MINNEAPOLIS— Fans around the world are preparing to come to Minneapolis to watch the 40th anniversary of ‘Purple Rain’.
The iconic film and soundtrack propelled the native son forward Prince Rogers Nelson and his band The Revolution to the top of the music industry.
The music from “Purple Rain” has proven to be timeless.
True fans fondly remember where they were the first time they heard one of Prince’s musical masterpieces.
“The first time I heard ‘Purple Rain’ was the movie I’ve probably seen fifty times and my first dance was at First Avenue to ‘Purple Rain,'” said Prince fan Danette Ashby-Loving.
“I must have gone to the theater and seen it 22 times in the first week it came out,” said fan Bernard Turner.
Turner left Brooklyn, New York to move to Minneapolis to be close to Prince and his music.
He has years of memorabilia and a love for all things Prince.
“What built the story of my life, what kept me moving, was his music. His music spoke to me a lot,” Turner said.
“I wouldn’t even be who I am without Prince,” said DJ William Baker.
Baker, aka “Bake Show,” is spinning the tunes for the 40th anniversary of “Purple Rain.”
“The first movie I ever saw in my life, guess what. ‘Purple Rain.’ And it changed my life,” Baker said. “I had a love for music. I became a drummer and all these years later I grew up with live music, so everything I do has to have that live sound.”
He plans to honor the musician he has always admired.
“Prince was authentic and I appreciate my DJ work and I look at everything I do after what he does,” Baker said.
Three young ladies, all from Minnesota, form the group L’More: Ella, Lauren and Claire.
“We feel like we have a really good mix of that Minneapolis sound with the funky twist of our little girl group,” Ella said.
Their single “Gimme All Your Lovin” is climbing the charts and they are ready to bring that Minneapolis sound to Prince fans.
“We’ve spent a lot of time perfecting our sound. We go to other shows to listen to other local Minneapolis artists, obviously the bigger artists too, not just the Revolution, who we’re lucky enough to be co-headlining with ,” said Ella.
They hope their live singing will help true fans celebrate Prince, his music and legacy.
The big party First Street takes place on Friday, followed by an afterparty.
Saturday is the big block party where fans will dance day and night with live performances from the Revolution, L’More and many more.
Reg Chapman
