The Complicated Legacy of Prince and The Time: A Musical Rivalry.

The story of Prince and The Time is one of creativity, rivalry, and the complexities of artistic control within the music industry.

Formed in 1981, The Time was a funk and R&B band that captured the hearts of many with their energetic performances and catchy hits.

However, their relationship with Prince, who created the band, was fraught with tension and conflict, leading to a dramatic fallout that would shape their legacies.

The Formation of The Time

Prince formed The Time as part of his agreement with Warner Brothers, intending to create a band that would showcase his unique sound while allowing him to maintain control over the music.

The band consisted of talented musicians, including lead singer Morris Day, guitarist Jesse Johnson, and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

From the outset, Prince wrote the songs, produced the albums, and recorded most of the music himself, leaving little room for input from the other members.

This dynamic led to feelings of frustration among the band members, who felt more like employees than collaborators.

Despite their limited creative control, The Time gained popularity with hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” Their energetic performances and infectious sound resonated with audiences, but behind the scenes, tensions were brewing.

Morris Day, in particular, began to feel the strain of Prince’s controlling nature. He later described Prince as a “control freak,” a sentiment echoed by other band members who felt stifled by Prince’s dominance.

The Rising Tensions

The relationship between Prince and The Time began to deteriorate as the band sought more autonomy. In 1982, they toured with Prince’s band, The Revolution, and a rivalry emerged.

The Time was determined to prove their worth, delivering stellar performances that sometimes overshadowed Prince’s own shows. This competition only fueled Prince’s desire to keep a tight grip on his creation.

As tensions escalated, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis began to pursue production opportunities outside of The Time. They produced hits for other artists, including the SOS Band’s “Just Be Good to Me.”

However, Prince was not supportive of their endeavors, wanting them to focus solely on his projects. This desire for loyalty clashed with the band’s aspirations, leading to further discord.

The Firing of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

The breaking point came during the 1999 Triple Threat Tour when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis missed a show due to a snowstorm while working on a production project.

Prince was furious, viewing their absence as a betrayal of the band’s commitment. Shortly after, he called a meeting where he infamously fired them, stating, “You guys are fired.”

This moment marked a significant turning point in The Time’s history and set the stage for their eventual decline.

Morris Day and Jesse Johnson were present during this meeting but remained silent as Prince made his decision. Morris later reflected on the situation, acknowledging that despite being the lead singer, he had little control over the band’s direction.

The Time was ultimately a product of Prince’s vision, and when he decided to remove key members, there was little anyone could do to stop him.

The Aftermath of the Split

Following their departure from The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis quickly found success as producers, crafting hits for artists like Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. Their careers flourished, and they became two of the most successful producers in music history.

Meanwhile, The Time struggled to maintain their identity without the creative contributions of Jam and Lewis. Morris Day attempted to keep the band together, but the spirit that once defined their sound was fading.

In the years that followed, The Time underwent numerous lineup changes, and by the time Prince was working on “Purple Rain,” the band had transformed into something entirely different.

The version of The Time that appeared in the film was not the original group, as many members had left or been replaced.

The Rivalry Continues

Despite their differences, the rivalry between Prince and Morris Day persisted. Both artists had a complicated relationship characterized by mutual respect and competition.

They grew up together in Minneapolis, sharing dreams of musical success. However, as Prince’s star rose, Morris felt increasingly overshadowed and frustrated by the lack of control over his own band.

The tension between them reached new heights during the filming of “Purple Rain,” where their on-screen rivalry mirrored their real-life conflicts.

Morris played a character who was Prince’s enemy, and the fights depicted in the film reflected the struggles they faced behind the scenes.

Reunions and Legal Battles

Over the years, The Time experienced several reunions, often driven by nostalgia and the desire to recapture their former glory.

In 1990, they came together for the album “Pandemonium,” which included the hit song “Jerk Out.” This reunion allowed them to showcase their collective talent, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though The Time was back on track.

However, the drama never truly ended. Following Prince’s death in 2016, Morris Day found himself embroiled in legal battles with Prince’s estate over the use of the band’s name.

Despite having been the face of The Time for decades, Morris faced restrictions on using the name “Morris Day and The Time,” which he felt was unfair given his long-standing contributions to the band.

A Complex Legacy

The legacy of Prince and The Time is a complex tapestry of creativity, rivalry, and the struggle for artistic control.

While Prince is celebrated as a musical genius who shaped the sound of funk and R&B, The Time remains a testament to the power of collaboration and the challenges that arise when artistic visions clash.

Morris Day and the remaining members of The Time continue to honor their legacy through performances and tributes to Prince.

Their journey reflects the highs and lows of the music industry, reminding us that behind every great band lies a story of ambition, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

In conclusion, the relationship between Prince and The Time serves as a powerful reminder of the intricacies of collaboration in the music world.

Their story is one of triumphs and tribulations, illustrating how creative differences can shape the course of musical history. As fans continue to celebrate their contributions to music, the tale of Prince and The Time will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.