Prince was Pepe Willie’s most successful protégé.
Prince popularized the Minneapolis sound with his solo work and music by The Time and others.
But the moniker “Godfather of the Minneapolis Sound” belongs to his mentor Pepe Willie, who passed away at 76 years old.
Urban Classic Rock reported, “Pepe Willie, who played a key role in securing Prince’s early career, died at the age of 76 on May 31 after a cancer battle, it was confirmed.
“Willie had been an important part of the Minneapolis music scene since moving there from New York in the ‘70s, and had established a reputation as the go-to-guy for anyone who needed career advice or support.
“Willie—who got his nickname because of the pep talks he provided—recruited Prince for his band 94 East before helping the future Purple Rain star establish his solo career.”
After Prince established himself as a solo artist, many of the recordings he made with 94 East were released to the market, including the song “Just Another Sucker.”
When Prince earned a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records, Pepe Willie reportedly educated the younger Prince on the importance of owning the publishing rights for the music.
Pepe Willie told Prince that if a record company asked him if he had his own publishing company, tell them yes, and they would establish the publishing company after the fact.
Publishing is vital for songwriters and producers because the company that owns the publishing receives payment each time a song is played on the radio or in public venues like nightclubs or sporting events.
Many artists mistakenly sign away their publishing, potentially cheating themselves out of millions of dollars.
Prince’s first album, “For You,” came out in 1978.
The album contained a moderate hit with the song “Soft and Wet,” written by the artist and Chris Moon.
When Warner Bros. insisted on seeing Prince perform live in January 1979, Pepe Willie set up the showcase at The Capri Theater in Minneapolis.
Drummer Bobby Z from The Revolution said, “The Capri was do or die. After that first album, it was pretty scary what was going to happen. Pepe was fluent in the language of business. That was big for all of us. He had a huge influence on us for a while. He was the glue.”
Artists like Morris Day, Andre Cymone, Jesse Johnson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis started their professional music careers in the Twin Cities.
When Prince found his success as a solo star, songwriter and producer, he brought many of his peers from Minneapolis with him by writing and producing albums for The Time, Vanity 6 and The Family.
Despite Pepe Willie’s influence on many of the artists from Minneapolis, he eventually fell out with his iconic mentee.
When asked about their relationship at the beginning of Prince’s career, Pepe Willie said, “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 music genius.”
However, Prince’s mentor added, “He got star-it is. He just stayed away from people. We used to call him the ‘lonely guy.’”
He said that one time, Prince called him to resolve an issue.
When Pepe Willie assured Prince that the issue would be handled, he suggested that the old friends get together, hang out and play basketball.
Prince replied, “I don’t talk to people.”
Pepe Willie said, “How do you answer? The weirdness was out there.”
Rumors circulated that Prince did not like that his early recordings with 94 East hit the record stores after his enormous solo success, as if the albums were only released to capitalize on his stardom
Pepe Willie did make money off those early 94 East songs.
But he said, “I never took a dime from Prince.”
Pepe Willie’s passing occurred about one week before fans and peers gathered at Paisley Park to celebrate the musical genius’ birthday, hear untold stories and hear unreleased music.
On Instagram, drummer Jellybean Johnson of The Time and The Family said, “I will miss you my friend! Soar High (Pepe Willie). You are the reason we all exist. The Godfather of the Minneapolis Sound!”
Johnson added a heartbreak emoji after his social media post.
Via Facebook, Cymone, Prince’s former best friend and original bassist, said, “My heart [heartbreak emoji] is broken. Pepe was more than a brother, more than a friend…he was an extension of myself, since day one he became a part of who I am. Yes, Pepe was truly ‘The Godfather’ of the Minneapolis Sound. He was one of the few who when I reached out and asked for a favor his only questions were where and what time do you need me there. That’s a true friend…
“Pepe’s place in the history of the Minneapolis music saga is not only legitimate, it was essential. Pepe will always be a gift to me and to all he touched with his love and brilliance that will never stop giving. Bless you my brother, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again. It’s interesting, after I was made aware Pepe was gone, I began to write my thoughts and as I was writing one of the pictures hanging on the wall in my studio fell. That was Pepe letting me know he’s in good hands.”
