APPLETON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network) – A professor at Lawrence University in Appleton played in one of Prince’s bands during the height of the musician’s early fame.
Bill Carrothers is a jazz pianist, but he was on the keyboards and synthesizers for the spin-off band “The Family.”
Carrothers says they rehearsed and performed for 8 or 9 months. He says Prince wrote all the music, and he sometimes played with them.
Carrothers says they were getting ready to be an opening act for Prince’s world tour, when their lead singer signed a record deal. He says Prince was so furious that he fired them all.
Carrothers says Prince, “had really nice cars, and he dressed very strangely.” He says his musical talent was undeniable, and he doesn’t get enough credit for his drumming.
“His drumming was killing. I don’t think anyone gives him enough credit for his drumming,” Carrothers says.
He says Prince was a great ping-pong player, and he almost always was carrying around a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos.
