy for the rest of our days.
Yes I agree with everything you said but also the money he made when he got big around 84 was very generous and put it back in the business of his craft built Paisley Park in 87 n I hear it's like going to Graceland kinda like Jimi Hendrix building Electric Lady studios Prince such a inspirational n incredible musician RIP Bruh 💯
True.
It wasn't that long before his passing that he admitted about exploring the idea of becoming a music instructor or teacher in some capacity.
That's true! I think people get a lot of romantic ideas about genius, or religious ideas about God-given talent. Prince had a vision, drive, and a stellar work ethic that got him to the top.
David was my friend and mentor when I was a staff assistant engineer in Mpls during the mid eighties..A true engineering and musical genius. Plus a cool and talented person.
He seems like a very sweet guy. Super inventive too
David Z. Is a talented man, he does not get enough credit, I think. You think about it he says he is a singles guy. Three singles that involved him and that were smash hits: Funky Town ( Lips Inc.), Kiss (Prince and the Revolution) an She drives me crazy (Fine Young Cannibals). Those are all very memorable hits all over the globe.
PLus David Z produced and wrote River Runs Dry for the family produced some Billy Idol, Aha, Etta James..
I’m sure David Z is very well known amongst Prince fanatics and nerds😀👍,but it has to be said,David Z played a pivotal role in one of the most important artist in the history of popular music...
@@pocket1684 I didn't know he did River Runs Dry. I'd always heard that his brother, Bobby Z wrote that
@@avace917 No, Actually Bobby Z was the drummer for revolution but his brother David was more of a studio producer type. both talented dudes.
@@pocket1684 got it. Somehow I heard different times that Bobby wrote that song, guess people got mixed up. Kind of like how some people say that Maurice White was approached to produce For You and then you hear that it was actually Verdine White (his brother, bassist for EWF) who they had in mind
Man o man, i was so devastated by the passing of Prince I haven't been able to think about it since. But these interviews have been amazing, thanks very much
💜💜💜💜
I love Peggy and David. But man...people ask some of the most exhausting questions. The magic in Prince's creativity came from him. As Peggy stated, he wanted to get a sound and then get it down. He wasn't obsessed with gear the way so many are. He'd rather have a good recording of a great performance than the reverse. Man, I wish we still had him. 💜
I wish we still had him too...💜
Peggy has been my #1 in terms of reliability and truth. There is so much mystique and
cryptic fog around Prince that I really appreciate a straight-shooter.
Come back, Peggy.
Susan did not turn him into a god. She obviously loved him -- nothing wromg with that -- but she didn't paint him as being perfect either.
And who's to say what's "truth" decades ago?
No shes not. She was with him for only a short time (4 and a half) years....Morris Hayes who was with Prince for a much longer time is FAR more reliable than Susan as a source of inside Prince information...so are Andre Cymone (Anderson) and Michael Bland...certain people just praise Susan Rodgers as such, because she's a whyte woman, and she goes all over the world constantly talking about Prince as if she were his mother, wife or sister...
@@RJNumber45but she was with him in his apex. I don’t know why people diss her. I do like Peggy’s perspective though. More down to earth.
There you have, David said that Prince was the BEST live performer that he had ever seen. In my eyes, the BEST live performer of ALL TIMES.
I v just watched Eddie Van H Eruption and compared to Prince it just utter noise to the point of being painfully to listen to, Princes guitar solos seem to sing, cry, howl and ache if this makes sense and take you on a musical journey they were so beautiful musically blissful
@@ChromaflorLtd it’s tedious and pointless to compare two greats. Eddie deserves his place in history’s greats, as does Prince.
@@ChromaflorLtd I relate to that. I come across many people who appreciate watching fast technical players even when the music doesn't sound great. I always ask "would I ever want to hear that again?" The answer is often no. Michael Jackson fans are the worst. They've been won over by imagery and now, legends.
@@nomandad2000 There is nothing tedious about making a comparison to make a point unless you are feeble-minded.
ruclips.net/video/5JVI-L31DQY/видео.html
Prince was on a different level, a higher plain of music existence.
I could listen to those stories for days! Please keep em coming!!!!! I love Peggys humor! Susan Rogers, Wendy and Lisa interviews would be sooo cool!
Have you seen the podcast that Apollonia does?
I actually forget what it's called but you should probably be able to search it by like Apollonia studio 6 podcast. Now that I say all this I actually think that's the name of it, I just don't have time to look right now.
But she has a lot of people on and the interviews are really really good if you want to hear some more stories
@@johnrsherwoodthe one on this channel with Appollonia is fantastic!
Prince started to work on his biography shortly before he passed away.
So, since we can’t hear it from the Purple Maestro himself we are dependent on people like David Z. and Peggy.
Very interesting - and I wonder if Prince himself would have written about his early years as detailed as these (true) stories are.
Too sad he didn’t live to tell. Over 5 years now since he passed away and sometimes it really hits me nearly as hard as the day when I learned about his death.
Keep resting easy, Prince and hopefully one sweet day we’ll join you in the purple afterworld.
"There's not enough crazy people in music" - Oh boy is he bang on in that!
A fantastic and very revealing expose!!! Because Prince was such a phenomenally gifted multi-instrumentalist, anyone who played in his band had to be at least amazing as well as his engineers!!! There will never be another musical talent like him.
Peggy is so fun, I can see why prince loved working with her
Yep,Peggy sure is fun,she learned to read Prince’s moods..Prince liked,loved and respected her...
Is Peggy married? Asking for a friend. Seriously - she is funny and so talented. I know she is married. David Z was a blast. I pictured him telling these stories at the bar and everyone say, "yeah, yeah . . .whatever old man," and him not caring. David's perspective is very new (to me); thank you so much for having him. I doubt if you could get Wendy, but a Lisa sit-down would be great (she is wonderful to listen to) and perhaps Levi who is exceptionally talented and played a big part in bridging P to the 1990s. BTW: Keep doing Prince episodes - we went 40 years without knowing. how the sausage was really made so five years of people talking freely while we are all on this side of the earth is great.
Peggy is single
Married with children and her husband’s name is Al Bundy.
Joke folks. Laughter is good for us!
I hope you followed up for your friend!
1:24:00 love hearing David Z talking about one of the best snare sounds he designed. This explains why he was such an important producer.
Such great insights from Peggy and David! They, along with Bobby Z and Dr. Fink seem very credible about the early years. Morris Day and Susan Rodgers as well. I’m so glad they are telling these stories (from a position of knowledge) and setting the record straight.
good interview..I am glad they were upfront,not bitter,not backstabbing,like Morris and others.If you're great and love what you do,you might demend the best of yourself as well as others.People generally do not understand that level of devotion and diligence,because they live with vagueness,loopholes,excuses,and being an underachiever..
This was absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for doing these! 💜💜💜
Another great show ! Thanks to David , Peggy and Sunset for doing this.
im very new to prince and i truly appreciate the real stories abt him even if it sadly breaks the image of a sexy sensitive lover into a million pieces😂 he poured his entire soul and lifetime into his work and i love that most abt him eventho its sad that it cost him alot of other valuable things in his life. a true artisan of an unforgiving craft
Wow what an amazing interview! Thank you for doing this interview, I learned so much! So many memories they have of working with prince. I wished prince wouldn’t had overworked himself too much, that way he had time to take care of himself and not pushed his body too much but dam it must have been his competitive side of him, wanting to do all those dance moves and jumping off pianos and stuff with his heels. Man I’m always left upset after watching these interviews because I wish he were still here with us today
These two powerhouses of engineers 👍🏿🌹💜 such a delight to hear their stories (real Prince fans wanna hear)
This is great guys. I've done sessions all over NYC studios but only worked at 2 studios in L.A. Great to see these videos.
Peggy nailed my sentiments exactly...the thing we - the fa[n]m - loved about his live performances, in the end is what took him from us. I saw him in Detroit: Lovesexy & Jam of the Year and his energy was incredible!! But it brings a tear to my eye now...
Prince did everything...these people were just hired to work the equipment
You don't know what mixing is right?
David reminds me of Rip Torn :p This was amazing. Thank you David and Peggy and Sunset Sound
April 16. 2016 I literally got the wind knocked out of my chest and almost passed out.
That's it
RIH PRINCE ROGERS NELSON 💜
I love 2 hear stories about Prince.
These videos are so valuable. I am asking an open question to the estate to allow a track by track breakdown with these amazing talents. I'm talking about stems and allowing these people to share the process with a direct example. PLEASE!!!
This in incredible!!! Thank you, Sunset Sound for producing these 🙏🏽.
Welcome
Very, very good. More please :-) I could watch and listen all day.
Tony
Another epic interview Drew! Wow! You are now a part of music recording history by recording music history. Thank you! xo
What I like to do after watching these videos, I will listen to the songs that they talk about. After hearing their stories, I have a greater insight of each track. If that makes sense lol. Thank you Sunset Sound so much for these series!
Cant Wait!!!
thank you so much for making these videos. this is very special, having these super talented people who worked with legends sharing amazing behind the scenes stories.
Love these interviews, so so interesting. Love Prince
1:35:23 that isn't true. Prince got his start on black radio. During his earlier shows, most of the audience members were black. The crossover started with Little Red Corvette and peaked during Purple Rain.
Amen!!! Finally the truth
We definitely loved him before he hit top 40. We listened to EVERYTHING Prince.
It was weird because when White people were rocking 1999 and Little Red Corvette, we were rocking Lady Cab Driver, DMSR and International Lover.
We were rocking Nasty Girl, Get It Up and 777-9311 when nobody else was.
@@suzeesix the Black community supported Prince from the very beginning. There was a black DJ in Chicago that was suspended for playing Prince. When his suspension was over, he came back to work and played Prince again. The station manager finally left him alone, because the demand to hear Prince's music was overwhelming! There was another Black DJ in Detroit who introduced his audience to Prince.
I live in Chicago. To this very day, I never hear Prince on white radio. It's like he doesn't even exist to them. They play Michael, but no Prince. Even the classic rock stations ignore him. The ONLY station that played one of Prince's last singles, "1000 hugs & kisses," was a black radio station.
Yep! We been hanging with Prince years before he became mainstream. Radio station WDAS in Philly used to play Prince albums when he first came out in 78, and they were famous for blasting deep album cuts. DJs Tony Brown and Dr, Perry Johnson used to play International Lover, Lady Cab Driver, Dirty Mind, Party Up, so many early ones. I went to see Prince in Cherry Hill and when he opened for Rick- Fire It Up tour. I loved the PR years but I adore his early years.
I hear Kiss, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain frequently in CA.
I was riveted for almost 2 hours. Such great insight on many topics by the guests about the artist.
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This channel ❤️is teaching young people,and even Gen x guys like myself who were at school when Purple Rain broke into our imaginations.....David Z is definitely an old G,also of course I love Bobby Z❤️..Bobby got drafted 😃
Thank you for getting these two together. Great interview and very insightful.
Buying 1999 when it was released was even to this day one of the most important records I ever purchased. It was just my age, puberty and coming of age and the first artist that was mine because I chose it…..or it chose me and that hadn’t happened like that before. My first record of a new age and it planted a seed.
Thank you 🙏 so much for putting this together and bringing these two together as I just never had any insight into who he was past the music and it only makes it richer.
What a fascinating interview! David Z - almost a myth so it was great to see and hear from him. What a career before and after Prince too.
I think we underestimate the input of all these collaborators (particularly the 80s and early 90s) and what their pedigree brings to the table.
Fascinating. Thank you David for taking time to do this. Thank you again to Peggy for her time and insight also.
Brown Mark has the Kiss Platinum on his Wall.. Prince gave him that much..
I love these videos so much! Great insights and love you're telling these stories that no one has ever heard. Now they will live on forever.
GREAT, FUN, INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL HANGING OUT WITH YOU GUYS! SUNSET ROCKS
Love these interviews.
Another great interview, thank you to everyone involved in doing these.
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Thank you so much for this. I learned a lot about Prince, Peggy, and David. All stars.
Thanks again for another great interview!! RIP Prince
This was time well spent! I've got tunes...
How does David Z go from How Much Ive Lied (Gram Parsons) to Funkytown? Now thats an artist. An artist evolves with the times. Artists dont decry new music while clinging to the past, fearing change. They lean into it. While we were playing VH Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne in the early 80's, David Z was playing with drum machines, loops and samples. Total visionary and pioneer.
This is great interviewing! So thorough and thoughtful. Thank you!
I'm having a hard time picturing Prince living in a house in The Valley with roommates. 😆
😂😂😂😂😂
Sun Ra and Prince were the two musicians that just didnt stop. They couldnt. Creativity oozed out of them and I am so forever grateful they dud that. Made people think differently. Lovely podcast brother!
Enjoyed this immensely . All the stories, production techniques, history and general love of sunset sound and Prince. Thank you.
What a great interview. Thanks for these important bits of music history.
Great show. When are you guys are uploading Wendy and Lisa?
As an artist, this interview was life changing
Great interview with David Z and Peggy, so interesting thank you both 💜💜
David Z!!! Thanks Sunset gang!!!
Still missing the Beautiful One 😞💔💜💜💜
THIS WAS AMAZING!!! Thank you Drew for documenting this artist and studio. I love your humor and enthusiasm, plus you’re beautiful to listen to and look at
awesome for y'all to do this!
1:35:17 David Z nail it! Prince wasn't Motown, he was cultural integrated, he mix David Bowie with Gary Numan, ("he mix English Punk with R&B"). One of the best Prince's collaborators interviews I seen, no pretension, no lies, no credits taken, just two music legends talking about music. Thank you Sunset Sound!!!!!!!!
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Funny Gary Newman was who I thought he was taking about as well.
Nope--y'all are lying. Prince was a black man primarily influenced by his black father and community, to which he testified as much. Yes, Prince was influenced by all types of music. But, trying to separate Prince from his black roots is an act of white supremacy. In fact, black radio and black fans supported Prince first. White radio stations and white people didn't support Prince until MTV put "Little Red Corvette" in heavy rotation. Monte Moir testifies to this in Dave Hill's Prince: A Pop Life. Moreover, all of Prince's pre-Purple Rain promotional radio visits were at black radio stations. Finally, before MTV put "Little Red Corvette" in heavy rotation, all of Prince's tours were seventy to eighty percent a black audience. As Dez Dickerson said, "the black audience was critical to and for Prince." It's a shame that today so many white people are trying to make Prince not black.
@@PsychedelicLiterature Thank you for saying this! There are so many easily accessible facts and documented accounts that counter this narrative, yet these people who have not worked with Prince in 40 years keep peddling the same untruths. They are deeply invested in perpetuating the myth that white influences, collaborators, and fans "made" Prince. It is sickening. I really wish they would stick to what they know and demonstrate some humility by simply stating they do not know about anything related to Prince an blackness. You can identify Gary Numan as a Prince influence but not Junie Morrison, yet you are in the industry and know so much about music and Prince music in particular. OK.
@Horrorpowerfilms David Z does not nail anything but ignorance and inaccuracy with his statement. His claim that the black audience did not like Prince in the beginning is completely false. Does this look like black people were not listening to Prince in the beginning? ruclips.net/video/qWC-BtAZIZM/видео.html
As @Psychedelic Literature commented, Prince was almost solely supported by black audiences and media for the first five albums of his career. The 1999 album peaked on the black charts months before MTV started playing the “Little Red Corvette” video because black radio and BET where playing him ALL the time, and black audiences had been buying his albums and going to his concerts before most white people had even heard of Prince. This was at a time when white radio and MTV were not even playing black artists, so how could white people have embraced him from the beginning? That is why there were two legs of the 1999 tour - the first one was pre-MTV with mostly black audiences and the second leg was after all the white folks finally caught on. The Dirty Mind and Controversy albums didn’t even crack the top 20 on the white charts, with Dirty Mind peaking at #65 white and #7 black, so facts do not support Z’s claim that black folks had an atavistic reaction to Prince’s melding of new wave, punk, and funk.
Also, David Z’s “Motown” remark is highly offensive as it ignores the rich tapestry of genres and styles that comprise black music. Black musical tastes did not begin or end with Motown. Z ignores an entire decade of black artists who played a variety of styles such as Sly and the Family Stone, Rufus, Parliament Funkadelic, The Ohio Players, LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Mother’s Finest, all of whom Prince himself has cited as influences. Also, David Bowie has cited Little Richard, another Prince influence, as his reason for even pursuing music. Many so-called punk artists were influenced by black musicians anyway. Lastly what is with the interviewer saying Prince didn’t want to be “encapsulated in black music?” In his first MTV interview in 1985, he identified his roots as funk, a black musical style. Everyone in this video needs to do some research before speaking about Prince, black music, and black audiences because at best they are woefully inept at discussing the intersection of these subjects.
Music period is missing Prince
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I wish someone had asked about Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately." Prince implied that he wrote it.
Wonderful interview. Peggy is so genuine and David seems laid back.
I think Prince felt comfortable with the Rivkins, both David and Bobby.
Great stuff in this one! What David said about finding a distinct snare sound that was unique to that artist was great. I read somewhere about how Brendan O’Brien used to like to use piccolo snares in different ways. You can here on STP albums he produced. Hope we get to see Peggy at Paisley! Nice job on this one Drew!
This is So Great!!! Thanks for Sharing ❤
Thank you for sharing the stories, I can't tell you how much it means to a huge Prince fan that misses him so much. That man brought me more joy than any person I have never met.
Good God, those two sharing stories. Without being a Prince fan, I still consider this priceless. Thx for everyone setting this up.
Thank you so much for this !
Nice ... I think it's time for a remaster of For You, Prince and Dirty Mind and Controversy
im gonna enjoy this
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David thank U so much 4 sharing some of u'r story's!
This was great love ever minute of it all details of working with Prince and and others artist’s as well
Today with digital audio workstations everyone could make a whole album by himself at home. It's remarkable that I do not know one artist who released so many groundbreaking albums like Prince. He made it with analog gear, that's unbelievable. He had a vision , he had discipline, no hard drug consumption, great song writing skills, best perfomer ever, originality and a deep relation to real instruments, I think that's what you will hardly find nowadays. Prince did it all without support of super famous people like Maurice White, Quincy Jones or Bruce Swedien, instead he had way better people, who could adapt to his work ethic like the ones we see in this video who were part of that miracle.
I could listen for hours to your videos, thanks a lot Sunset Sound.
It would be great to see or hear about Peggie's first impressions of Paisley Park.
A lil correction, “todays youth” think they can record an entire album in their basement.
They have no clue what they are doing, we all know it and it’s shows.
@@mrflynn01 yes, I agree, I think one reason is that a lot of them have no deep relation to a real instrument and maybe also the fact that a daw with software plugins is way more comfortable and gives you unlimited options, whereas analog makes you taking and using what you have got and also knowing the gear you have got pretty well. Maybe unlimited choices are not good for creativity, so many choices make you loose too much time with a questionable focus. One of today's examples is the instrument called voice. "Everyone uses autotune on vocals today". That's what I read several times recently. Is no one able to sing properly any more? , autotune as an effect is overused, they mainly use it as a correction tool and that's very sad
Technology does not equal talent.
@@187onasimp, I couldn’t agree more, lol.
@@mrflynn01 Perhaps, my friend. While I'm from the same age group as you are, I would counter your assumption that today's youth don't know what they're doing. While there are some clear and obvious cases where that is correct, don't let the horrible radio playlist mislead you. There are tons of younger artists who share Prince's work ethic and innovation. Check out Jamie Collier. He's at home in a home set up as well as a in a live session.
Let's give the newer generations a chance. ruclips.net/video/mJR6XSSKi-g/видео.html
I love this series. Thanks for making it.
Finally! Now I know who, what, when. I have wanted to know this for a long time. It’s like it was hidden the way Prince carried on with his persona. Like he didn’t want anyone to know how he started. Thanks David. Bucket list mystery done. 😂
Let me say this with respect…Thank You David and Peggy! I wished I had caught this live stream. Hope you read my comment. A Great music and an awesome artist you two helped create. Super interview!💜💜💜
Prince was definitely flirting with ya Peggy. 😝
Like a boy pulling a girl’s pigtails.
Very interesting. Thanks guys 🙂
FYI; “How come you don’t call me” came out on the Girl 6 soundtrack. Whole movie is a Prince soundtrack
Two absolute legends, together with Susan Rogers
This is phenomenal. I loved every tidbit. I'd love to hear what they think of most of todays music and it's current state. Thanks so much.❤️
Okay. .. Im back, they covered it at the end and they're SPOT ON!!!
Fantastic! Thanks!
Prince was the GREATEST musician that ever walked the face of the planet.
Amen!!!
well, no. not even close. Great that he is your fave! But he made amazing creations. That can be said with no bias or confusion.
@@morbidmanmusic, who do you think is the greatest musician?
Music is an art form. There is no such thing as greatest.
It's like saying who is the greatest painter?
Prince was lucky enough to play at the 7th Ave club in Minneapolis.
Why? Because playing in the next room was one of the greatest bands ever: Husker Du.
@@rosssmith8481, music is also a science!
Recording music is also an art form and we all know Alan Sides is the greatest recording engineer. Wtf
So happy I found this, prince wasn't perfect, but he's my musical hero
Fascinating discussion
This is so good!!
Awesome interview of the ones that were there when things began!
So many stories so little time..smh I appreciate all of u folks and your mind blowing enlightenment on the genius of Mr Nelson...so so much love 2 u all..I would love 2 go 2 Paisley but STILL the sadness overcomes me...jus the thought takes me 2 a place of mourning. Even though I never meet him Ive seen him enough in several cities and venues that he was a huge part of who I am. If it was meant 2 b One day one day I will find strength 2 experience his life his home, his space! Thanks 4 the upload thanks 4 sharing your stories it does fill a void where an energy once occupied all of my days. And this being June ur energy and life means so much at this moment 4 me! 💜
David has some great stories.
Love these chats, very informative and Peggy seems nice and laid back. Had no idea David worked with Prince from the start. Just curious did Prince give Bobby & David the Z ? I'm sure he did wonder how he came up with it.
As much as I dig Prince and as much as I understand you have to keep people on their toes, I would never have chosen to go work for my hero. Because you don't talk to me the way Prince talked to others. I don't care who you are, how much talent you have, how much of a "genius" you are or claim to be. You treat me bad in the work place, you're gonna have a bad time with me.
@@jayandgemit seem like when it came to work he was just like ur typical construction foreman lol but beyond the jerkish stories I realize he’s a great friend and has a good heart and that’s why ppl seem to stay around. Like yeah he’s bratty and rude but he’s loyal good hearted and want what’s best for everyone around
Darling Nikki was the first song that Susan Rogers cut with Prince.
1:08:27 hold up, hold up...what Netflix movie? Spill the beans!
Captivating
Thank you!
I love the work that David Z did with jets
15:10 David started talking about Prince getting 90% done, and was interrupted before he finished the sentence. Do we know for how long they were sitting inside the studio witnessing this? Great interview! Could’ve maybe interrupt a little less when David was going somewhere interesting. But it’s easier said than done.
Sad we missed it
Probably….(my guess)… Prince got 90% done playing ALL of the instruments on one song, in front of these executives, and they were completely convinced that he could do it all and they signed him immediately.
Love these posts!
These two are sound engineer legends, okay? And I mean that...okay?