Friday, March 29, 2024

NDG Remembers Prince

By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor

Almost a week later and it is still hard to believe we live in a world that does not include Prince Nelson Rogers anymore. For over three decades, he has never been far from shaping and redefining the music we listened to. Sometimes it was his vocals and musical talents we danced to, and sometimes we poured out our souls and grooved to his words or danced to songs performed by others.

Prince was so visionary he created an anthem for the turn of the century nearly 10 years before 1999. His shoe wear and eyeliner was not the only ways he was in touch with his feminine side, Prince spent a career empowering women in the industry. Whether he was launching the career of Shelia E or adding to the legendary careers Alicia Keys, The Bangles, Sinead O’Connor and Ms. Chaka Khan.

As President Barack Obama, Spike Lee, Oprah and others have joined fans worldwide in reflecting on the influence of Prince, the North Dallas Gazette (NDG) staff took a few minutes to honor the one and only Prince.

Jessica Brewer, NDG’s Vice President of Marketing loved his song Adore but was even more impressed by his character, than just his music.

“Prince was a musical genius, but his music was just one part of his legacy, he was most importantly a humanitarian. He was truly dedicated to helping others in the community!  He created programs, gave to charities, spent time with the urban youth, generously gave of his time and energy to helping others. Later in life, he was noted for fulfilling his spiritual responsibility by contributing to the welfare of the community by offering Bible education free of charge, giving emotional and, most substantially and far-reaching, spiritual support in bringing those in the community a hope for the future.”

Brewer added, “He did so with an abundant amount of modesty and humility, not seeking to gain credit or glory. He had a genuine concern and compassion for others, giving true meaning to the best told secret, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’  He was truly a humanitarian and will be deeply missed!”

NDG’s Account Executive Nina Garcia indicated Prince’s influence on her life extended beyond just jamming to his hits.

“Prince called his fans, ‘Friends.’  I feel I was more than just a ‘Fan’ or ‘Friend.’  The influence of Prince was paramount in my life. Although I had heard of Prince and was aware of his music, my infatuation with the Purple Highness came about when I was in the 6th grade.
Our music teacher assigned our class to choreograph a dance to any song we wanted.  I would like to say that the girls group chose a Prince song but it was the boys group that chose the song Controversy.
That was the first time I became fascinated by the sound of his unique voice as it permeated through the auditorium.  Since that day, I wanted to know ALL I could about this intriguing man of one name.
Another memory I have tied to a Prince song is when I had my first slow dance with a boy at my Junior-High school dance.  As the D.J. announced the last song of the night would be a slow jam, I was asked by a guy that I had a crush on to dance. Do me Baby was played and we danced as if we were the only ones in the gym.
My favorite song was “Let’s Go Crazy,” David Wilfong, NDG’s Graphic Artist shared. “The first thing that drew me to the music of Prince was his guitar skills. He was the first I remember who incorporated the blistering sound of heavy metal guitars (which I was a fan of at the time) and fuse it prominently into the funk and R&B sounds coming out of black radio at the time. Mixing the genres got a lot of hype when Anthrax teamed up with Public Enemy for “Bring the Noize,” and ultimately Living Color hit the scene, but Prince was probably the first to force the two very divergent music crowds into one concert venue on a regular basis.”
Garcia sums up how many of his fans feel, “I just wanted to express some how much Prince has influenced me and will always be a part of my life. R.I.P. Prince Rogers Nelson.”

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