This book is an opus of sorts, serving us a detailed chronological studio log for the period January 1983 through December 1984, of when Prince was making Purple Rain as well as some of his other projects during the time. Through studio logs and interviews with many Prince’s collaborators including members of his band at the time The Revolution including Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin, and Bobby Z. We also get to hear a lot from Susan Rogers, the recording engineer during the Purple Rain era. Rogers was one of the few people on the face of this Earth who was able to witness Prince’s genius first hand. She gives deep insight into the Great Purple One’s method and how he worked nearly every second of the day not only as a performer, but as a writer, producer, engineer, and a multi-pronged musician.
We also hear from members of his protege groups including The Time, Vanity 6, The Family, and Mazarati. The book also goes into detail about his working relationship with people like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as frequent collaborator and on-and-off boo, the amazing Jill Jones.
Tudahl takes us on a very comprehensive journey of Prince’s life during his iconic Purple Rain era. And the book has a foreword by Questlove so you know it’s good.
Buy Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions at Bookshop.org.
