Known for hits like “When Doves Cry”, “Raspberry Beret” and “Purple Rain”, Prince became one of the most influential singers of his generation. Throughout his career in the spotlight, the icon sold over 100 million albums, wrote nearly 1000 songs, and even landed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A legend in the music industry and a sex symbol to his fans, the singer had Pepé Willie to thank for his career taking off. And while Prince passed away back in 2016, Willie recently passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer.
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For any singer who wanted to make it in the music industry during the 1970s, they knew of Willie. Although a performer, many turned to Willie when needing advice or just an ear to listen. Known for his ability to lift people up, Willie first grabbed Prince for his band 94 East.
Recalling what it was like to spend time in the studio with Prince, Willie insisted that not many could keep up with the singer. “In the studio, he soaked it all in. … I tried to keep up with his work ethic, and I’m a hard worker. I could not keep up. … This was a guy who really wanted to make it. I always admired his talent in music. He was a true genius in music.”
Pepé Willie Was The “Glue” For Prince
Sadly, Prince eventually turned his back on the music industry, limiting his time to people like Willie. But Willie never took it to heart as he noted, “He got star-itis. He just stayed away from people. We used to call him ‘the lonely guy.’” While Prince needed his help, Willie only wanted to spend time with him. Even when Willie asked to “hang out”, Prince declared, “I don’t talk to people.”
No matter the stardom that surrounded Prince, Willie was the launching pad for the icon. In an interview with Prince drummer Bobby Z, he recalled the shows that Willie put together for the singer at the Capri Theater. “The Capri was do or die. After that first album, it was pretty scary what was going to happen. Pepé was fluent in the language of the business. That was big for all of us. He had a huge influence on us for a while. He was the glue.”
Helping Prince find his stardom, Willie’s legacy remains a highlight in the music industry as his contributions extended to more than his own career.
(chicagogo, 2024)
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