It was 1984, I was 21 and I knew everything.

Cuddin’s, I was working for Prince who, at that time, was still an up-and-coming major recording star. I’d already traveled to New York, and now I was staying in Los Angeles. When I first arrived in L.A., I vividly remember driving on Santa Monica Boulevard. I was 220 pounds of muscle and bravado, I had a lot of money in my pocket and I was behind the wheel of a brand new, red Porsche 944 Turbo–and George Burns pulled up at the light next to me, in a Cadillac Seville. I know my kids will be asking, “Who’s George Burns?” But back then, George was the embodiment of California celebrity, and I knew my parents would be thrilled to hear that I saw him, sort of up-close and personal. I was blown away.

I was in L.A. because “Purple Rain” was scheduled to premiere there. The city was abuzz with excitement. I remember Donna Mills flirted outrageously with my good buddy Bob Brooks at the afterparty. Beautiful cars, beautiful people, money, money, money. And always warm. It was obvious to me, a world-wise young man of 21, that L.A. was the greatest place on earth. Paradise. Prince once said to me “Why is it that people don’t like Minnesota?” I had to laugh. His experience of Minnesota was pretty much May to October–the best six months out of the year. Come zero-below wind-chill, monster snowfalls and black ice, he is lodged in the land of palm trees and string-bikinis! Of course he loved Minnesota! There’s no place like it… in the summertime.

Prince’s entire entourage stayed at the Westwood Marquis. In preparation for the “Purple Rain” premiere, the hotel was filled with celebrities who had arrived to attend what was promising to be the hottest ticket in town. In fact, before the screening, I recall stepping out of my room into the hallway and seeing Peabo Bryson. Now, of course, I did a double-take because I hadn’t expected to see him. He apparently feared I was a crazy fan or would be asking for his autograph or something, and promptly dropped his eyes and actually tried to cover his face! It struck me as funny–so I told Prince about it. Well, wouldn’t you know it, later that same day I was on the elevator with Prince on the way back to his room, and Mr. Bryson steps onto the elevator. He looked at me and realized I was with Prince…and Prince promptly averted his eyes and tried to cover his face. After we exited the elevator, Prince gave me his notorious devilish little smirk. I still laugh about that!

Mann’s Chinese Theatre (the famous Grauman’s Chinese, built in 1927) was hosting the premiere and, in preparation, had decked the place out with purple accents, including a “Purple carpet”. I remember Peewee Herman rode up in a go-cart. Stevie Nicks, Eddie Murphy, Little Richard, John Cougar, Lionel Richie and a host of other celebrities walked the Purple carpet, eagerly anticipating the screening. Warner Bros. had a custom Purple Limousine deliver Prince to the theatre and when he disembarked, looking his glam-rock-funk best, the crowd went absolutely CRAZY. That whole night, and the weeks surrounding that time were assuredly the most exciting and interesting of my young life as a bodyguard. continue reading this entry »