Famous Lost Words

FLW Special - Purple Rain at 40           In this very special episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of the film “Purple Rain”.  The overwhelming success of the movie made Prince the first artist in history to have the same project simultaneously #1 on the singles, albums, and movie charts in the United States.           We speak to one of the foremost Prince experts; author and podcaster Alan Light.  Alan talks about the creation of Purple Rain the song, the album and the movie.  He also reveals… How the version of the title track that we’re all familiar with was recorded in one take at a fundraiser. It was also the first time that 19-year-old Wendy Melvoin had played with the band. Movie executives didn’t want to cast Prince in the lead role, and suggested much more famous star (who would have been badly miscast!) How Prince tried to recruit Stevie Nicks to help with the lyrics for “Purple Rain” - and why she said no. How the movie has held up well (for its live performances) and been h