Wow, can you believe this is the 30th anniversary of Purple Rain’s release?
I’ve been a Prince fan since his very first albums, “For You” and “Prince” and I’ve got all of his albums (vinyl even) in my collection. Because he was such a multi talented performer, who could play just about every musical instrument, sing with the best of them, and among the all-time great dance steps, Prince was a favorite of mine throughout his career.
Purple Rain is widely considered to be among the most important albums in music history and is often named the best soundtrack of all time. It sold over a million copies in its first week and blasted to number one on the charts, where it would remain for a full six months and eventually sell over 20 million copies worldwide. It spun off three huge hit singles, won Grammys and an Oscar, and took Prince from pop star to legend.
Of course, the world was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing last year, which even further strengthened his legacy.
The Author, Alan Light, shows in this wonderful book, impeccable research and in-depth interviews with people who witnessed Prince’s audacious vision becoming a reality.
Fantastic reading, and even though it doesn’t shed much new light on Prince’s mysterious and somewhat shy personality, it’s great to hear the interviews and the voices of so many of the people who were along for the journey. The author interviewed performers such as Wendy and Lisa, Morris Day and the Time, Sheila E, and the behind the scenes look of the filming of the movie, Purple Rain.
Enjoy this great book!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
