E-mail a friendApril 28, 2009
In part 2 of his exclusive conversation with Tavis, Prince explains the genesis of several of the tracks on his new project, how it has been successful without radio airplay and describes his ideal radio station. The superstar's protégé, singer Bria Valente, shares how she responded to the challenge of creating something that's not being done today in music.
<< Watch Part 1
Prince
Prince
Oscar-winning singer-songwriter talks about his experience with record labels and the Internet. (1:36)
Full interview. (16:19)
Prince is among the most talented musicians of his generation. He's created a rich and varied music catalog and was partying "like it's 1999" back in 1982. That album, 1999, made him a star, and Purple Rain took him to another level. He's one of very few musicians who writes and produces all of his music and, on most of his albums, plays all the instruments, except for brass. The son of a jazz pianist, he's won seven Grammys and an Oscar and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004—the first year he was eligible.
Bria Valente
Bria Valente
Singer talks about being introduced to audiences by Prince and feeling like part of a family. (1:09)
Full interview. (9:30)
Like her mentor, Bria Valente is a native of Minneapolis, MN. Her father played several instruments and encouraged his girls to sing. A precocious child with an ear for music, Valente and her sisters put on shows for family and neighborhood friends. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she modeled and sang background with several artists. Upon returning to her hometown, she reconnected with Prince, who recently released her debut album, Elixer, as part of his Lotusflow3r and MPLSOUND three-disc set.