Whatever Happened to Andre Cymone?
by Pete
Andre Cymone, to you non-Prince freaks, was Prince’s childhood buddy and the first bassist in Prince’s touring band (before they were known as the Revolution). He left in 1981 to pursue a solo career, which – ehhh- didn’t pan out the way he probably wanted. He released three solo albums: Livin’ in the New Wave (1982), Survivin’ in the 80’s (1983), and AC (1985). AC contained his biggest hit, “The Dance Electric”, written and produced by Prince.
Andre found later sucess by producing hit albums for Pebbles, Adam Ant, and Jody Watley (whom he had a relationship with until into the 90’s). Over the years, I’ve wondered whatever happened to the guy. I did a YouTube search tonight, and found a treasure trove of live Andre Cymone footage posted by his drummer (Bam Bam) from way back when. In one of the comments, he mentions about Andre: “Last I heard, Andre was living in N.Y. trying his hand at some kind of tv or movie scripts.”
All three of his albums are out of print, but I’m sure they’re out there somewhere. I have my three vinyl albums nestled safely in their plastic covers, along with any Prince related record of that era. Vanity’s ‘Wild Animal’? Got it.So come on people, help me track Andre Cymone down. Enough is enough. The Andre Cymone ‘Ickmusic Interview’ needs to happen!
Andre Cymone: The Dance Electric (mp3) b/w Red Light (mp3) – from the extended 12″ single | M.O.T.F (mp3) – from Survivin’ in the 80’s
Check out the YouTube profile of Bam Bam for some Andre videos. Now this is vintage 80’s: unfortunate red winged uniforms, Andre doin’ the robot, and dancing like he’s straight out of Valley Girl.
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On the sixth day of every week, Michael Parr shuffles through his library to bring you five random tracks.
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On the sixth day of every week, Michael Parr shuffles through his library to bring you five random tracks.
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On the sixth day of every week, Michael Parr shuffles through his library to bring you five random tracks.
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Posted in Friday Five | 5 comments
Friday Five : \ˈfrī-(ˌ)dā,-dē ˈfīv\ : On the sixth day of every week I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and share my five and drop a little knowledge and insight for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, sometimes there isn’t. Sometimes we have guest, but most of the time it’s [...]
Pete’s Favorite Albums of the 00’s
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Posted in Ickmusic Faves | 6 comments
Quick Note: I didn’t want to bombard my Top 10 with Springsteen and Prince albums, so I chose my favorites of theirs from the 00’s. Did I spend more time with M.I.A.’s Arular than with Bruce’s Magic or Prince’s Musicology? No way. Just so you know, I limited my picks to one album per artist.
And [...]
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Posted in Blues, Prince | 6 comments
It’s been a while since I’ve discovered a gem in my own music library – one that I don’t recall ever hearing. I’ve listened to Gov’t Mule’s 2003 live album (Deepest End: Live in Concert) before, but I don’t remember hearing what I heard tonight: a slow and bluesy “When Doves Cry” sung by Warren [...]
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Posted in Funk, Ick's Pick, Prince, R&B | 4 comments
As a Prince-obsessed maniac since the age of Purple Rain, I’ve always been interested in following those he helped spawn back in the day. The Time were obviously the most talented of the bunch, and a sizable contributor to the feel and sound of the band – along with Prince, Morris Day, Jimmy Jam and [...]
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November 20, 2009 - 10:00 am
Tags: band of horses, Foo Fighters, Friday Five, Gary Moore, Indigo Girls, Joan Osbourne, Lionel Richie, Prince
Posted in Friday Five | 6 comments
On the sixth day of every week I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and share my five and drop a little knowledge and insight for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, sometimes there isn’t. Sometimes we have guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Friday Five: October 30, 2009
October 30, 2009 - 9:01 am
Tags: 2Pac, Everything But The Girl, Friday Five, Hanson, Prince, Prince & The Revolution, Schwarzenegger, The Beatles
Posted in Friday Five | 8 comments
Friday Five : \ˈfrī-(ˌ)dā,-dē ˈfīv\ : On the sixth day of every week I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and share my five and drop a little knowledge and insight for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, sometimes there isn’t. Sometimes we have guest, but most of the time it’s [...]
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October 16, 2009 - 11:30 am
Tags: Bee Gees, Friday Five, Prince, Radiohead, Shai, The Afghan Whigs
Posted in Friday Five | 2 comments
Friday Five : \ˈfrī-(ˌ)dā,-dē ˈfīv\ : On the sixth day of every week I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and share my five and drop a little knowledge and insight for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, sometimes there isn’t. Sometimes we have guest, but most of the time it’s [...]
February 10, 2007 - 8:43 am
“His body is decomposing in my locker.”
See Stand & Deliver.
February 10, 2007 - 11:25 am
I’m curious as well! I’ve done a few web searches over the years, and most references found are about his producing Jody Watley. But Livin’ in the New Wave and Survivin’ in the 80’s were awesome! I still have those albums, but unfortunately they didn’t survive the 80’s very well, due to excessive play.
February 12, 2007 - 6:49 am
About 2 years ago, he came by my office with another guy (forgot his name, but he was in The System) and they had a kid with them and he played a few songs. They were both working with him on an album. Never heard anything since then, but he told me that he was doing some session stuff and producing. This was in NYC, by the way.
February 15, 2007 - 6:23 pm
Andre Cymone’s name was dropped in the Hold Steady’s song “The Swish”.
February 15, 2007 - 9:26 pm
Skip / Jon – thanks for the info. I just downloaded “The Swish” off of eMusic.
February 16, 2007 - 12:48 pm
Awesomeness!
February 21, 2007 - 9:25 pm
I saw Andre at the winter carnval doing a concert @ Roy Wilkins in like 83 he had a big fro and Surving the 80’s LP came out wow loved the video clip on You Tube And I thought his Biggest hit was Kellys Eyes any one pleasr respond we all loved Andre !!!!!
March 9, 2007 - 3:14 am
Does anyone have a copy of “The Girls” he produced in the early 80’s?
March 11, 2007 - 2:46 am
he has a website….
http://www.andrecymone.com
March 11, 2007 - 7:46 am
Ehhhh not so much Georgia. The domain exists, but there’s just ads. Not exactly his web site. Actually, not at all.
>>georgia Says:
March 11th, 2007 at 2:46 am e
he has a website….
http://www.andrecymone.com
March 12, 2007 - 9:05 pm
Anyone know a place online where I can download his song “Kellys Eyes?”
April 2, 2007 - 10:49 am
well he is my uncle and i do not want people saying rude things about him thank u and have a nice day
April 2, 2007 - 10:56 am
Huh?
April 2, 2007 - 10:59 am
oops your right…well that used to be his website…now I guess he’s really lost.
April 2, 2007 - 11:01 am
Daja can you help us find him?
December 10, 2009 - 3:06 pm
he is doing fine.
April 8, 2007 - 8:00 pm
Reuinite the oringinal members for Prince’s band. Andre Cymone is the first person from Prince’s to make it. I have all of his single’s on CD and his CDS. James Brown’s death, the funk community realized that death is forever. It is time for him to record again, GO Dre.
April 15, 2007 - 2:09 am
I’ve got the Girls on LP and burned it to CD I will try and convert to mp3 and upload them for you. I want some more info on Andre – I miss him.
August 25, 2007 - 9:06 am
What web site can I find Kellys eyes on mp3 I loved that song!
October 27, 2007 - 11:17 am
Where is Andre we (his fans) miss him…
January 14, 2008 - 2:47 pm
Andre Cymone is a brilliant musician. He’s probaly having some challenging times.
All of us go through the wilderness at some point in our lives. He had a song called
“Voice on The Radio” and “Kelly’s Eyes” excellent songs. I had a girlfriend named
Kelly so that song came to mind often. He did incredible production work on Jody
Watleys’s stuff. Andre Cymone write your songs and throw down some heavy bass
on them. Write from your heart, you can do it man. The songs and CDs are within you.
You are not a throw-back to the 1980s but constantly moving foward. Stay encouraged Andre and keep your head up. Life doesn’t always work out the way that we plan it, but God Almighty had the plan before we came on the scene. Pray, seek
His face, turn your life over to Lord Jesus. Listen to TD Jake’s song “Manifest” off
of “A Wing And A Prayer.” You are a giant Andre, it’s time for you to walk in the
now. Andre you are an incredible artist, use what God has given you brother. God
made each person with a special design that can’t be duplicated. You are your own
painting.
January 20, 2008 - 2:04 pm
I love Andre Cymone and have since I was 16 years old!!! That’s 24 years!!! lol
Someone please let me know what is going on with him now.
I would also love to get some of his music. Can someone point me in the right direction??
March 7, 2008 - 7:17 pm
I did not know anything about this artist until I searched for Jodi Watley. I am pleased to know who he is and what real challenges Prince and his band had. I am very pleased to know who Jodi Watley’s sister is as well as her ex-husband.
March 27, 2008 - 12:44 am
I love Kelly’s Eyes!!! i want it too!!
April 6, 2008 - 4:57 am
In case you haven’t seen it, here’s an article I wrote on André Cymone and the Minneapolis scene, featuring an exclusive interview with John ‘Bam Bam’ Morgan, his drummer from his early 80s band.
April 6, 2008 - 4:58 am
Might help if I posted the link!
http://citinite.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/andre-cymone/
July 12, 2008 - 11:32 pm
I AM A SERIOUS ANDRE CYMONE FAN I LOVE THIS MAN AND I MISS HIS MUSIC\
I GREW UP WITH THE PRINCE MUSIC ERA
AS FAR BACK AS THE 70′S WHEN PRINCE FIRST CAME OUT…. LORD HELP THE YOUTH OF TODAY BECAUSE THEY WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND GOOD MUSIC… THIS CRAP THEY HAVE NOW IS JUST MIND BOGGLING…..
IF ANDRE IS ANYWHERE OUT THERE AND IS READING THIS PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM YOU NUMBER ONE FAN….. EMAIL A SISTA *SMILE*
July 25, 2008 - 1:30 am
My two favorites of Andre’s were “Stay” and “Don’t let the future come down on you”, I also liked “Kelly’s Eyes”. I got my LP’s safely tucked away, I’m going to try to get one of those LP to MP3 players…
Survivin’ in the 80’s! (+30)
August 13, 2008 - 6:34 pm
My two favorites of Andre’s were “Stay” and “Don’t let the future come down on you”, I also liked “Kelly’s Eyes”. I got my LP’s safely tucked away, I’m going to try to get one of those LP to MP3 players…
Keith, now your talking my language. Those are my two favorite Andre Cymone songs, too. I’ve beeen searching for anything on him for years with little luck. If you get one of those LP to mp3 players, please email a brotha. Thanks.
mrantonioedwards@aol.com
September 15, 2008 - 6:43 pm
Andre Cymone write up and MP3 download here:
http://soundgallery.wordpress.com/2008/09/13/andre-cymone-pretty-wild-girl-1985/
February 12, 2009 - 1:49 pm
My most favorite and inspiring artice of all time,where ever you are don,t let the future come down on you,the key to success or peace of mine is to get to know Jesus personally pray for whatever is in your heart and believe it. I had all 3 of your albums they inspired me to have drive and its OK to be different remember the hard you try the more you get satisfaction,to be the man of the future(m.o.t.f). hope to hear some real music and lyric from a true pioneer. J.D.
February 19, 2009 - 5:11 am
@Pete
I have a copy of the girls
March 5, 2009 - 2:17 am
@Marcus
No, but i do currently have a very clean 12inch by The Girls entitled “S-E-S-E-X” and man is it funky!! I am looking for the “Girl Talk” LP too. Happy Hunting!
March 5, 2009 - 2:34 am
@Ecurb
Wow you acually have the girls on vinyl! If you are talking about the entire “Girl Talk” LP, then do you think you can burn me a copy on cd with the song list attached. All i have is a 12inch by them called “s-e-s-e-x” and it’s pretty clean! well hit me back if u think u can do it, I have just about All of Taja Sevelle’s music on both vinyl and cd. Let me know what you like and maybe we can work something out. Thanx. Here is my e-mail add. teddyban4yellow@yahoo.com
March 5, 2009 - 2:53 am
@Pete
wow, could you send me a copy of the girls on cd, i would more than greatly appreciate it. I collect vinyl mainly from th 80’s and i have a slew of Prince-Related artist on original cd format, like Engrid Chavez’s entire album. Most people don’t even know that it really exist because they’ve only seen the 12′ singles. So hit me back if you feel we can work something out. thanx!
March 18, 2009 - 8:56 am
I am a huge AC fan from back in the day and I want to know does anybody out there have Livin’ in the 80’s and Survivin in the 80’s on CD or mp3?I would like have both of those albums and would be willing to negotiate. Also, can anybody confirm that Prince, AC, and Morris Day formed a band in high school and what was the name of the band. If true, I would have loved to see that trio jam!
March 18, 2009 - 9:04 am
Correction: The album titles are Livin in the New Wave and Survivin’ the 80’s
March 30, 2009 - 2:06 pm
has anyone heard about the daughter of andre cymone and jody watley
think she’s around 16 or 17 does she sing or play music?
September 8, 2009 - 5:53 am
Andre is doing well. I am a personal friend of his and I see him quite often. He is still doing music but is very devoted to his family first. The man is still awesome and still has his musical touch. He is the other Minneapolis Genius. You may hear from him very soon. By the way, he and Jody have a son not a daughter.
September 29, 2009 - 6:11 pm
i heard a rumor that THE TIME was andre idea until prince got involved and well the rest is history…….
October 6, 2009 - 2:07 pm
Andre cymone is truly a genius. He has as much talent as his childhood friend, Mr.Nelson.
December 14, 2009 - 6:59 pm
I absolutely loooove AC. I pulled out my phonograph and listened to my collection of vinyl this afternoon. My favorites are Kelly’s Eyes and All I need it you. I hope all is well. I enjoyed knowing I am not the only fan left. Happy Holidays.