PERFORMING ARTS

On Time: A Princely Life in Funk

by Morris with David Ritz Day
Da Capo. Oct. 2019. 224p. ISBN 9780306922213. $27; ebk. ISBN 9780306922206. MUSIC
COPY ISBN
Day (b. 1957), lead singer for the Time, partners with noted rock writer Ritz (Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin; Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye) for an absorbing autobiography and an intimate portrait of longtime associate and funk master Prince (1958–2016). He invents a three-way conversation among himself; his flamboyant, drug-addled stage persona; and his mentor Prince to dispel demons and demystify the subject. Beginning with his childhood friendship with Prince in a fledgling funk band, Day describes his stint as a videographer for the rising star, his first success with the Prince-created band the Time, and his important role in the film Purple Rain. The vocalist describes his own solo career, his break with Prince, and a drug/sex addiction fueled by depression and insecurities. Day concludes by recounting his reunions with Prince and the Time (now called the Original 7ven), his final meeting with his megastar crony, and his recent work with Snoop Dogg.
VERDICT Day compellingly recalls his life in and out of the music business and portrays the unpredictable Prince as a reserved, music-obsessed, wildly creative, controlling, and ambitious funk genius. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Prince, funk, or the Time.
Reviewed by David P. Szatmary, formerly with Univ. of Washington, Seattle , Oct 01, 2019
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