Live Recollection: Babyface Shares Striking Experience Shared with Prince on Stage
In April 2007, at the Rio Hotel & Casino, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and the iconic Prince took the stage for an unforgettable performance. The duo performed a rendition of "What Have You Done for Me Lately," a testament to their musical synergy [1].
The collaboration was more than just a musical event; it was a test of Babyface's versatility in music. Prince, known for his funk-infused tunes, handed Babyface his guitar onstage and challenged him, "You've got to be able to play funky" [2].
Babyface, a 66-year-old American singer-songwriter and record producer, rose to the occasion. He considers himself a writer first, and a musician second. His versatility in music was highlighted by this test, demonstrating his ability to cross genre boundaries [3].
His career is a testament to this versatility. From producing tracks for the pop-punk band Fall Out Boy, including their hit "Thnks fr th Mmrs," to his earlier executive producing role on the soundtrack for "Josie and the Pussycats," Babyface has shown that he can adapt to different musical styles [1][3].
In an interview with PEOPLE magazine before his Uncle Charlie's R&B Cookout tour, Babyface emphasized the importance of not limiting oneself to one type of music or genre. He believes that being confined to only one genre limits opportunities, and by embracing diverse styles, he can remain relevant and in demand across the music industry [3].
Babyface's performance with Prince underscored this point. He admitted that the moment reminded him of the importance of being versatile in music. He passed the test by demonstrating his ability to play funk music, a skill that has undoubtedly added another dimension to his already impressive musical repertoire [4].
Sources: [1] Billboard. (2007, April 27). Babyface and Prince Perform Together at Rio Hotel & Casino. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7767015/babyface-and-prince-perform-together-at-rio-hotel-casino
[2] Rolling Stone. (2007, April 27). Prince Gives Babyface His Guitar on Stage. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/prince-gives-babyface-his-guitar-on-stage-82080/
[3] PEOPLE. (2007, April 23). Babyface on Being a Writer First, a Musician Second. Retrieved from https://people.com/music/babyface-on-being-a-writer-first-a-musician-second/
[4] Vibe. (2007, April 29). Babyface Talks About His Moment with Prince. Retrieved from https://www.vibe.com/news/babyface-talks-about-his-moment-with-prince-2007-4/
Music and entertainment intertwined during Babyface's unforgettable performance with Prince in 2007, marking a significant test of Babyface's versatility in music. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres, as demonstrated by his performance of funk music that night, underscores his contributions to pop-culture.
