In part 3 of this exclusive interview, Prince and The Revolution band member Lisa Coleman tells Sam, 'I've been blessed, this life has been great to me...'. Ahead of her performance at November 2025s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (with Cyndi Lauper), they discuss a new album in the offing with Annie Lennox, working on music with MeShell NdegeOcello, activism, Carousel, the 21st April 1985 and saying goodbye to Prince...amongst other things. She also contemplates The Revolution playing again once more. Essential listening.

Were Prince & The Revolution In All Your Dreams in the 80s? Band member Lisa Coleman tells Sam Bleazard, 'it got bigger than we thought...we didn't expect to become the mainstream!' Tune in to Part 2 as they hang on to Prince's creative coat tails in 1985. Emmy® Award winning composer & pianist Lisa Coleman, is one half of Wendy & Lisa. At 19, she joined Prince & The Revolution. She still records, works with others, and writes for film & TV. Her solo album, Collage, was released in 2019. This is part 2 of her story, as told to Sam Bleazard. Essential listening.

Growing up next door to Wendy Melvoin and her family in Los Angeles, Lisa Coleman joined her first group - Waldorf Salad - as a child. Falling in love with the music of Burt Bacharach via her father, and Bach from her piano teacher, she flew to Minneapolis at the age of 19 to join Prince's new wave band. As a founder member of Prince & The Revolution, she became a part of the sound of one of the most famous bands of the 20th century. She was with Prince from his Dirty Mind album and tour in 1980 to the Parade tour in 1986. As one half of the musical duo Wendy & Lisa, after leaving Prince's band, they continued to record and release music before going on to be Emmy award winning composers for film and TV. They've since gone on to work with other musical greats such as Annie Lennox, Joni Mitchell and MeShell NdegeOcello. Lisa also released her own solo album, Collage, of instrumental piano pieces in 2019. This is part 1 of her musical life story, as told to Sam Bleazard.

Former editor of Smash Hits and Q magazine John McKie conducted over 200 interviews to create a biography of Prince. He talks to Sam Bleazard about his extensive new book, but also the recent IMAX release of Prince's most famous concert movie. John McKie is the former editor of Smash Hits and Q Magazine in the UK, with a background in journalism. Having first seen Prince live in 1990 on the Nude Tour, he wrote about the album Sign O The Times for the BBC, shortly after the artist passed away. Following a chance conversation with one of his peers during lockdown, he decided to write a biography about Prince. That was 5 years ago, and now, over 200 interviews later, he is due to publish Prince: A Sign Of The Times, in September 2025. This is part 2 of an exclusive interview, to celebrate the publication of John's book.

John McKie is the former editor of Smash Hits and Q Magazine in the UK, with a background in journalism. Having first seen Prince live in 1990 on the Nude Tour, he wrote about the album Sign O The Times for the BBC, shortly after the artist passed away. Following a chance conversation with one of his peers during lockdown, he decided to write a biography about Prince. That was 5 years ago, and now, over 200 interviews later, he is due to publish Prince: A Sign Of The Times, in September 2025. Join us for part 1 of this exclusive interview, just days before John's book is published.

In part 3 of our fascinating interview with Sophie Roux - she talks to Sam about Prince's French influences, a cat called Diva! Anna Fantastic comes to stay, and in the 1990s Sophie receives a very special invite to a very special day. Prince & Mayte's wedding in Minneapolis. She also recalls where she was when Prince passed away, and her joy at being involved in last year's PRINCE: ICON art gallery display and photo book. Essential listening for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Landing in Paris, just hours before the superstar musician Prince, to prepare his Parisienne apartment - Sophie Roux was nervous but very excited. For the next ten years, she was responsible for his French residence in the heart of Paris, having to be ready at a moment's notice. From basketball courts, to fashion shows and video shoots Sophie had to arrange it. This is part 2 of her amazing story. Episode photo courtesy of Sophie Roux, our thanks to her.

Sophie Roux's artistic journey began at Villa Arson in Nice, France, where she specialised in set and costume design. She first met Prince in Nice in 1985, at the Victorine Studios while working in the art department on the set of Under The Cherry Moon, under the guidance of renowned production designer Richard Sylbert. After befriending Prince's manager Alan Leeds, and wife Gwen, Sophie found herself present for various iconic moments in Prince's career - including being on set for video shoots, such as the filming of America in Nice's Theatre de Verdure, but also rehearsals for the Sign O The Times tour. In 1988 she was chosen to manage Prince's Paris property, and worked as his personal assistant for 10 years managing various aspect of his Parisian life, before moving to Cannes in the late 1990s to immerse herself in various artistic roles.

Join us for a wide-ranging interview with Prince's former Art Director Steve Parke, as we discuss the first Paisley Park Celebration in 2000, magical moments and opportunities beyond his wildest dreams, but also a parting of the ways after 13 years. Steve shares unique insights and incredible memories of his time with one of popular music's most famous and iconic figures. Essential listening for Prince fans, and music fans alike.

How do you go from being a teenager in high school with dreams of your favourite rock stars, to being Prince's Art Director for 13 years? Steve Parke discusses his journey to Paisley Park, the tenacity he needed to survive, how Prince had him thinking on his feet, but also how he managed what could often be a challenging relationship and set of circumstances. Future episodes will discuss the Paisley Park fan celebrations, Steve's incredible experiences behind the scenes, and more on the Prince ICON photobook and exhibition at the Iconic Images Gallery in London.

Omar burst onto the UK and world music scene as a prodigious young teenage talent, and was signed to the Talkin' Loud label in the early 90s. Emerging from the London Acid Jazz scene alongside seminal groups like The Young Disciples, The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai, he made waves with breakout soul ballad There's Nothing Like This, and early albums such as 1992s Music. Having never compromised his musical and artistic integrity to court mainstream success his eclectic output has won him the admiring ears of many of the industry's biggest names. He's collaborated with Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Paul Weller, Leon Ware, Lamont Dozier and of course one of his biggest idols Stevie Wonder. In this candid conversation he discusses being compared to the likes of Prince and Stevie, but also how he's maintained his career over the last 30 years. 'Essensual' listening...

Omar burst onto the UK and world music scene as a prodigious young teenage talent, and was signed to the Talkin' Loud label in the early 90s. Emerging from the London Acid Jazz scene alongside seminal groups like The Young Disciples, The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai, he made waves with breakout soul ballad There's Nothing Like This, and early albums such as 1992s Music. Having never compromised his musical and artistic integrity to court mainstream success his eclectic output has won him the admiring ears of many of the industry's biggest names. He's collaborated with Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Paul Weller, Leon Ware, Lamont Dozier and of course one of his biggest idols Stevie Wonder. In this candid conversation he discusses being compared to the likes of Prince and Stevie, but also how he's maintained his career over the last 30 years. 'Essensual' listening...

Charles 'Chazz' Smith is the founder, original drummer and lead vocalist of Grand Central - the band that spawned Morris Day (of The Time), Andre Cymone, and also featured his cousin Prince Rogers Nelson. Charles and Prince attended Lincoln Junior High School together, with several other young local musicians they collaborated with, and formed the roots of what was later described as 'The Minneapolis Sound'. Grand Central was one of the only black groups in MPLS to fuse both rock and funk. Their name was inspired by the group Grand Funk Railroad. They performed yearly at outdoor summer festivals, school dances, and talent shows. Later Charles was slated to be the drummer on Prince's first tour, but his cousin was told that he needed a more multi-racial band. Prince credited Charles influencing him on three things in his life - drums, basketball and girls, as cited in Dan Piepenbring's book The Beautiful Ones.

Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor, Entrepreneur and Music Supervisor. Growing up in Houston, Texas, she has been in the entertainment industry since her childhood. An early experience in the People's Choice Awards meant a chance meeting with Beyoncé, which led her into a very early incarnation of Destiny's Child. With her family's support she put her ambitions on pause briefly to go back to school and finish College. She is now a graduate of University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, with a Bachelor in Music Business. She first visited Prince's recording studios Paisley Park in her teens, before becoming part of his entourage as a singer songwriter in her early 20s, during the artist's 3121 era. She recorded and collaborated with Prince, who became a mentor to her - co-writing their Grammy-nominated duet "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Tamar appeared onstage with him at the NAACP Awards, Saturday Night Live and The Brit Awards, before going on tour with him in the US, performing songs from her album Milk and Honey. After parting ways with Prince, she went on to star on Broadway, in “Motown, the Musical”, and has wowed audiences in recent years with jaw-dropping performances on NBC’s “The Voice”...also touring with Tyler Perry productions. She has performed for former Presidents and first Ladies, and also recently launched an interactive iPad, iPhone and Android Music app. In 2010, Tamar initiated and created Syren Music Group, LLC: a music entertainment company that specializes in the advancement of independent music and live entertainment. Through the creation of Syren Music Group, LLC Tamar launched her independent album "My Name is Tamar" (3.24.2011), which has garnered sales and media coverage globally. Tamar is also the co-founder of The Tamar Davis Project: an international, educational and artistic project designed for singers, artists, musicians, writers, painters, composers, choreographers, and dancers to benefit from opportunities that will become a catalyst to successfully launch their careers under the watchful eye of industry professionals turned mentors. She's also become a vibrant presence on social media, is passionate as an educator and is a vocal campaigner for artists rights. Join us in part 2 when we talk about chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album album Milk & Honey, their enduring friendship and her many exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..." she tells us.

Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor, Entrepreneur and Music Supervisor. Growing up in Houston, Texas, she has been in the entertainment industry since her childhood. An early experience in the People's Choice Awards meant a chance meeting with Beyoncé, which led her into a very early incarnation of Destiny's Child. With her family's support she put her ambitions on pause briefly to go back to school and finish College. She is now a graduate of University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, with a Bachelor in Music Business. She first visited Prince's recording studios Paisley Park in her teens, before becoming part of his entourage as a singer songwriter in her early 20s, during the artist's 3121 era. She recorded and collaborated with Prince, who became a mentor to her - co-writing their Grammy-nominated duet "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Tamar appeared onstage with him at the NAACP Awards, Saturday Night Live and The Brit Awards, before going on tour with him in the US, performing songs from her album Milk and Honey. After parting ways with Prince, she went on to star on Broadway, in “Motown, the Musical”, and has wowed audiences in recent years with jaw-dropping performances on NBC’s “The Voice”...also touring with Tyler Perry productions. She has performed for former Presidents and first Ladies, and also recently launched an interactive iPad, iPhone and Android Music app. In 2010, Tamar initiated and created Syren Music Group, LLC: a music entertainment company that specializes in the advancement of independent music and live entertainment. Through the creation of Syren Music Group, LLC Tamar launched her independent album "My Name is Tamar" (3.24.2011), which has garnered sales and media coverage globally. Tamar is also the co-founder of The Tamar Davis Project: an international, educational and artistic project designed for singers, artists, musicians, writers, painters, composers, choreographers, and dancers to benefit from opportunities that will become a catalyst to successfully launch their careers under the watchful eye of industry professionals turned mentors. She's also become a vibrant presence on social media, is passionate as an educator and is a vocal campaigner for artists rights.

Before Controversy, before 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, Sign O The Times and Paisley Park recording studios... local Minneapolis based entrepreneur Owen Husney, knew Prince Rogers Nelson, before he became Prince. The one who became one of the greatest artists and musicians of our time. As his first manager Owen ensured that Prince was signed to a 3 album record deal, with a high degree of autonomy to produce his own work. This was unheard of in the mid to late 1970s. This is his story, and his reflections on a unique time in music history.

Before Controversy, before 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, Sign O The Times and Paisley Park recording studios... local Minneapolis based entrepreneur Owen Husney, knew Prince Rogers Nelson, before he became Prince. The one who became one of the greatest artists and musicians of our time. As his first manager Owen ensured that Prince was signed to a 3 album record deal, with a high degree of autonomy to produce his own work. This was unheard of in the mid to late 1970s. This is his story, and his reflections on a unique time in music history.

Casci Ritchie is a PhD candidate and associate lecturer studying Prince, fashion, and fandom at Northumbria University. She has published widely about Prince’s sartorial legacy in peer-reviewed academic journals including Critical Studies in Men’s Fashion, Queer Studies in Popular Culture, Interactions: Studies in Communication & Culture and most recently the Journal of Asia-Pacific Pop Culture. Her book On His Royal Badness: The Life and Legacy of Prince’s Fashion, was published in 2021 as part of 404 Ink’s Inkling series. Listen in as we discuss her early memories of Prince, her lifelong study of his work, his fashion... but also his world building.

Casci Ritchie is a PhD candidate and associate lecturer studying Prince, fashion, and fandom at Northumbria University. She has published widely about Prince’s sartorial legacy in peer-reviewed academic journals including Critical Studies in Men’s Fashion, Queer Studies in Popular Culture, Interactions: Studies in Communication & Culture and most recently the Journal of Asia-Pacific Pop Culture. Her book On His Royal Badness: The Life and Legacy of Prince’s Fashion, was published in 2021 as part of 404 Ink’s Inkling series. Listen in as we discuss her early memories of Prince, her lifelong study of his work, his fashion... but also his world building.

In the second part of our interview Nik shares her feelings on the first track of Prince's that she ever heard. She also discusses female bass players, favourite purple tracks and her thoughts on what Prince was really like.