Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Jeff Jones and Tom Weber

Prince's first bandmate: 'I almost feel like this is some weird dream'

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Andre Cymone at Paisley Park on April 21, 2017
Prince's longtime friend and musical collaborator Andre Cymone at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minn., on April 21, 2017.
Nate Ryan | MPR

One of Prince's earliest collaborators, Andre Cymone, spoke with MPR's Tom Weber and The Current's Jim McGuinn and Andrea Swensson about what Prince was like early in his career.

In a live interview outside Paisley Park, Cymone recounted the time he first met Prince and what inspired them both to make music.

To hear the full segment use the audio player above.

Click here to read a transcript of the conversation.

Featured music: "Dirty Mind" and "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker."