Author's Note: Here's a Prince and Brenda (Monty) flashback. This opening is told by the infamous Susannah Melvoin. Enjoy!
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1984 - California
SUSANNAH MELVOIN
Vanity squeezing my cheeks at the Warner Christmas party years ago wasn't bad enough.
I've never felt more intimidated by another woman since that gathering.
Word spread in entertainment circles that Prince religiously dated "Soul Train" dancer Brenda Michelle Hughes. I could've easily dropped my jaw.
She was essentially an "It Girl" back then. Hughes conquered everything from dancing and singing to choreography.
Brenda Michelle even penned a few unheard records for Prince, but she never took credit.
And if Hughes ever played musical instruments like Wendy, Lisa or Shelia, I'd give up entirely on life.
As if Brenda were one of the countless female proteges, Prince quickly nicknamed this talented woman "Monty."
Wendy and Lisa never explained why. I guess there was some inside joke with The Revolution or something.
Still, I found myself whispering to Wendy, just as nervous as years ago.
This downtown nightclub bustled with celebrities. Alcohol that I still couldn't drink flowed everywhere.
Bass shook madly underneath my awkward heels. Wendy draped in another purple Amadeus jacket. Thematerial shined more due to overhead rainbow spotlights.
I quickly froze. Across from us, illuminated stairs changed tints and lead to the infamous VIP section.
I'd met Prince of course, but my heart still pounded thinking of Brenda. The possibilities seemed endless.
Anything could've happened at this point. I could only pray for success while walking up the stairs with my sister.
Would Brenda upstage Prince's "girlfriends" by wearing that dark make-up and a sexy outfit? Would Hughes hold cigarette after shaking my hand with that glorious smile?
All these rumors and even some media coverage swirled in my head. I didn't know what to believe.
All the rumors chimed off again in that moment. Wendy excused herself from and I bashfully stood alone underneath the spotlights.
Prince shook hands with Wendy. Wendy hugged Brenda as those two had known each other for years.
Wendy waved to me before long. I cleared my throat and fake the best smile to muster.
I once again picked out the most terrible dress. Another pink and ruffled catastrophe.
My heels barely clicked forward to greet everyone. Music still continued playing and I pretended to smile for all the other nearby celebrities.
Prince chose one of his amazing jackets that reminded me of that upbeat "1999" single.
I could've fainted due to embarrassment after noticing Bombshell Brenda, though. (Monty.)
A black and extremely low-cut dress shaped her musical figure. Fishnet stockings accented those dancing legs.
She delivered red wine towards painted lips and I almost walked out. Brown eyes noticed me across the room. That curly lion mane still covered her forehead.
"Hi, Susannah." Brenda introduced herself first. In that moment, looks deceived and I finally understood why.
One of the most talented beautiful women had a heart of gold. I finally calmed down when she shook hands as predicted and smiled with those painted lips again.
Wendy disappeared from us. For once, I wasn't scared. Prince and Brenda sat down with me and struck up musical conversations throughout the night.
Again, Brenda shocked me with knowledge. She learned to sing by utilizing school choirs.
But it wasn't until Hughes picked up Stevie Wonder records that her vocals shifted drastically.
And Prince rightfully obsessed over the talent of this woman.
When I left out for the evening with my sister, Prince and Monty whispered sweet nothings to each other on the couch.
This was real.
***
PRINCE
"Baby, I don't want to do this. Michael's just gonna yell at us after the show." Usually, I'd fight fire with fire regarding Michael.
Monty and planned to see Jackson perform with his brothers during this opening "Victory Tour" gig. The tour kicked off in Dallas. We'd fly in and leave immediately afterwards.
I didn't want Mike to berate me like a child over my lady in the first place. We already such a great time seeing Wendy's sister Susannah at the club not too long ago. I've never smiled around other people so much before.
I didn't want to spoil that happy mood with drama. Especially when Michael couldn't stand me at all.
"Come on. I'm genuinely interested in the show. Please go with me. I know you're curious, too. Think of it as another date." Monty hugged my waist from behind for once.
I gave in to that sweet embrace after remembering that I'd leave her side late this year. The "Purple Rain" tour began in Detroit soon enough.
I was never the clingy type, but leaving my baby would hurt. Honestly.
__
Monty loved the showmanship. I wasn't exactly impressed overall
Joe Jackson and Don King wasted all that promotion to ultimately show six brothers dancing on a crowded stage.
That jumbled set list wouldn't even premiere records from the namesake album. Even costumes and special effects looked tacky as hell.
Nice try fellas, but damn. I thought to myself. There was no other conclusion given my viewpoint towards stage performances.
Yet, Michael still saved the show with his honestly remarkable entertainment. This sloppy tour would've crumbled without him.
But backstage after that show, Michael snatched off his Aviators and glared towards me with the most puzzled expression.
I'd simply walked into the room while holding Monty's hand. Even Michael's brothers frowned in every corner.
