1971-1977

Early Years

Prince began his career in 1971 with the group Grand Central, which included Andre Cymone on bass, Linda Anderson on keyboards, percussionists Terry Jackson and William “Hollywood” Doughty and Charles ‘Chazz’ Smith on drums, later replaced by Morris Day. Prince also performed with 94 East in 1975.

Prince left Grand Central in 1976, and recorded his own demos at Moon Sound with Chris Moon. This led to a management contract with Owen Husney, who helped Prince sign to Warner Bros. Records in 1977.