According to Sheila E., Prince once recorded a solo version of Michael Jackson’s iconic track “Bad,” but he quickly erased it. In a recent appearance on The Jason Show, Sheila E. shared insights into the relationship between the two music legends, dispelling rumors of rivalry and jealousy.
Sheila E. recounted a moment at Paisley Park, where Prince expressed his surprise upon receiving the song from Michael Jackson. “So we get the song ‘Bad’ from Michael and we’re here at Paisley [Park]. And Prince is like, ‘Wait a minute. Michael wants me to sing this song with him.’ He played it for us, and when he got to the line, ‘Your butt is mine…’ he just walked away, saying, ‘Uh, uh.'”
This reaction aligns with what Prince had previously shared in a 1997 interview with Chris Rock. He questioned the opening line of the song, asking, “Who gon’ sing that to whom? Cause you sure ain’t singing it to me. And I sure ain’t singing it to you. So, right there we got a problem.” He humorously added that he would have been the character played by Wesley Snipes in the music video.
Despite the initial hesitation, Sheila E. revealed that she and Prince went on to re-record the song at his studio. “It was so funky, it was so amazing. It was an incredible rendition of what it should’ve been,” she said. They were excited about the possibility of Michael hearing their version. However, in a surprising turn of events, Prince decided to erase the entire recording. “Then Prince went like this,” she gestured, mimicking the action of pushing a button. “And he erased the whole thing. Right there.”
The audience gasped at this revelation, and Sheila E. explained that this was not an uncommon occurrence with Prince. “Oh yeah, it was fun. We did that all the time, though. I can name so many songs that we re-recorded that were sent to us. Ahhh. That’s another show.”
The story of Prince’s reaction to “Bad” fits with his previous comments about the song. He had expressed concerns about the lyrics and the implications of the duet. Despite the missed opportunity for collaboration, Prince acknowledged the potential success of the song, stating, “It will be a big hit even if I’m not on it.”
Sheila E.’s insights into the recording process and the dynamics between Prince and Jackson provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of two of music’s greatest icons. Their interactions were marked by mutual respect and camaraderie, rather than rivalry.
In addition to this revelation, fans of Prince have much to look forward to. The late musician is set to receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor that comes more than eight years after his passing in April 2016. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce recently announced his inclusion in the Class of 2025, a recognition that Prince had previously declined on two occasions.
As Sheila E. reflects on her experiences with Prince, she highlights the joy and creativity that characterized their collaborations. The music they created together, even if it never saw the light of day, remains a testament to their artistic spirits.
The story of Prince’s solo version of “Bad” serves as a reminder of the complexities of artistic expression and the decisions that shape the music we know and love. While the collaboration between Prince and Jackson may not have materialized, the legacy of both artists continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Source: People
