Brittany Howard on Playing with Prince #BrittanyHoward
Why It Matters
The anecdote reveals Prince’s spontaneous mentorship, reinforcing his legacy as a catalyst for artistic autonomy among contemporary musicians.
Key Takeaways
- •Unexpected Prince appearance turned a rehearsal into legendary jam.
- •Howard describes strict Paisley Park rules before meeting Prince.
- •Prince learned the song key instantly and delivered epic solo.
- •The brief encounter inspired Howard’s multi‑instrumental, uncompromising approach.
- •Howard credits Prince’s DIY ethos for her creative independence.
Summary
Brittany Howard recounts a last‑minute invitation to perform at Prince’s Paisley Park, describing the surreal atmosphere of arriving under strict no‑meat, no‑cursing, no‑smoking, and no‑drinking rules. The anticipation among her crew turned to astonishment when Prince’s assistant announced the legendary musician wanted to join their set, specifically to play on their rendition of “Kimbra.”
Howard explains how Prince asked for the song’s key, learned it on the spot, and then, midway through the bridge, burst onto the stage with a guitar, delivering an impassioned solo that left the band in awe. The moment was fleeting—Prince kissed Howard on the cheek and vanished as quickly as he appeared—yet it cemented a lasting impression.
She highlights Prince’s multifaceted musicianship, noting that his credits span drums, arrangements, and guitar, embodying a DIY ethos. Howard says the encounter reinforced her belief that she, too, can control every aspect of her music, remaining uncompromising about her artistic vision.
The story underscores Prince’s spontaneous generosity and his enduring influence on emerging artists, illustrating how a single, unexpected collaboration can shape creative confidence and inspire a broader culture of self‑sufficiency in music production.
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