Paisley Park: Recollections of Working for Prince

[@debbiewhite9711]

What a great story thanks so much for sharing it. I had seen Prince 7 times and then once I was in New Orleans when he played at the essence festival. and he dropped by the same gas station and mini store, they were getting gas for his motor home and snacks, I was standing behind him and Kirk Johnson and some others that were with him and he turned around and smiled and told them to let me in front of them. then when we were all walking out he held the door open and said "let this sweet southern girl go first" I smiled and said thans and told them I enjoyed the show and he thanked me for coming out to it. I wanted so bad to say more but knew he hated the word fan. so I went on to my car got my phone out and snapped some pics of them going to the bus....lol You could hardly see him with everyone else around him. but I could hear the clicks of his heels across the parking lot...lol

[@suzeesix]

Debbie White soooo damn cool

[@teoasfghj7849]

Can I see the picture? 🤪

[@debbiewhite9711]

@@suzeesix it was really cool

[@starlight1610]

you were so lucky, thanks for sharing this

[@aprilrobinson2153]

Omgg sed Girl you are so blessed to have crossed paths with Prince like that... wow 🤩

[@larrydaniel350]

Dude I can't tell you how much I enjoyed living vicariously through you and your experiences working for Prince. Thanks so much for deciding to share your story.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Larry Daniel I appreciate the fact that you watched it and enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@gregwilliams9737]

My thoughts x-actly, I cant stop listening 2 him... he had an idea & went 4 it , u gotta luv it...

[@gregwilliams9737]

@@automaticgainsay man I luv your story... u r a badass

[@Shelly-op1kx]

@@gregwilliams9737 I can’t stop listening to Marc’s story either!!! I have been back here so many times and LOVE it every time, still!!

[@whipchick90]

Thanks for your story!! I went to high school in Eden Prairie, MN and graduated in '83. That's where Prince had a small purple house on the lake, a few blocks from my best friend's house. My Mom worked at a bank in EP, and waited on him several times. He always had two girls with him. This was of course right before he made it big. Then Purple Rain came out and I slept outside in Mpls in 30 degree weather to get tickets for that concert. Prince was truly one of the most talented people to walk the earth!!

[@automaticgainsay]

Thanks for your message!

[@EmmaLPeel]

Initially I thought I would just watch a few minutes and then turn it off, but nope, I watched it all the way through. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Oddly I started to drift away from Prince about the same time you did. I started listening to other forms of music, cuz I too wanted the "Dirty Prince" back. He was never far away though, I would always find my way back to him. His DNA, his influence is everywhere.

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you so much, Emma. I am still amazed that people can watch this whole thing... but grateful. Yes, the sad thing about his death is that it brought me back to his music. I may even start exploring the newer albums!

[@TheVik2727]

Emma Peel I found myself watching the whole video, smiling, crying and enjoying the great life lessons that Prince taught Automatic. Funny, I started to fall away from Prince around that time also but because I became a Christian. Not that Christian's can't listen to Prince but I just didn't follow him as closely . I started listening to him again a few years ago. Boy did I miss a lot!! I tell my kids my Prince stories, like cutting school to get Prince tickets in 1984 and 85, sneaking in the movies and watching Purple Rain over and over and over again. I remember getting in trouble for singing "Head until you get enough, head", what I was 12. I thought my Mom was going to beat me, you know Black Mom's don't play ☺️. Those were the days. I really miss Prince, I guess I never thought he would die . Thanks again for the video Automatic ☺️

[@automaticgainsay]

Hey, Vikki... thank you so much for watching it, and enjoying it. Also, thank you for your story! I seem to remember getting in trouble for singing Prince lyrics at school at some point...

[@EmmaLPeel]

+Vikki Lawson My mom told me I couldn't have any of the albums before "Controversy", because they weren't appropriate for me to listen to. So you know what??? I took right off to the record store to get them😂 And even though the new "Parental Advisory" labels were on them, I spent so much time at the record store, that those guys with the John Bon Jovi hair, tattoo's, and earrings didn't give a crap🙊 In fact when I got in trouble as a kid my Prince records got taken away as punishment.

[@TheVik2727]

Emma Peel Hehe, you were bad😊 Wow, no Prince albums when you were I trouble. Isn't that some form of child abuse? I have an older brother that's how I get to listen to Prince.

[@lindaullom7685]

What a fantastic story of serendipity and perseverance, Marc. And what a great storyteller you are. I imagine that that's your music at the end. You sure got me dancing! Good stuff all around. Thank you! I love Prince, too.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Linda Ullom That is my music, and I am VERY happy to get you dancing!! :D Thank you!

[@me2uu2me]

Great stories! I appreciate you doing this.

[@audraburt95]

Love Prince.... His passing broke my heart.. I really don't know why his death affected me so bad but I cried for days.... His musical genius touched my heart... I hope he is in heaven and in peace... I do not believe Prince had a drug addiction or anything like that...

[@ArriGaffer]

I read about it. He did have an addiction but he didn't know it. He suffered pain and a less than great doctor made pain meds too available. Turns out Prince was more fragile than he wanted to be. But yeah, he wasn't addicted to recreational drugging. His motivation was always about his music machine.

[@julielea8344]

@@ArriGaffer Where did you read it? His autopsy showed no meds in his system. No Fentanyl. Also, he tweeted the night before "Just when you thought you were safe". Which was taken down. Then there's the elevator, really? He wrote a song about death in the intro & a elevator, read the intro "Let's Go Crazy". This intro is rarely played anymore. Mayte said his clothing was inside out & in total disarray, & when she saw that "It made my blood run cold". Then there's the very long history of musicians being killed around his age because much like artists, they are worth more dead than alive. Since he was successfully independent from the music companies, they had nothing. But they have EVERYTHING now. Then there's the shady business of his dying JUST when this guy shows up from LA, who is the son of a Dr? Prince can't afford a REAL Dr, or one closer than LA? Then there's the fact the media is totally controlled by the CIA since the 60's....according to the CIA. (JFK files & other documents from the Freedom of Information Act). US propaganda is considered worse than Russia's by independent sources. I'd like to know where you read it. Much Love

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

@@ArriGafferso considering you’ve never met or talked to prince you know if he was an addict?

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

@@julielea8344you don’t have ANY evidence for this ? 107,000 Americans died of fatal drug overdoses last year alone, 80% of them from opioids

[@twilightchic143]

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with us. He was such an inspiration and his talent was limitless. RIP Prince 🙏🏼

[@automaticgainsay]

+Twilightchic143 Thank you for watching. Yes, the world isn't as good without Prince in it.

[@MissLisa1970]

i can't believe i listened to the whole damn thing! Great story, Bro. Totally worth it.

[@automaticgainsay]

Thanks for putting up with that much of it! :D

[@Donna777]

Thank you! It was our pleasure! This was a fantastic story!!

[@gregwilliams9737]

Show ya right

[@littleladybug2860]

I met Prince three times in my career. Prince was a very loving, caring and respectable man. He was always very nice to me. Once you meet him, you spend time with him and you realize he's a very good person. He spoke on the truth and ppl couldn't handle that. He took control of his own life in his own way, to be able to control his own career. If you never met him in person I feel sorry for you. He leaves a lasting energy on you that never goes away. It's no use in trying to defend him because ppl are still gonna have their own perception of what happen. So my dear Prince, if you read this from the spirit world, thank you for leaving us with everything you gave us, taught us and showed us. We love you always here and in spirit. You will be missed and your music and talents will live in our hearts forever. We will meet again someday. R.I.P. My dear Prince.

[@taffysaur]

_"If you never met him in person, I feel sorry for you."_ I feel sorry for me too... 😢

[@littleladybug2860]

Hopefully one day, you will have just a period of what he had in his heart and gave to the world. I don't argue with ignorance. :)

[@dbvireb8472]

+Toni Hinson Hi can you elaborate on your experience? why did you meet him, etc? that would really add to this amazing video

[@taffysaur]

***** I feel sorry about people in a less fortunate situation than me, how is that arrogant..?

[@TheTessEffects]

+Jane S interesting point of view. Thank you for sharing😊

[@btRU_funQsta]

Thanks, T! We all feel the gaping hole his departure leaves in the creative galaxy, and i may feel it more than most, given that i, like you, wasn't just inspired by the arc of his career, but have aspired since i was a teen, to tracing that same path. I turned 58 4/20, flying back from NAB to the Bay area, with no expectation that i would awaken the next morning to find that PRN wouldn't make that milestone. The onus is on you and me, and everyone who has skills to leverage, to persevere and achieve the very best we're capable of - his dedication and singleness of purpose must serve as guiding principles to realize our own expressions. Rest in Glory, PRN - you charmed and thrilled so many over the past 4+ decades, and our love for your gifts will be renewed every time we see or hear one of your amazing recordings and performances played.

[@b.w.22]

Hey man - just wanted to tell you that I’ve watched this now maybe three or four times. It’s genuinely engaging and interesting and your admiration for this figure of such importance in your life is really endearing. You’re a great storyteller and I’ve gotten a huge kick out of these stories each time. Really appreciate your candor and your openness and I thank you for sharing these stories.

[@automaticgainsay]

Hey, thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@jonmichael02302]

You my friend are a good man & I can't thank you enough for sharing your story. I too loved Prince way before most people knew who he was. In fact I used to get tortured by my friends and family over my love for him & after 1999 & Purple Rain I had the last laugh. RIP to our icon of a lifetime. There will never be another Prince.

[@janiejones6789]

In middle school I made all my own clothes after Prince's look. Needless to say I was deemed a freak but it felt GREAT! Thanks for the story, he's missed by so many. Actually I still can't quite wrap my head around it!

[@anima6035]

Love it! Wish the world celebrated this sort of creative chaos more more more!! Stay cool Janie J x

[@caudrelierevelyne8367]

J'aurais voulu vous connaître dans ces années années là avec ces vêtements là...😅

[@coreyc3093]

This was awesome, T. Insightful, inspiring, sad but also uplifting. You really helped a longtime fan (who was a 16 year old while you worked there) live the magic through your eyes. For that I am grateful. Thank you for sharing, and, wishing you continued success on YOUR journey! Thanks again!

[@automaticgainsay]

I am so glad you enjoyed it, fellow fan! Glad to help!

[@damon6852]

There is soo much going on in this video, coupled with an amazing ability to share experiences...this is a very compelling video!! Thank you

[@joeyenzo]

love your story and your storytelling abilities........your detailed account is really a wonderful gift that you will have forever. What an incredible journey and experience that you willed. I would have been FIRED immediately, could never conceal my adoration for him. I have seen him in concert 7 times and you are so right in calling it a religious experience. At 44, I know I will never experience anything like him again. He was such a gift to so many. I am shattered and so heartbroken. He coloured my life purple and filled my world with a life long love of funk and other genres of music. No one will ever take his place but i do look forward to hearing his influence and inspiration in upcoming artists.

[@automaticgainsay]

+joeyenzo Thank you very much!!

[@Donna777]

I would have been like ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!! ;) I have to admit that song was going through my head most of the video, lol!

[@caudrelierevelyne8367]

J'adore comment vous racontez. Je suis francaise et j'ai pu tout comprendre le sens de votre histoire, sans comprendre tous les mots, j'ai complétement compris les sentiments puissants....cet homme m'emeut tellement aussi, et c'est un euphémisme Merci 😊

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you for your great message!

[@FredMaradojagger]

t as les sous titres pour aider o k

[@shadow-gd6nn]

Thank you for sharing your Prince story. I'm so heartbroken about what happened to him. It's so depressing. I've been crying for nights and days. It's like I've lost someone so dear to me, which is weird coz I'm just a fan. Not even a super fan who collects everything about him. Hearing your story kinda' help me to move on. Good luck to you.God bless you.

[@Einnor084]

Funny - I never even cried. Herez y. DA GUY, WUZ SO MUCH FUN!!! When I think of Prince, I smile! LOVE ya Prince!!!

[@Llanishenlad]

I was only going to listen to a bit as i am in work.... 76 mins and 8 seconds later...

[@mudvayne451]

Same thing happened to me lol What a great story!

[@Shyrynne]

+Christopher Griffiths same here, lol

[@vivelafrance7968]

+Christopher Griffiths LOL me too! He's a great + interesting story-teller ...I couldn't turn it off!

[@mellodee123]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I got caught up too.

[@nightowl7777]

Me, as well -- thought I'd listen to a few mins worth tonight & if it was interesting, I'd finish listening over the weekend. I found I was transfixed -- it was very cohesive & interesting -- gives a different perception to what I would have imagined working at Paisley Park would have been like. Nonetheless -- you can always say that you were there -- you played a small role for those years while he was at Paisley Park. And, yes -- from touching his underwear to seeing his "junk" -- you DO have some amazing stories to share with others -- and to smile fondly at yourself as you take trips down memory lane. Thank you so very much for sharing your story. Wish you much success in your ongoing pursuit of your own musical career. ✞ May The Purple Prince rest in Purple Paradise forever -- and know that he impacted & inspired so many people. ♥ I'm so grateful that I shared this Earth during his time here -- he truly was a prolific artist. Thank you Prince for all you gave us. Thank you God for giving us Prince. ✞ ♥

[@noneya8273]

I just had to add that he did touch a lot of lives without knowing it. Isn't that something what impact that someone can have in another person's life . Truly touching.

[@automaticgainsay]

+None Ya It's really something. Thank you!

[@magpie5965]

What I will always remember about Prince is that he stood up to the machine...and they are evil...and he never backed down. Respect goes to the grave with him. I am not aware of any other person that had the balls to do it. RIP My Friend

[@tanyaoxner4977]

Michael Jackson also stood up to Sony, and got his catalogs back died a week later. I love prince.

[@musicfan00x6]

+tanya “smiley” foster I think Sony owns Michael Jackson's music and Beatles collection.

[@Calistar72]

+MaryAnn x not true! Look it up Michael Jackson's estate still owns 1/2 the Beatles masters! M J paid $47.5 mil it's worth 2 billion today

[@mellodee123]

+tanya “smiley” foster no he didn't. Sony owns those masters.

[@tanyaoxner4977]

+MaryAnn x yeah they fought the same fight, It's sad how material shit and greed is getting our artists killed I love Prince.

[@javier5066]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. As a long-time fan, I only wish I could have had 1/100th of the experience you had. Honestly watched and listened to every minute of your account/experience and lived vicariously through what you felt. Yes, he was human like you and I, but boy did the man affect my life through the tracks he laid down and the lyrics he wrote. Again, thanks!

[@taffysaur]

Human, yes. "Like you and I"..? Not so much... 😜

[@automaticgainsay]

+Javier Velador Thank you, Javier! I remember watching documentary videotapes about him over, and over... just wishing I could have some sort of contact, so I completely understand.

[@maryfrost5151]

Thank you so much for sharing. You are a great storyteller! I was with you all the way. I laughed, I cried. I appreciate you taking the time to make your video!

[@BeccaBean2020]

Wow...what a ride! I loved your honesty in the way you told it. Thank you for telling us your story! I'm sure you feel better releasing all of that to the universe! Peace

[@automaticgainsay]

+Rebecca Paynter Thanks, Rebecca!

[@purplehouse26]

amazing stories. I only got to see him 3 times live in 3 different tours but i still feel i was just as close to him as u did. he was just in our DNA. its bizarre how i never cried when my own father passed away but cried for a week when someone i never met died. shows the power of his music. love him forever.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Erik Matronik I know... it's sort of the same thing with my grandparents. I blame middle age, for me... but yeah. It's weird to me how emotional I have been over this. Thank you!

[@pewtercatmumbojumbo]

This was absolutely mesmerising! Thanks so much for your honesty. Wonderful! And I hope you are doing fantastic both professionally and personally. 💜

[@ElleciaADouglas]

I did spend the time watching the entire video. Thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences working for Prince. I have been a fan of Prince for a long time. My heart is broken. I am so thankful for the incredible legacy that Prince left behind: incredible work ethic, generosity, unapologetic stance on ownership of an Artist’s Masters, a beautiful body of work and his legendary performance were magical. Mark (?!), I liked something that you said, “When I was in MN --- IT was [all] about Prince, when I left MN --- IT was [all] about me.” I am so glad that given your multiple “near Prince experiences, you became aware of what was most important --- YOU. I personally believe that the very essence of our own personality, guide us to reach our dreams EVEN when we channel our heroes. Thanks again for sharing! The best to you and your family. BTW, I think that you may have given “The Purple One” a little competition. IJS. :-)

[@kevinking2468]

What a great great story - Thankyou so much for sharing!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Kevin King Thank you!

[@kristawaitwhat3350]

AWWW! Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It was so heartfelt, and you are very well spoken. I literally smiled thru the whole thing. What great memories you have. Cheers to you, and hoping your path continues to be amazing.

[@GATURKS]

This was an inside perspective I have always wanted to have and you shared it so well I listened to every minute! What an absolutely fantastic journey you have had. I love how you took us from the beginning to the end with seemingly perfect emotional recall. Man for a fan, this story was so fulfilling and complete. It shouldve been a movie.

[@automaticgainsay]

+GATURKS Thank you very much! People keep saying it should be a movie, and I'm trying to think of ways to make it work as that! But I appreciate your post.

[@janinearvayo7782]

great story thanks for sharing

[@automaticgainsay]

+Janine Arvayo Thanks, Janine!

[@viewerpet12]

+AutomaticGainsay You tell a true story like I do. Like you're living it as you tell it as if you're second-guessing it when in the end you've been humbled

[@TheOne-nu4kx]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video. This is truly one of the best storytelling videos about Prince that I've seen over the past three years. Thank you for sharing.

[@lisajarema3241]

This was amazing and so very therapeutic. Thank you for sharing.

[@MoneyOverFame]

Great story. Loved every minute of it. I really love how detailed the story was , and how great he paints the picture.

[@automaticgainsay]

+MoneyOverFame Thank you so much!

[@geebee2350]

It's 3:34 am in Georgia...I'm 55 minutes in& can't stop listening to you. I Love Your voice. Absolutely Great stories!!! You Truly need to write a book. GOD Bless You. (Thanks for doing this)

[@automaticgainsay]

+Gee Bee Wow... thank you very much... I'm sorry I kept you up late! :D

[@mileancasiano9314]

Thank you for sharing your incredible, real life, behind the scenes experience with Prince.

[@automaticgainsay]

+milean casiano Thanks for watching!

[@darkerberrybabbles7530]

I laughed sooooo hard at "his junk" story!!!! Thank you so much for making me laugh through my tears.

[@beauty_enthusiast]

This popped up in my feed again and I watched it all the way through for a second time. You were so lucky to be close to his life in the way that you were - and I’m so glad he didn’t sue you. So many of us continue to hold him in our hearts andI continue to be thankful I got to share the earth with him at the same time. Thank you for sharing your story with us, it’s gold. 💜

[@andynm.3095]

Thank you for sharing and I have to say that although you didn't get to hang out with Prince you have been able to do what some of us only dream of...it's awesome!!!!!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Andrea Murti I DID get to hang out with Prince... we just never had any direct conversations! But yes... I was very lucky!

[@andynm.3095]

Sorry I worded that wrong but that's exactly what I meant lol. I am in awww of your life.. I seen him in concert here in Sacramento,CA and it was an experience I will cherish forever...

[@wizardmix]

This is brilliant. The18,833 subscribers here just got such an amazing gift from you with this post. Thank you. P.S. I know a guy who worked with Jobs for the better part of a decade and that same "you don't wan't him to know who you are" bit applied to that man as well. The rule was never ride in an elevator with Steve because you'd walk in with a smile and by the time you got to your floor, you'd have a thousand mile stare.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Evan J Thank you!

[@Nightraven6077]

This was one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and incredibly touching videos I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing. It would have been amazing to meet Prince. I have a sort of proud happiness that he stayed in Minnesota, enduring our cold winters, when he could have lived anywhere in the world. I'm surreal, shocked.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Mary Gray Thank you very much, Mary!

[@Sarah-eo6ms]

This was SO wonderful to watch. During the time you were working at Paisley Park, I was home in Indiana wishing I could go to MPLS and be a "Prince Girl". I had no idea what that meant exactly, but I just wanted to be in his world. You did what I dreamed of doing at that time. I just worshipped him completely and I was so young and I just wanted to go there. I was studying acting and I wanted to somehow work at the Gunthrie Theatre and somehow at Paisley Park. After hearing your stories, it is awesome to know that there was another fan out there who loved him like that, and who actually did what I didn't do. I am happy you made such a great life for yourself with your music. Thank you!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Sarah Dannunzio I completely understand how you felt, and I wish you would have been able to follow your dream like I did... not because of Prince, but because I know how inspiring and revelational doing that sort of thing can be in regard to your life. I hope you found a path that you love, though! Thanks for watching.

[@TheKLove1972]

I too wanted to be a "Prince Girl"...I can admit it now. Thank you so much, Terpsichore, for sharing your story. It is cool that you pursued your dream so singlemindedly, it is cool that you really took Tony Robbins' advice to heart (I feel like rereading my own copy of 'Awaken the Giant Within'...he is one of the mentors that got me where I am today.) Also cool that you had the look we saw at 10:27...you were a lot cooler than you realize. Plus you had chops, you got your demo listened to, that's not a small thing. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@flyorraofficial]

thank you. watched the whole thing. loved your stories. it was healing and cathartic

[@automaticgainsay]

+flyorra I am so glad... thanks for watching!

[@ethereal1257]

let me just say I never spend any amount of time like this watching anyone's video on here but I am so glad I took the time to watch yours. It was genuine, heart felt, and extremely inspirational. Thank you for taking your time to share your story here.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Queen Penn Thank you, and I'm sorry it's so long!

[@ShakespearesChin]

What lovely account of your experience. You painted a very visual picture. I bet your heart must have been going like the clappers on that near miss encounter with him (and when you received that letter pheww scary) Thanks so much for sharing your story(s).. truly a treat to hear. Thank you Prince for your music and rest in peace x

[@automaticgainsay]

+ShakespearesChin Thank you very much for watching... yes, it was an amazing experience!

[@reigna963]

OH MY! How bittersweet! How open your heart is to share with all that honesty...i cried and laughed a lot. I believe you aren't disappointed by being and doing the best you could with what you were armed with at the time... I also feel that if you had approached his studio with your musical talents (if only schools taught real life business lessons) you wouldn't have played small. You never would've been at the toy store and would have never said' i know retail' and would have probably traveled the world with him. I know I watched this entire vid for a reason and writing these words to you have come right back at me before I even finished. Thank you again for the inspiration.

[@automaticgainsay]

+rei Thank you very much for posting! And also for watching. I think you're right.

[@terencesmith3853]

Thanks for posting this. It was really insightful to hear your story about Prince & Paisley Park. 👍👍👍😎 ...Captivated---I watched the whole thing and loved it. Bless u 4 giving us a peek behind the purple curtain. 💖 Much love and success 2u.

[@brandyl2183]

You have a great gift of storytelling. I really enjoyed listening. I am a product of the 80s so I’m of course a Prince fan. Not a super fan but a fan nonetheless. And again I really enjoyed listening to your story.

[@1blackfrend]

thanks for sharing this was educational, funny, and sad. I thoroughly enjoyed your experience and sorry for your loss.

[@BigMTBrain]

Great story, and great storytelling! I'm really happy that you had so many amazing experiences in your (for a long while) idol's presence. Thank you for sharing! He has touched so many, and he will definitely live on in his music and in our hearts.

[@automaticgainsay]

+BigMTBrain Thank you so much for watching!

[@ncarpenter28]

What an awesome story! Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@automaticgainsay]

+Nancy Carpenter Thank you, Nancy!

[@Reiaroma]

I grew up with Prince's music, and luved his gentle soul .. You are very lucky to have been around his energy

[@RiPP2_The_Core]

✔✔✔✔

[@glo3139]

Great Story!!! I’m so happy to have stumbled upon this little treasure!!!!! Wishing You the BEST!!!!

[@bryanchavez3071]

Thank you for sharing, Marc -- well-told, engaging, funny and heartfelt. It's the type of insight many of fans always wondered about -- the inner workings of Paisley Park. It's disheartening that PRINCE never took the time to be, at least, cordial with you as one of his employees. He did not need to be your friend, but he could have been courteous and professional. If anything, you have the experience many fans only dreamed about, myself included.

[@Nikele1967]

Isn't. It crazy that Prince lits ran from this guy? Wow. The Paranoia that these music artists have, there has to be a reason. He was afraid of losing any part of his soul from any possible negative energy so he just cut himself off from anyone who wasn't necessary to meet, like another creative genius or spiritual guru people like that. May I ask did he stay with t he same group of women for a long time? Did he leave the compound often to go out, to other people's show? He also had creepy fans that stalked him and who knows what that was like! Scary.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Bryan Chavez It was a strange situation. I really didn't feel like Prince was being rude or anything... I just felt like we didn't have an organic introduction, and I was just pretty much some stranger who worked in his building. But he was aware of me, and even did make eye contact with me on occasion... which was a bit intense, I have to admit. I don't think he was avoiding me, I just don't think he had any reason that he knew of to interact with me. And that's a pretty common thing for people who are on a celebrity level on par with Prince. EVERYBODY wants to know them, and they have to focus on people that THEY want to know. You know?

[@majorkade]

Very true. Have enjoyed lots of these comments, but yours really hits the mark. The employer-employee angle is a good one. Imagine Steve Jobs and Bill Gates (stars in their own right) being afraid or unwilling to speak with folks right around them.

[@bryanchavez3071]

Thank you, Major Allen Espy. I just can't believe PRINCE is gone. I never imagined a world without him in it. I hope more people come forward in the months ahead with their own quirky, interesting and funny stories about interactions with PRINCE. I wish AutomaticGainsay would post more videos.

[@christinetaylor5162]

I really loved this story! I’m from Minneapolis and still haven’t made it out to Paisley yet. Wish you had more videos like this, you’re a great storyteller!!

[@570lesa]

I'm not sure how I stumbled on your story. What an extraordinary time in your life. I think it was very generous of you to take the time and share. Thanks!

[@automaticgainsay]

I'm not sure either... but thank you for watching!

[@yxcv789]

Thanks for being so honest, Marc! Keep on doing your great work! Ralf

[@automaticgainsay]

+Ralf Schmitz Thank you very much, Ralf!

[@PhyllisMoon]

Talk about the power of attraction at work... wow! We could all hear that you were touched by the power of Prince in your life. Thanks for sharing & for your display of sincerity at the end, in feeling saddened by his departure. p.s. Now he is aware that he was indeed your mentor.

[@almondeyes73]

This was such an awesome story. So glad I came across your channel. Thank you for sharing your amazing experiences you've had with the one and only Prince!! 💜

[@RachelEstradaHEIGHTSTONIAN]

I watched your entire... beautiful story. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, his fans.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Rachel Estrada (HEIGHTSTONIAN) Thank you very much, Rachel!

[@shannonm.4087]

I was growing up in small town Indiana when Purple Rain came out (I wore a black Appollonia cape to high school)-but I was a Prince fan due to 1999.Thank you so much for sharing your story! I appreciated it and can really relate to your story!

[@monicag.6462]

+Shannon Mchenry HOW AWESOME! A Apollonia CAPE! I soooo wanted to do that in HS too! hahahaha! (thank goodness I wasn't the only one!!) ~ Wonderful times, right??

[@BeautifulGood713]

Can we see a pic of you in that cape? Haha

[@victoriateague9012]

Love 1999.

[@sunnyday5773]

Well told. You had me hanging on every word, and that's not easy to do. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm going to go listen to your music now. Blessings!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Sunny Day Thank you so, so much!

[@terryhenderson183]

Prince true genius true musician truth songwriter he will b deeply missed into all the purple fans out there like myself all we have 2 do is look at the rain that comes down from heaven and c the white dove he will truly b missed but his music lives will live for a long time to come rest in peace my brother thank you God for allowing us to have prince in my life 4 sure. Time now he's up in the heavens playing 4 your your choir your sympathy Orchestra we miss him !thank u 4 sharing Prince with us Lord

[@IamGaby]

" THERE IS PRINCE'S JUNK" HAHAHA I love it...idk why it makes me smile.....this story is awesome

[@automaticgainsay]

+Gaby S I'm glad you liked it! I went back and forth about whether I should include that story, but I hoped that it would lighten the mood a bit. I'm glad to make you smile!

[@jennilinnbeautifulstrange8044]

Thank you for sharing this. I would love to see some of your younger pics and hear your music from back then. Truly great to see someone be so refreshingly honest for a change. 💜

[@dellacornerlotcreations5258]

I love how you are going thru your life really listening to the real inner voice,( your God within) , you got it !!!(the purpose) in a way that's healing to others. work with the spirits and your soul, all else WILL come. You really did ,have a wonderful experience. You are a alive angel while we all are in the awake mode. keep sharing and giving,you gave Prince Lots of good energy.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Della Bailey-BenIsrael Thank you very much, and thank you for watching, Della!

[@therealshadequeen1]

I really enjoyed your story. Thank you for sharing.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Erin Andrea Bonner Thanks for watching, Erin!

[@Millie-R.0731]

This was an amazing life experience !! I actually watched your entire story on here, and I LOVED it !! I laughed a bunch of times ! You are certainly a captivating story teller .. You are lucky and blessed to have SHARED the same space with him ! THANK YOU for this !

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you for watching!

[@jazzymoni7750]

Hey, I loved this video. What a heartfelt, touching sentiment to a genius that so many of us admire and respect. At first, I thought it would be some self-promoting stories, but the sincerity, honesty, and vulnerable openess of how you presented it had me captured from the beginning. By the way, the Yeti-booted sprint down the stairs had me seriously LMFAOing. The visual of it made me have to pause the vid for a minute. And the fact that he never looked back, hit the corner, and disappeared..... can't script anything funnier. When I finished, I had to hear that part again. :-) Wish you continued success, and thanks again for the share!

[@janiceterry7706]

Prince will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing your experience with a musical genius Prince Roger Nelson

[@lelabotoxique]

This is what I call great storytelling. Thanks.

[@automaticgainsay]

+lelabotoxique Aw, well thank you. And thanks for watching!

[@NewWorldRob]

lelabotoxique yea He did great

[@dishsoapsushi4957]

lelabotoxique Lolo

[@dishsoapsushi4957]

lelabotoxique Lolo L

[@gregwilliams9737]

Hell yeah

[@chrismorgan9408]

Hi again Mark, I’m the guy who worked as a Record Promoter in the UK, that you very kindly replied to about my story of once meeting Prince and actually shaking his hand for about 2 Seconds, and I just wanted to say that I have listened to your story about 20 times now and it is just a fantastic story and I just love it. I would swap with you in an instant, as a lot of people have said to me that at least I got to meet him and shake his hand but it wasn’t really meeting him, as I feel that in order to really meet someone you need to talk to them, as you have said in your great story. Whenever I feel low, I listen to your story and it lifts me in a way I can’t describe, and I just wanted to thank you most sincerely for that. At least you were in his orbit for a while which is just awesome and I’m sure that you realise how fortunate you are to have done that. As a small extra point of interest, as part of my job I met hundreds of “stars” in my time with the Record Companies, and some were complete A..holes, I won’t say who the worst was, oh F..k it, it was Bryan Ferry, he was totally Rude and up himself, Lol. Thankyou Mark, Sincerely for helping my day along when I feel low.

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you so much for your story, and for watching! I'm glad that my story has this effect on you.

[@jordymaas565]

agreed; seems that way...

[@Gangus_Quan]

Wow.....Wo...ow.....I really didn't expect to watch this whole thing but it was just magical...Magical. Thankh You So Much For Sharing. You became YOU. and that's what it's all about.

[@automaticgainsay]

+The Quan Walker I can't believe you watched the whole thing, either. But yes... that's what happened. I mean, I was always me... but I learned that if you're standing in someone's shadow, no one's ever going to find you. Thank you for watching and for your post!

[@DiamondShines4U]

WHAT???? And no photos of Prince's lace clad "junk"?!?! OMG! I'm so heart broken... But thanks for dispelling the myth, that he himself put out when he once talked about his "tootsie Roll" indicating that he was not that well endowed. I knew he was full of shit!!! But it wouldn't have mattered anyway. I was (and still am) so madly, deeply and truly in love with everything about him, he could have no "junk" at all and it wouldn't matter. He could do no wrong in my eyes. But Yay! Thank you for at least describing what you saw. Gives me something to fall asleep to at night.

[@braviafeed]

I really enjoyed this vid Marc! Thanks sincerely for taking the time to record this.

[@automaticgainsay]

+braviafeed Thanks for taking the time to watch it!

[@hbreames]

There's a saying that goes something like "Joy shared with another is doubled and sadness shared is halved.". So, thanks, man, and you're welcome. It will always be hard to believe he's gone and I'll be forever grateful to have seen him live. He made his entrance on top of a round bed that floated up from beneath the stage. Amazing. Funk. Jam. FUN. I still have the merch, including a single earring (80s!): A mirrored heart with a peace sign dangle. Thank you, God, for the gift of Prince.

[@50-Fifty-Vintage]

This is awesome! You're a great storyteller, and I can totally relate to your level of fandom. He changed my life too... but I've still never been to Minneapolis. Thanks for sharing.

[@soundsurface4881]

47:59 The "Interaction." This is my favorite moment of many standouts! Your whole story is gold, so lovely to watch & reflect on--- I'm always amazed by your openness & heroic self-revelation in your telling, it's rare & empowering for these times we live in! --- Thanks so much! I grew up in Minneapolis's St. Louis Park & have many totally wack memories of visits to the North Side to jam & rehearse with Black friends beginning as a teenager, but never met Prince. I co-workered with his "first love" Kim at a local property management company for a few years--- a very beautiful & sweet woman, sadly now passed on. I've loved some of his music, but in the end, as a person to be judged as we all must be eventually--- somehow I wind up just feeling sorry for him. He unfortunately seems so fake & scared whenever I've seen an interview or unscripted moment, in contrast with his performances which are so totally over the top formulaic shuck & jive, despite his obviously great authentic talent. I guess coming from Minneapolis's North Side could do that to a kid--- it's kind of a mental ghetto in relation to the Minnesota Nice (at least formerly) vast-majority lilly-white surrounding communities, which were traditionally very systemically (i.e. utterly unconsciously) "white supremacist" self awareness-wise. I don't mean to demean his tremendous accomplishments in any way, but in the end I'm just glad that you 'got over & got out' in the perfect nick of time! Cheers, thanks again & "two thumbs up!" 👍👍 🥰 ps: Owen Husney wrote about Prince in his auto-bio "Famous People Who've Met Me"--- good stuff I think you'd like by comparison.

[@monam.5923]

Thank You for sharing your story. May The Beautiful 1 Rest In Peace💜

[@uravanmountain_supportteam3611]

Dude you ROCK! Thanks for the honest and inspirational story...and YOUR journey I'm a Prince lover/fan myself!! Peace.

[@JuJuOfTheBees]

This ended up in my feed and I am so glad it did. This story is so awesome. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@autumnhart869]

Thank you so much for sharing! I love the stories. What an amazing experience! #princefan4life

[@automaticgainsay]

+Autumn Hart Thank you for watching!

[@tempjohn1111]

I bought the first Prince album "For You" without ever having heard it based on an article in a recording magazine in the late 70's/early 80's. The article described him as a prodigy that played all the instruments and engineered and produced the album. I was a recording nerd at the time, doing live sound for bands and working in recording studios. Prince was an inspiration to me and I was happy to have seen his progression from the first album to the Purple Rain mania ... The poster from the Purple Rain album is on the wall of my studio/gear storage room in some of the 1984/5ish videos I posted online. He was a unique talent, and it is a gut-shot that he is gone.

[@automaticgainsay]

+tempjohn1111 Thank you for sharing your story!

[@karacfournier3638]

I loved this story! Thank you SO much for sharing this. I can relate to this so very well. I had some of the same kinds of experiences happen in my life with a different musician that was my unknown mentor. Prince was always my 2nd favorite artists. What a great story.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Karac Fournier Thank you so much for watching it!

[@Sheilaalien]

Prince's handwriting was as perfect and cool/sexy/cute as one would expect.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Sheilaaliens It really was!

[@johnjames945]

Prince was so gay....My sister never loved anyone else but me she's so crazy 4.my homosexuality dont wear no underwear says it only gets in her hair honeys got a funny way of stopping the juice...wtf?

[@n.j.rihari1434]

Aw dude I totally believe you and how Prince made such an impact on a young impressionable guy, I mean who could've worked for him and not felt this way and not be influenced by his whole demeanour, the whole kaboodle lol This'll be something to tell ya Gran kids when you get along the way, its such a cool story. Thanks for sharing, so genuine 👍🏼🤩😊

[@oceanslovely]

An experience any true Prince fan would have loved! You are very blessed to have had this opportunity.

[@iluvgahan]

I love your story.You were very lucky to be at Paisley Park.

[@symbolsisters]

This was amazing!! Thank you for sharing! Your life is one that I have always dreamed of doing. For one reason I never did is, I always had that fear of him getting mad at me or I would piss him off. Just as you explained! The biggest fear in my life. :) I know people would think that is just silly but I know you understand!! My twin and I had encounters with Prince, like you that probably meant nothing to him BUT for us it was everything. sniff sniff We have been blessed with our journey with him by attending a signing in 93 with Mayte and the entire NPG band in ATL, all the Prince Celebration, NPG music club (sound checks and after shows), he calling us out in ATL as the symbolsisters, and to actually be at his last two concerts in ATL. We have grown to be the people we are due to him and his music. We all have been blessed to have had him in our lives!! Again thanks for sharing!!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Lisa Vaughn That is a fantastic story, Lisa! Thank you!

[@heidihorvath4266]

Thank you for taking the time to share your story... Very cool! It was an amazing ride. The world has lost someone amazing. May you continue to prosper in your Journey now!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Heidi Horvath Thank you very much, Heidi... and thanks for watching!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Heidi Horvath And thanks for liking Automatic Gainsay on Facebook!

[@jenniferferaci9922]

He is a great story teller. I couldn't stop watching

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you!

[@SigneKruzmane]

Such an amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing! Love from Latvia! xoxo

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you, Signe! Your covers are great!

[@SigneKruzmane]

***** aww! Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!

[@SigneKruzmane]

***** by the way, i am working on a Prince cover at the moment. :) Might be up next week. :)

[@automaticgainsay]

I will look forward to it!

[@SigneKruzmane]

Hopefully will make his soul proud. :) And of course you, haha. :D

[@Ann-ci4co]

Thanks for sharing your story. It was awesome! I loved hearing about how you grew through this experience over the years.

[@automaticgainsay]

Thank you, and thanks for watching, Ann!

[@bluejackgirlyx]

this is priceless content... thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@automaticgainsay]

+big trade Thank you very much!

[@bluejackgirlyx]

+AutomaticGainsay It's so wrong how he ran down the stairs ( great visual description, Terp) like that. There you were, an admirer of his, working hard, and I chalk it up to him having bad experiences before- he most likely encountered psycho crazed fanatics who jaded his ability to bring new (white) people into his life. Loved your video..you the man...twitter handle? 10 10 10 10 10

[@Zrocs1]

wow, that was a great story. never thought i'd watch over an hour of speech without Prince actually in it but i did, it was entertaining and funny. although i did suspect you'd reveal that you were a band member and from the photo at 31:30 i thought you're either "Barberella" or the lead singer for the Family. but you had a very cool experience non the less.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Zrocs1 Ha ha, I feel the same way about it... I appreciate your sitting through all of that! Nope, I was never in the band... nor was I even close.

[@Zrocs1]

lol

[@monasticbacon1972]

Thank you for this. I really appreciate you sharing your story and how it intersected with this very special man. It helped me to understand a little better my own feelings about him. I haven't been able to listen to him much since he died as the sense of loss is huge but I'm now ready to dive back in to his work and celebrate him.

[@automaticgainsay]

That's great... thank you!

[@petalwing026]

I always believe that things happen for a reason, and you were meant to have that great experience that yielded everlasting memories. He was, is, and will always be my musical idol. I was hoping to see him in these small venues one more time-I feel cheated that I only saw him 3 times. He's my age, and his music is wrapped up in all areas of my life. Hopefully you put your experience down in print so it's not lost! Was totally mesmerized the whole hour!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Gayle Kapelka Thank you for your message!

[@beesstuff6999]

Hey man, Zima was good with strawberries! I'm a big music fan and appreciate you sharing your Minneapolis/PP experience. I venture to say that you lived the DREAM of many a Prince music fan and think your story captured well how it would feel to be on his business rep team. You walked the line of fan/team support once you found yourself in Prince's shadow and left it right on time, but I can understand your having felt let down at its end. It was cool to hear how you worked through the degrees of separation from hometown to "the castle." Gee--Tony Robbins. Amazing. So ya did for yourself what you needed to do to achieve your own dreams. You made your way intact through the "corona" of Prince. And good for you on acquiring your first Moog!

[@marshamitchell1112]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing. What an incredible journey you have had.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Marsha Mitchell It's true! Thanks for watching!

[@shannonm.4087]

I thought we would grow old with Prince. I am glad I got to experience a world with Prince in it!

[@automaticgainsay]

+Shannon Mchenry Me, too!

[@CoconutPete]

+Shannon Mchenry I thought I would die before him. But, I'm thankful for seeing him in concert a few times and I even got sued by him (but was dropped). Like you say, we are lucky to have lived in the same world at same time :)

[@perri_6]

Honestly, Shannon. So did I. 😢