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New Power Generation

The New Power Generation (NPG) was the backing band for American musician Prince, formed in 1990 and active in various lineups until his death in 2016, renowned for blending R&B, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and gospel elements into his evolving sound during the 1990s and beyond. Assembled from Minneapolis talent after the 1986 disbandment of Prince's previous group, the Revolution, the NPG debuted on his Nude Tour and made their first major public appearance in January 1991 at the Glam Slam nightclub in Minneapolis. The band's core early lineup included drummer , keyboardist , bassist Sonny Thompson, guitarist Levi Seacer Jr., vocalist and keyboardist , rapper Tony Mosley, and percussionist , with the NPG Horns (a brass section) joining in 1992 for added texture. Lineup changes were frequent due to Prince's experimental approach, with notable departures including Gaines in 1992 and a broader shift by 1993; later additions like keyboardist Morris Hayes from 1992 onward provided continuity into the 2000s. The NPG's most prominent contributions came through Prince's albums, starting with the platinum-certified Diamonds and Pearls (1991), which featured hits like "Gett Off" and "Cream" and marked their first official billing alongside Prince. Subsequent releases included the Love Symbol Album (1992), with tracks like "7," and the band's own efforts such as the jazz-funk album Exodus (1995) and Newpower Soul (1998), the latter released under Prince's symbolic name change to the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. They supported extensive tours, including the global Diamonds and Pearls Tour (1992) and Act I/II Tours (1993), known for elaborate staging and high-energy performances that highlighted the band's versatility. Following Prince's passing, surviving members re-formed as The Band Formerly Known as NPG in 2016, led by Morris Hayes, to perform tribute concerts worldwide, honoring their founder's legacy through faithful renditions of hits like "Purple Rain" and NPG originals, and continue to tour as of 2025.

History

Formation and early years

Following the disbandment of his longtime backing band The Revolution in October 1986, after the conclusion of the Hit n' Run Tour, Prince entered a transitional phase focused on solo endeavors. He assembled ad hoc touring ensembles for his subsequent projects, marking his first major outings without a fixed group since the early 1980s. The 1987 Sign O' the Times Tour, limited to 31 dates across Europe, featured a lineup including bassist Levi Seacer Jr., who had joined from Sheila E.'s band, alongside guitarist Miko Weaver, drummer Sheila E., and keyboardist Matt "Dr." Fink from the Revolution. This period extended into the 1988–1989 Lovesexy Tour, a global run of 88 shows with a different configuration emphasizing elaborate stage production and a mix of funk and pop elements, during which Prince began conceptualizing a "new power generation" ethos. The New Power Generation coalesced in late 1989 to early 1990, drawing inspiration from the song "New Power Generation," originally tracked in 1982 as "Bold Generation" and reworked into its final form at Studios in December 1989. This track served as an anthem for the emerging collective, reflecting Prince's vision for a fresh, youth-driven musical movement amid his evolving sound. Recruitment pulled from the scene and prior collaborators: Seacer Jr. transitioned to lead guitar, while 19-year-old drummer was brought in from the local act Dr. Mambo's Combo, and keyboardist joined from similar regional bands. Additional early members included bassist Sonny Thompson and vocalist/keyboardist , who joined in 1990, solidifying a core that blended funk grooves with R&B sensibilities. The band made their live debut on the from March to May 1990, where they supported Prince's performances and began to gel as a unit. Their debut as a named unit came with the 1990 and Graffiti Bridge, where they received official billing and performed the titular song, showcasing their role in Prince's multimedia narrative. Early live outings followed in 1991, starting with a performance at the club in in January, which highlighted their energetic stage presence. Concurrently, the group contributed to recording sessions at for the Diamonds and Pearls, released in October 1991, where Prince shifted toward a funkier, ensemble-driven style that incorporated rap and dance elements to revitalize his artistic direction. This foundational work laid the groundwork for the band's prominence in Prince's output.

1990s commercial peak

The New Power Generation played a pivotal role in 's return to mainstream commercial success during the early , most notably through their contributions to the 1991 album , credited to Prince and the New Power Generation. Released on October 1, 1991, by and Warner Bros. Records, the album marked the band's first full billing alongside Prince and featured a fusion of , pop, and R&B that revitalized his chart presence after the mixed reception of Graffiti Bridge. It achieved multi-platinum status in the United States, selling over six million copies worldwide and peaking at number three on the , driven by the band's tight instrumentation and backing vocals that added depth to tracks like the title song. This momentum carried into 1992 with the Love Symbol Album, also credited to and the New Power Generation and released on October 13, 1992. The album blended influences, orchestral elements, and the band's , reaching number five on the and earning double-platinum certification in the for over two million units sold. Its commercial impact was bolstered by the NPG's dynamic arrangements, which supported 's evolving sound amid his growing creative ambitions. The band's live prowess further amplified these successes during major world tours from 1991 to 1993. The Diamonds and Pearls Tour, spanning over 100 dates across , , and from January 1992 to July 1992, showcased the NPG's high-energy performances, with the —featuring and others—providing a robust, jazz-infused backbone to sets that mixed new material with classics. This was followed by the Act I and Act II tours in 1993, which continued the emphasis on the band's collective stage presence, drawing crowds with extended jams and improvisational flair that highlighted their role beyond mere accompaniment. In June 1993, changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol—often referred to as The Symbol or the —to protest his contractual obligations, a move that initially strained but ultimately reinforced the NPG's collaborative framework. Despite the shift, the band continued working with him on Come (1994), an album of raw tracks that utilized the NPG's for its gritty edge, and (1995), which incorporated their input on psychedelic and soulful compositions, peaking at number six on the 200. These projects were shaped by internal dynamics, including the addition of vocalist and keyboardist in 1990, who brought soulful harmonies to live and studio work, and percussionist around 1990 as part of the dance troupe the Game Boyz, later expanding to full band duties. Prince's escalating battles with Warner Bros. Records over creative control and release schedules during this period directly influenced NPG projects, leading to vaulted material and the establishment of as an independent outlet in 1993 to bypass label delays. Peak commercial achievements included top-10 singles like "" from Diamonds and Pearls, which topped the for two weeks in late 1991, and "" from the Love Symbol Album, reaching number seven in 1992, both showcasing the band's rap and funk elements. These hits underscored the NPG's emerging identity as a distinct musical force, with instrumental breaks and group vocals fostering a sense of ensemble autonomy even within Prince's vision.

2000s evolution and post-Prince legacy

In the early 2000s, the New Power Generation transitioned toward greater independence under Prince's direction, exemplified by the release of Newpower Soul on June 30, 1998, through their own NPG Records label, which Prince had established in 1993 to assert artistic and financial autonomy amid his disputes with Warner Bros. Records. This album, the band's third and final studio effort, featured a core lineup including keyboardist Morris Hayes, who had joined in the mid-1990s and became a pivotal musical director, alongside bassist Rhonda Smith, guitarist Mike Scott, and others, blending funk, R&B, and hip-hop elements in tracks like "The War" and "Superman." The formation of NPG Records allowed the group to distribute material directly, bypassing major labels and enabling Prince to retain control over production and promotion, a strategy that carried into subsequent projects. Throughout the decade, the NPG remained integral to Prince's live performances and recordings, supporting albums such as Musicology (2004) and 3121 (2006), both released via NPG Records in partnership with Universal. The Musicology era marked a commercial resurgence, with the band—featuring Hayes on keyboards, Tommy Barbarella returning on keys, Levi Seacer Jr. on guitar, and Sonny T. on bass—backing Prince on the extensive Musicology 2004ever Tour, which spanned over 70 dates and grossed more than $87 million. This momentum continued into the Hit + Run Tour (2006–2007), where the evolving NPG lineup, including drummer Cora Dunham and bassist Joshua Dunham, delivered high-energy sets emphasizing Prince's catalog alongside new material from 3121, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. However, by the early 2010s, the band's prominence waned as Prince assembled 3rdeyegirl in late 2012, effectively dissolving the NPG configuration around 2013 and shifting to a new all-female trio for albums like Plectrumelectrum (2014). Following Prince's death on April 21, 2016, surviving NPG members reunited for tribute performances, including the official events at and the XtraMile Tribute Concert in in October 2017, where core alumni like Hayes, , Seacer, and Scott honored Prince's legacy with sets drawing from the band's and repertoire. These gatherings led to the formation of "The Original NPG" in 2017, evolving by 2020 into "The Band Formerly Known as NPG" to avoid legal conflicts with the Prince Estate, comprising Hayes as musical director, , Seacer, Sonny T., Tony Mosley, and others. As of 2025, the group continues touring internationally, performing Prince's music at venues like First Avenue in on July 10, 2025, focusing exclusively on celebratory renditions without producing new original material, thereby preserving the NPG's role in perpetuating his funk-driven sound.

Members

Original and core lineup

The New Power Generation (NPG) was founded by in 1990 as his primary backing band, with serving as the from 1990 until his death in 2016. He handled lead vocals, guitar, multi-instrumental performances, and production duties, shaping the band's fusion of funk, rock, and pop elements across albums like (1991) and (Symbol) (1992). Guitarist Levi Seacer Jr. was a key member from 1990 to 1993, contributing to the band's early funk arrangements through his rhythmic guitar riffs on tracks such as "" and "Gett Off." His versatility helped transition the sound from Prince's previous ensembles, adding a gritty edge to live and studio performances. Bassist Sonny Thompson joined in 1990 and remained a core member through the 1990s and into the 2000s, providing the foundational bass lines for the NPG's groove-oriented sound. Drummer provided the signature groove for the NPG from 1990 to 1996, driving the band's energetic pulse on albums including , where his dynamic playing underpinned hits like "I Wanna Be Your Lover" in live settings. Bland's precise, funk-infused drumming became a cornerstone of the band's live expansions and recordings. Keyboardist joined in 1990 and remained through 1996, layering synth and organ sounds that enriched the NPG's psychedelic and soulful textures, notably on and during the band's international tours. His contributions emphasized atmospheric keyboards, complementing Prince's arrangements. Rapper Tony Mosley, known as Tony M., was a core member from 1990 onward, adding hip-hop elements and rap verses to tracks like "Gett Off" and contributing to the band's dynamic live energy. Rosie Gaines added keyboards and vocals from 1990 to 1992, infusing gospel influences and powerful backing vocals that elevated the band's harmonic depth, particularly on songs like "Willing and Able" from . Her soulful delivery and keyboard work brought a fresh vocal dimension to the core ensemble. Percussionist participated from 1990 into the 2000s, initially as a dancer and percussionist before expanding to musical director and production roles. The core horn section, introduced in 1991 to expand live performances, consisted of Michael Nelson on , Kathy Jensen on , Dave Jensen on , and Brian Gallagher on . Known collectively as the NPG Hornz, they provided brass punctuations and solos that enhanced the band's and R&B foundations on tours supporting .

Lineup changes and additional contributors

In the mid-1990s, the New Power Generation experienced key shifts in its roster. Levi Seacer Jr. departed after 1993. By 1996, keyboardist and drummer had left, leading to a temporary disbandment of the core group. Keyboardist and musical director Morris Hayes joined in 1992, replacing , and remained until 2016, becoming the longest-serving member of the ensemble. Bassist and backing vocalist contributed from 1997 to around 2010, adding both instrumental and vocal layers to the band's sound during the late 1990s and 2000s. Several musicians served as additional touring members across decades. Dancer and vocalist performed with the group from 1991 to 1995, occasionally returning in later years. Saxophonist provided sporadic contributions on and throughout the 1990s and 2000s. The NPG Hornz served as a semi-permanent from 1991 to 2013, featuring trombonist Michael Nelson, trumpeter Dave Jensen, saxophonist Kathy J. (Kathy Jensen), and saxophonist Brian Gallagher, enhancing the band's live and recorded brass elements. Following Prince's death in 2016, the New Power Generation reunited for tribute performances and tours, often featuring Morris Hayes, , , and Levi Seacer Jr. As of 2025, the current iteration, known as the Original NPG or The Band Formerly Known as NPG, is led by Hayes and features core original members including Sonny Thompson, Tony Mosley, , and Levi Seacer Jr., with guest appearances including percussionist .

Discography

Albums credited to Prince and the New Power Generation

The albums credited to and the New Power Generation represent a pivotal phase in 's career during the early , showcasing the band's integration into his sound as a full-fledged ensemble that amplified his fusion of funk, rock, pop, and R&B. Formed as 's backing group, the New Power Generation (NPG) contributed live instrumentation, harmonies, and creative input, marking a shift from his solo-dominated works to more collaborative efforts that emphasized high-energy performances and thematic exploration of sensuality, spirituality, and rebellion against industry constraints. These releases, spanning to 1995, achieved significant commercial success, collectively achieving several million in sales and earning multiple certifications, while highlighting the NPG's role in revitalizing 's chart presence amid evolving musical landscapes. Building on that foundation, , released October 1, 1991, marked the NPG's first full-album showcase, with the band prominently featured on hits like the sexually charged "Gett Off" and the ballad "Diamonds and Pearls," where their tight grooves and vocal interplay elevated 's seductive lyricism into arena-ready anthems. Recorded at with handling production, the album's 19 tracks reflect the NPG's influence in extending song lengths for jam-oriented structures, fostering a sense of communal performance that contrasted 's earlier solo precision. It debuted at number 3 on the and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums , staying on the former for 75 weeks, and earned 2x Platinum certification from the RIAA on May 2, 1995, for over 2 million shipments, propelled by four Top 10 singles that demonstrated the band's commercial synergy with . This release solidified the NPG as essential to his sound, achieving over 8 million global sales and reestablishing as a pop-R&B powerhouse post-Purple Rain. The Love Symbol Album (often stylized with an unpronounceable ), released October 13, 1992, further exemplified the NPG's funk-rock fusion, with tracks like the apocalyptic "7" and the brash "" showcasing their horn-driven energy and rock edges that pushed 's experimentation into mainstream accessibility. Produced by at and Sunset Sound, the album incorporates the NPG on eight of its 16 tracks, including live-feel arrangements that highlighted Sonny T. and drummer Michael Bland's rhythmic foundation, amid 's growing disputes with . It peaked at number 5 on the and number 1 on the , earning Platinum certification from the RIAA on December 17, 1992, for 1 million US units, with global sales exceeding 3 million. The NPG's contributions infused a rebellious, genre-blending vitality, as seen in the album's opulent packaging and themes of love and identity, making it a creative high point despite 's symbolic name change signaling artistic frustration. As tensions with his label escalated, Come, released August 16, 1994, adopted a transitional tone with rawer, more explicit tracks backed by the NPG, such as "Pheromone" and "Letitgo," where their gritty grooves underscored Prince's defiant sensuality amid his adoption of an "O(+>" symbol persona. Recorded at with the NPG providing horns and percussion on key cuts, the album's production emphasized unpolished edges to contrast polished predecessors, reflecting Prince's push for independence. It reached number 15 on the and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, certified Gold by the RIAA on October 18, 1994, for 500,000 US shipments, though it underperformed commercially compared to prior NPG efforts due to controversy over its adult themes. The band's support lent authenticity to this provocative pivot, bridging Prince's Warner era to his self-released future. The Gold Experience, delayed until September 26, 1995, amid Prince's contractual battles, highlighted the NPG's enduring role in his artistic rebellion, with eclectic tracks like "I Hate U" and "Gold" featuring their psychedelic funk and horn accents that amplified themes of liberation and hedonism. Self-produced at Paisley Park under the NPG Records imprint (distributed by Warner Bros.), the album's 16 songs capture live-band spontaneity, with the NPG's lineup—including keyboardist Rosie Gaines—adding layered textures to Prince's multi-instrumental prowess. It peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, receiving Gold certification from the RIAA on December 7, 1995, for 500,000 US units, bolstered by the pre-release hit "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World." This work encapsulated the NPG's impact on Prince's evolution, blending commercial hooks with experimental flair to affirm their joint legacy before his full departure from major labels. Collectively, these albums underscore the NPG's transformative influence, achieving several million in combined sales and multiple Top 10 entries, while their live-oriented fostered a sense of innovation that defined his output.

Albums credited to the New Power Generation

The New Power Generation released three studio albums under their own name between 1993 and 1998, distinct from collaborative projects with , highlighting the band's instrumental prowess and funk-oriented sound during Prince's escalating disputes with Warner Bros. Records, which prompted the formation of the independent NPG Records label in 1993. These releases, produced primarily by but billed to the group, were distributed through limited channels like concert merchandise and mail-order, reflecting the era's contractual tensions that restricted wider promotion and commercial reach. Despite modest sales—collectively under 200,000 units worldwide—the albums garnered praise from critics for their musicianship and groove-driven compositions, though they achieved only a among fans. Gold Nigga, the band's debut, emerged in 1993 as an instrumental exploration crafted by core members including drummer , bassist Sonny T. Thompson, and keyboardist , with songwriting collaboratively attributed to the group under Prince's oversight. Recorded at Studios 301 in during the band's tour, the album features extended grooves like the title track's multipart suite and "," blending live-band energy with segues that evoke a concert-like flow, emphasizing the NPG's tight rhythmic interplay over vocals. Released exclusively via , first sold on August 31, 1993, it was available only at select tour venues and through mail-order, limiting its exposure amid Prince's battles, which culminated in his symbolic that year; critics later noted its innovative fusion of and as a high point of the band's autonomy, though sales remained negligible due to the niche distribution. The follow-up, , arrived on March 27, 1995, expanding into rap-infused and P-Funk stylings with 21 tracks, many serving as narrative that frame the album as a conceptual journey, produced by (credited pseudonymously as Tora Tora on select cuts) and featuring the full band's contributions. Recorded at Studios, it incorporates guest raps and spoken interludes alongside instrumentals like "Get Wild" and "Segue," showcasing the NPG's versatility in blending elements with their signature grooves, though the skit-heavy structure drew mixed responses for pacing. It peaked at number 11 on the . Distributed internationally through NPG and Edel Records in , , and —but not in the U.S.—the album faced similar promotional hurdles from Prince's ongoing label disputes, resulting in limited sales under 50,000 units; reviewers commended its energetic musicianship and funky interludes as underrated gems, highlighting the band's creative independence despite the commercial constraints. Newpower Soul, released worldwide on June 30, 1998, marked the band's return to a fuller, vocal-driven sound post-hiatus, with handling production and lead vocals while crediting the album to the NPG, featuring tracks like the title opener and "Come On" that prioritize infectious grooves and live-band dynamics. Recorded between 1996 and 1998 at , it revives the funk sound with horn sections and rhythmic hooks, emphasizing the ensemble's collaborative spirit amid 's independent phase after resolving some Warner tensions. Issued on with BMG distribution, the album achieved a modest cult status but sold approximately 135,000 copies globally due to minimal promotion tied to lingering industry conflicts; critical reception praised its soulful grooves and musicianship as a return to form, though some faulted its uneven energy, solidifying the NPG's legacy as a potent live unit beyond 's spotlight.

NPG Orchestra projects

The New Power Generation Orchestra was established in 1996 as an experimental extension of 's New Power Generation band, spearheaded by in collaboration with renowned arranger and conductor to integrate the band's with a full symphony orchestra. This project marked 's venture into orchestral composition, where he created the core instrumental pieces at Studios before sending them to Fischer for orchestration at Mad Hatter Studios in during 1995–1996 sessions. The orchestra's sole release, Kamasutra (1997), is an instrumental album presented as an orchestral interpreting Prince's love story with , comprising a of tracks that blend ambient, , and classical influences. Initially available only on cassette through direct mail-order via the 1-800-NEW-FUNK hotline in February 1997, the album features an 11-minute as its centerpiece, alongside other movements forming a cohesive 45-minute work. Key additional pieces include "At Last... The Lost Is Found" (3:37), which evokes a sense of resolution through swelling strings and subtle percussion, and "The Ever Changing Light" (2:59), incorporating ethereal ambient textures with orchestral swells to suggest emotional flux. Contributors to Kamasutra centered on the NPG Hornz—trombonist Michael B. Nelson, trumpeter Dave Jensen, and saxophonist Brian Gallagher—providing brass and woodwind elements that fused the band's roots with Fischer's 50-piece , including strings, , and percussion. Additional horns from , Kathy J. (saxophone), and Steve Strand enhanced select tracks, while handled all compositions, keyboards, and production under his moniker. The project's legacy lies in demonstrating Prince's compositional versatility beyond rock and funk, with its limited 1997 circulation restricting access until the full album was bundled as a bonus disc in the Crystal Ball (1998) box set, reaching a wider audience and subtly influencing his subsequent ambient and instrumental explorations in works like The Rainbow Children (2001).

Singles and contributions

The New Power Generation's most prominent singles emerged from collaborative efforts with Prince, particularly during the early 1990s on the album Diamonds and Pearls. The lead single "Gett Off," released in 1991, reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, blending funk rhythms with hip-hop influences and featuring the band's tight instrumentation. Its B-side, "Violet the Organ Grinder," showcased the NPG's experimental edge, while the music video highlighted the band's dynamic stage presence through choreographed performances emphasizing their unified visual style. Following this, "Cream" became a major hit in November 1991, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and earning gold certification, with the NPG's groovy bass and keyboard layers providing a sultry backdrop to Prince's vocals. The single's remix versions and accompanying video further spotlighted the band's role in live recreations of the track's infectious energy. Another standout, "7" from the Love Symbol Album (1992), peaked at number 7 on the Hot 100 in 1993, incorporating the NPG's rock-infused arrangement and apocalyptic themes, with its video capturing the group's theatrical flair during promotional tours. In the late and early , the New Power Generation issued more limited releases under their own name, reflecting Prince's push for band autonomy. From the 1998 album Newpower Soul, "The War" served as a promotional , distributed in limited quantities to highlight the NPG's funk-driven without Prince's lead billing, though it did not chart significantly. Similarly, "The Work Pt. 1," released in as a digital promo tied to , paid homage to with the band's rhythmic foundation, offered initially as a free download via to promote direct-to-fan distribution, but it achieved no major chart success. Post-2000 output remained sparse, with rare promos like a club version of tracks from the era underscoring the band's evolving explorations, though no substantial original singles followed after as the group wound down activities. Beyond core releases, the New Power Generation contributed to several Prince projects, enhancing their instrumental depth across genres. On the 1999 album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic, core members like keyboardist Tommy Barbarella and bassist Sonny T. provided backing on tracks such as "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold," integrating the band's pop-funk grooves into guest appearances by artists like Eve and Sheryl Crow. The 2004 album Musicology, released via NPG Records, featured the full band's revitalized lineup on hits like "Musicology," where drummer John Blackwell and others drove the live-wire funk, contributing to its commercial resurgence with over 1.5 million US sales. In the 1990s, select NPG musicians guested on Madhouse's jazz fusion efforts, including unreleased sessions for Madhouse 24 around 1993, where drummer Michael Bland and bassist Sonny T. added rhythmic complexity to Eric Leeds' horn-led compositions. Additional B-sides like "Insatiable" from the Diamonds and Pearls era (peaking at number 27 on the R&B chart in 1992) often credited NPG elements, with videos reinforcing the band's collective identity through ensemble shots and performance clips.

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