Morris Day Reveals the Untold Truth Behind His Turbulent Relationship with Prince and The Time

Prince formed The Time in 1981 as a funk and R&B band with a unique concept: although it appeared to be a fully independent group, Prince controlled nearly every aspect of their music.

He wrote the songs, produced the albums, and often played most of the instruments himself, sometimes under pseudonyms like Jamie Starr to keep his involvement under wraps.

Morris Day was the lead singer and face of the band, bringing energy and style to the stage.

But behind the scenes, Day and the other members felt more like hired hands than equal partners.

Despite their growing popularity with hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird,” The Time’s band members grew frustrated.

They received little credit or financial reward relative to their contributions.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, two key members, began producing music for other artists, including the SOS Band.

This outside work was met with disapproval from Prince, who demanded their full loyalty.

The tension escalated during tours.

The Time often performed as an opening act for Prince’s band, The Revolution, and their live shows were so compelling that they sometimes outshone Prince himself.

This competitive dynamic fueled jealousy and resentment.

On one tour, The Time was relegated to playing behind a curtain as a backup band for Vanity 6, another Prince-created group.

Although they were paid extra, it was a humiliating experience that deepened the rift.

The breaking point came when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis missed a show due to a snowstorm while working on a side project.

Prince, known for his high expectations and demand for total commitment, was furious.

At a studio meeting, Prince bluntly fired them, a decision that shocked the band.

Morris Day and guitarist Jesse Johnson were present but powerless to intervene.

Even after their dismissal, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis thrived, becoming legendary producers responsible for hits by Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and many others.

Their departure marked the beginning of the end for the original incarnation of The Time.

The band’s lineup changed dramatically by the time Purple Rain was filmed, with many original members replaced.

The spirit and chemistry that had made the band special were gone.

Morris Day has openly described Prince as a “control freak,” someone who wanted to dictate every facet of the band’s identity and output.

Day himself tried to assert more control by renaming the group “Morris Day and The Time” during tours, but legal battles over the band’s name ensued, especially after Prince’s passing in 2016.

The estate restricted Day’s use of the name, causing ongoing disputes that highlight the lasting legacy of their complicated relationship.

Despite their conflicts, Morris Day and Prince shared a complex bond of friendship and rivalry.

They grew up together in Minneapolis and dreamed of musical stardom.

Prince’s vision helped launch The Time, and Day’s flamboyant frontman persona brought the music to life.

Their onstage battles became legendary, with The Time pushing Prince to elevate his own performances.

Yet, the desire for independence and recognition drove a wedge between them, culminating in Day’s departure from the band in 1984.

The rivalry was immortalized in Purple Rain, where Day’s character was Prince’s on-screen adversary.

Their real-life tensions often mirrored the scripted drama, with heated arguments and near-fights off-camera.

Still, they reunited several times over the years, including a 1990 album and tours where Prince’s influence remained evident, even if his direct involvement waned.

After Prince’s death, The Time honored their mentor with tribute performances and heartfelt messages.

Yet, the legal battles over the band’s name and legacy revealed unresolved wounds.

Morris Day expressed frustration at being barred from using the name he helped build for over four decades.

The estate’s insistence on controlling the brand sparked public disputes, with supporters on both sides debating the rightful ownership.

The Time’s story is a testament to the complexities of creative collaboration under the shadow of a dominant personality.

Prince’s genius propelled the band to fame but also stifled the members’ autonomy.

Morris Day’s candid revelations shed light on the sacrifices and struggles behind the music that defined a generation.

Today, The Time continues to perform, sometimes under different names due to legal restrictions, keeping the funk alive for devoted fans.

Morris Day remains a symbol of resilience and charisma, navigating the legacy of a band and a friendship that forever changed the course of music history.

Their tale is one of brilliance and battle, a reminder that even legends must grapple with power, control, and the quest for artistic freedom.