From Surprise to Spotlight: Donna Grantis Reflects on the Moment Prince Handed Her the Iconic 'Purple Rain' Solo
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11 months ago
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Donna Grantis: The Night She Took the Spotlight in ‘Purple Rain’
Donna grantis’ time with Prince as the co-lead guitarist of his final ensemble,3rdeyegirl,may have been brief,but it left an indelible mark on her career.
Reflecting on her experiences, Grantis shared in a 2019 Guitar World interview, “whether we were jamming at Paisley Park or performing at the Superdome, I was constantly in awe.”
Why playing guitar for Prince was a magical,mysterious gig – YouTube
Despite the band releasing only one album,the 2014 funk-rock project Plectrumelectrum,their live shows featured electrifying renditions of classic Prince tracks,including the legendary Purple Rain. Typically, Prince would handle the iconic guitar solo himself—except for one unforgettable night in Grantis’ hometown of Toronto.
“Prince always kept us alert during performances,” she recounted in an interview with CBC News. “We were always watching him for cues on solos, breakdowns, and transitions.”
That particular evening,however,was a delightful twist. After the third chorus, Prince sang, “In the purple…” and pointed directly at Grantis, signaling her to take the solo. “It felt like a truly special moment,” she recalled. “I consider it a gift to have played that for our hometown crowd.”
While many might have felt overwhelmed by such an unexpected chance, Grantis embraced the moment with professionalism and enthusiasm.
“What else could I do?” she laughed. “You have to dive in and seize the moment.It was such an exhilarating experience and a true honor. The last time I had played that solo with him was during my initial audition jam back in November 2012.”
“But of course, it’s quintessentially Prince to always take the lead on that solo. In that moment, you don’t have time to overthink it. You have about two seconds to hit the overdrive pedal and flanger,and then you just go for it.”
After the performance, how did prince respond? “We ended up at a ping-pong social club, and I told him, ‘Wow. What a gift! Thank you for that chance.’”
From Surprise to Spotlight: Donna grantis Reflects on the Moment Prince Handed Her the Iconic ‘Purple rain’ Solo
From Surprise to Spotlight: Donna Grantis Reflects on the Moment Prince Handed Her the Iconic ‘Purple Rain’ Solo
The Journey of Donna Grantis
Donna Grantis, a talented guitarist, gained international recognition as a member of Prince’s final band, 3rdeyegirl. Her journey from a passionate musician to sharing the stage with one of the greatest artists of all time is nothing short of inspiring. Grantis joined Prince’s ensemble in 2012, and her time with him was marked by unforgettable performances and invaluable lessons.
The Iconic Moment
One of the most memorable experiences for Grantis occurred during a concert in her hometown of Toronto. After the third chorus of Purple Rain, Prince unexpectedly pointed at her, signaling her to take the iconic guitar solo. This moment was not onyl a surprise but also a meaningful milestone in her career.
What It Felt Like to Take the Solo
Grantis described the experience as exhilarating. “In that moment, you don’t have time to think.You have to jump in and go for it,” she recalled. The pressure of performing a solo that prince had traditionally played himself could have been overwhelming, but Grantis embraced the challenge.
Behind the Scenes: The Dynamics of 3rdeyegirl
3rdeyegirl was a unique band, consisting of Grantis, bassist Ida Nielsen, and drummer Hannah Welton. Together, they created a sound that blended funk, rock, and pop, showcasing their individual talents while honoring Prince’s legacy.
Key performances and Releases
Album: the band released their debut album, Plectrumelectrum, in 2014, which featured a mix of original songs and reimagined Prince classics.
Live Shows: Their performances were known for their high energy and improvisational style, often featuring extended solos and unique arrangements of Prince’s hits.
Lessons Learned from Prince
Grantis often reflects on the lessons she learned from Prince, particularly regarding stage presence and musical improvisation. Here are some key takeaways:
Stay Present: Prince taught her the importance of being in the moment during performances.
Embrace the Unexpected: The ability to adapt to surprises on stage is crucial for any musician.
Collaboration is Key: Working closely with other musicians can lead to magical moments that resonate with audiences.
Benefits of Performing with Legends
Performing alongside a musical icon like Prince offers numerous benefits for emerging artists:
Skill Growth: Learning from a master can considerably enhance a musician’s technical and creative abilities.
networking Opportunities: Collaborating with established artists opens doors to new connections in the music industry.
Increased Visibility: sharing the stage with a renowned artist can elevate an artist’s profile and attract new fans.
First-Hand Experience: Grantis’ reflections
grantis often shares her experiences with aspiring musicians, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion. “You have to love what you do, and never stop pushing yourself to grow,” she advises.
Tips for Aspiring Musicians
Here are some practical tips for musicians looking to make their mark:
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential for honing your skills.
Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism can help you improve and grow as an artist.
Stay Open to Opportunities: Be ready to seize unexpected chances that come your way.
Case Study: The Impact of ‘Purple Rain’
Purple Rain remains one of Prince’s most celebrated songs,and its impact on music and culture is profound. The song has been covered by countless artists and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Statistics on ‘Purple Rain’
year Released
Album
Chart Performance
Notable Covers
1984
Purple Rain
Reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100
Artists like Prince’s own band, 3rdeyegirl, and John Legend
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