WAIM #110: Music Writer John McKie On The Genius Of Prince

In 2017, music writer John McKie sat down to pen an in-depth piece focused on the greatness of Prince’s 1987 album, Sign O’ The Times. McKie describes the finished essay as an honorable failure. It was good enough for the moment, but he was left cold by the uncharted territory not covered in the piece. John longed to trace the path of Prince from his beginnings as an artist through his impressive catalog to excavate how an artist like Prince could conceive of an album like Sign O’ The Times.In March of 2020, John lost his Dad, and within a matter of days, he found the world shuttered in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. With time on his hands and the influence of his Dad’s death, John set to work researching Prince’s history. He interviewed dozens of people involved in one way or another with Prince’s work and life. Through this vast research, McKie began to form a picture of a supremely talented individual fueled by self-doubt, and a profound desire to prove his own worth.John shares the story of Prince’s legendary gigs at the famed Ritz in Los Angeles, which were attended by some of the biggest stars of the era. These mythic shows helped Prince to land a pair of opening slots for the Rolling Stones at the massive LA Coliseum. Unfortunately, the Stones’ audience were none too kind to the young, black, funk performer from the Upper Midwest. McKie explains how this traumatic experience might have been the fuel that powered an artistic explosion that would play out over the next seven years of Prince’s career.During our chat, John and I look at Prince’s maniacal artistic pace, and the pressure that he put upon the musicians and crew-people that worked for him. We explore the artistic and financial motivations behind Prince’s switch from his own name to a logo; another move that may have been influenced by The Rolling Stones.This is a fascinating conversation about a man who is one of the few musicians that could accurately be described as a truly visionary artist. During our chat John manages to humanize Prince, and allows us to see some of the humanity behind the myth. You’re sure to find something to love within this discussion even if you’re a Prince agnostic.Cheers,Matty C------------------------------------------------Thanks so much to John for joining me. You can find his new book, Prince: A Sign Of The Times at UKbookshop.org or wherever you get your books.Be sure to catch me on the road during most of November with my dear friend, Jeffery Gower. You can find a full list of dates and even get the chance to have us play a concert at your place at https://www.phonophorerecords.com/sheddiointhesouthThe What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C. Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. BaldwinYou can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show. You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe