Tonight’s #GRAMMYSalutePrince promises to be something special. I’ll be offering some notes and history here during the performances — you can mute this thread now if you’d order not to read all the updates when the show starts! https://twitter.com/recordingacad/status/1252733894836867075

We start with the inimitable @mayarudolph, a true and deep Prince fan, and half of @werprincess, the extraordinary tribute band. She's the perfect host, for her deep knowledge of every nuance. "To love Prince is to love music."

To kick things off with "Let's Go Crazy" it's @HERMusicx (who's performed Prince's music live in concert many times), and @GaryClarkJr, both on guitars *and* vocals, in true Prince fashion.

Gary's a particular perfect pick — Prince personally pushed Warner Brothers (his longtime label, with whom he'd reconciled in later years) that he wanted them to support Gary's career for multiple records so he'd have time to develop as an artist, just as Prince did.

Next up, another artist deeply inspired by Prince: @Miguel. He's here with "I Would Die 4 U", a standout single from 1984's Purple Rain. The Revolution used to jam on this endlessly: the 12" mix of the song is well over 10 minutes long — and was cut down from a *30 minute* jam.

Here we get @SheilaEdrummer taking over the percussion breakdown on "I Would Die 4 U", just as she did when it was played as part of the finale to the monstrously popular 1984-1985 Purple Rain tour, where she was the opening act.

Then we get @johnlegend, with a stirring tribute performing "Nothing Compares 2 U". Originally performed by The Family, and then later famously by Sinead O'Connor, Prince's rendition remains definitive. Treat yourself to his original demo from 1984:

Of note, he composed & recorded all his parts on Nothing Compares 2 U in one day during a brief break between the release of the Purple Rain soundtrack & the film's debut in the summer of 1984. This was Prince on a *day off* during one of the most intense parts of his career.

Our narrator for this history of Prince's life is @flytetymejam — who befriended Prince while they were both teenagers, and eventually helped push Prince's legendary competitiveness by becoming one of the greatest pop songwriters & producers of all time himself.

A perfectly thumping and rhythmic pick for @st_vincent — it's 1981's "Controversy", the title track from the album of the same name. A live staple for Prince, he'd frequently break the song down in live performance to show off his perfect timing w/ machine-perfect rhythm guitar.

We get a taste of a horn arrangement that Prince loved to use to punch up "Controversy" when performed live in the 2000s, many times including sax by @maceoparker whose work (alone and with James Brown) helped inspire Prince's love of these kinds of horn riffs.

If you're watching live and waiting for a commercial break, take a moment and support some local orgs that are helping feed those in need. Prince cared deeply about food insecurity, and regularly gave to support healthy meals for the hungry & we can honor him by doing the same!

We hear an introduction from @NaomiCampbell, who wasn't just a friend of Prince's, she also makes an appearance as a lyric that Prince chants in a remix of P Control.

It's a brilliant choice for @juanes to front this version of "1999", because in addition to being super funky, Prince's original composition blended a lot of the same styles Juanes incorporates — an unreleased early version included a latin jazz piano breakdown.

Now @HERMusicx is back for the searing "The Beautiful Ones", featuring a gorgeous dance performance by @mistyonpointe, who had joined Prince onstage for many shows over the years. Hear Prince go all-in with Misty here:

The sheer power of "The Beautiful Ones" is even more amazing if you remember Prince played every note on the song. He got started at 1pm on September 20, 1983, laid down the drums, keys, piano, and over the next 10 hours completed his vocals. At 5:15am on the 21st, it was done.

We get a wonderful intro from @aliciakeys. As she notes, her first album included a cover of Prince's beloved b-side "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore", but Prince went beyond that in his support & asked her to play at Paisley Park just as her debut album was being released.

From @Usher, a fast-moving medley of "Little Red Corvette", "When Doves Cry" and "Kiss" along with @FKAtwigs channeling her best Vanity & Apollonia vibes with an extraordinary dance routine. Usher perfectly nails some of the same choreography Prince used on Kiss in the 90s.

Now, @mistyonpointe returns to point out Prince's lifelong support for women (not just on stage — but as his recording engineers, techs, and collaborators as well) as an introduction to @SusannaHoffs performing "Manic Monday" accompanied by Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Prince's generosity with his music even extended to his fans — in 2000 he began hosting weeklong "Celebrations" where he'd welcome fans into Paisley Park. At the 2002 Celebration, he let a fan come up & sing "Manic Monday" with him in a duet. She killed it. :)

(If you appreciate the insights into Prince's creative process, all credit is due to @Duane_Tudahl — his work documenting Prince's studio sessions is definitive, and an incredibly entertaining read.) https://amzn.to/2XVYsww