Is This the Most Covered PRINCE Song??

#bass #history #analysis #transcription #paulthompson
Summer school is in session and Mr. Thompson is giving out his grades on the many versions of Prince's classic song "I Feel For You" as well as breaking down 5 different versions along with the iconic bass players that interpreted one of the all-time great bass hooks (including Nate Phillips, Nate Watts, Reggie Griffin, and Prince himself).
Don't miss this deep dive into what might be Prince's most covered song and find out which one gets an 'A' in my class!
00:00 Intro
01:04 Prince's Version
02:19 Pointer Sisters
03:57 Mary Wells
5:00 Chaka Khan
06:46 Rebbie Jackson
08:04 Outro
Website - www.paulthompson.us
Instagram @pdbass74
Twitter @pdbass74

[@MrWarwickbass]

From glide ? From Pleasure you mean 😁

[@groovindj]

I was about to say the same - Glide is the track name.

[@mattfoley6082]

Pleasure is what he's mostly known for.

[@KeithCopeland778]

Yeah, Pleasure was one of the most skilled R&B groups ever! Most of them went on to play with the Jeff Lorber Fusion and Jeff Lorber. Nate did a ton of studio work after Pleasure.

[@theartistphiljc7682]

Here's a cool story. Nate worked with Reggie's brother, Rayford Griffin, who was Jean Luc Ponty's drummer for years & played with Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Dave Koz,, Michael Jackson & so many more...

[@KeithCopeland778]

@@theartistphiljc7682 Oh yeah! Rayford is a BEAST!!!! I saw him in many concerts back in the day with Stanley and George and I have a lot of recordings he's playing on. FANTASTIC DRUMMER!!!

[@vanstry]

Prince came to do a Charity concert at a hospital for Children not far from where I used to live, many, many years ago. He had two main conditions - the first was that he didn't want anyone to be there, other than the children and their families, because he was doing it for them and no one else. Second was that he didn't want any publicity or anyone to know about it. Because he was doing it for the children and didn't want any press or 'kudos' for it. It was a good many years before the story leaked out. That always impressed me, because Prince never seemed to be someone who hesitated to market himself, but learning that he DID have standards, and would do things for places like that and eschew the fame improved my opinion of him drastically.

[@norvelwhite3811]

I remember hearing about things that he did like that for people that never leaked out until after his passing hats off and RIP Prince

[@christiannacolbert5603]

One thing he was, was sincere. ❤

[@JohnAnderson42]

he did that several times especially during the Purple Rain tour. it was not a secret...word did get out. Anyway, I had a teacher that HATED Prince until her sister told her he had done this for a school she was at...I think her nephew was the in a class that got to go as the sister was an aide or volunteer... One day some kid had a Prince shirt on...she always bad mothed him, But this time she was started crying and told the story.

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

He even played a full show for deaf kids during the PR tour.

[@JohnAnderson42]

@@Cormac-jd2kx yeah... several times. At least one is out there... it was not the FULL 2 hours but it was about an hour... they did not do Darling Nikki but he did sing the "wanna Lay me?" part of Delirious...

[@jinglebells6378]

R.I.P Prince and Long Live Prince

[@halcop]

I was a music student in college when this record came out. One of my buddies just about kicked the door down in my dorm room yelling "Bro, you gotta listen to this Prince album and he plays all the instruments." I said who is Prince? I quickly found out what genius he was.🔥🔥

[@AnthonyWilliams-ot1yk]

That’s a great story. Thank you for sharing.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

prince was truly one of the greatest complete musicians we've ever known

[@ElectricSoulShow]

What about Stevie Wonder, Kashif

[@JohnDengisYT]

I've always liked Prince, but he only gets better when you deep dive into his material. Exquisitely crafted, forward thinking and hugely influential.

[@redpillras3456]

Agree I find out new things about Prince all the time

[@22Facesmusica]

That bass lick on Chaka's version is just amazing

[@leonmcleodjr8278]

Which was her brother Mark Stevens

[@theartistphiljc7682]

@@leonmcleodjr8278 Nope. It was Reggie Griffin actually who played the Bass & who did the arrangement.

[@leonmcleodjr8278]

@@theartistphiljc7682 I found out later after doing some research that it was Reggie Griffin and not her brother Mark Stevens who I assumed wrong was playing the bass on the track because of her brothers history of playing the bass on some of her solo albums with the same type of bass style of playing and bass tone and am glad that Reggie Griffin got to display his great talent on the track.

[@theartistphiljc7682]

@@leonmcleodjr8278 Yea all good. I was there watching him put the whole track together (pre-production) when he lived with us back then. I really wanted him to win the Grammy for arrangement but he lost to whoever arranged Peter Cetera's hit that year which I can't remember the song...

[@user-dc8sg5xu1n]

The Chaka Khan version of that bass hook has always stuck in my head

[@leonmcleodjr8278]

Which was played by her brother Mark Stevens who played on if not all at least most of her solo albums.

[@Larrymh07]

Fingertips was one of the earliest songs I can remember being played on the radio (1963 or so?). So when I heard that killer bass with Chaka:s voice, PLUS the harmonica solo taking us back to Little Stevie Wonder!!! One of my favs of all time.

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

@@leonmcleodjr8278 Original lead singer and guitarist of the Jamaica Boys

[@leonmcleodjr8278]

@@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1 Thanks for confirming that because I was thinking that he also was a part of that group

[@GaryTisdaleFungkSta1]

@@leonmcleodjr8278 We used to do their song "It's That Loving Feeling" along with the group being my primary introduction to Marcus Miller because I only knew Bernard Wright and Lenny White at that time I used ta... aww let me stop cause I still do play the song Unusual Girl ta death 🤦🏿‍♂🤣 Wouldn't mind him breaking that song or other songs on that album down

[@heirling25]

Prince's version from his second album still remains my favorite.

[@TheDan14]

ditto, the Chaka version is a little overproduced for my personal taste and the Pointers slowed it down too much for me

[@josebrown5961]

Same here. None of the covers had the artistry of the original. Chaka at least made the song her own. I was surprised that MJ’s sister covered a Prince song. I bought a lot of Soul albums never any from any Jackson other than MJ,Janet, Randy and The Gypsies.

[@gonzchi]

What a genius Prince was. Out of this world.

[@goddessPamelaJJ]

I didn’t know Rebbie Jackson recorded the song also. Learning something “knew” everyday. Thank you The Greatest Prince Roger Nelson!

[@michaelkearney2186]

I wonder how Joe Jackson felt about her covering a Prince song LOL

[@romulus_]

@@michaelkearney2186 LaToya covered Prince's Private Joy. I don't think he minded -- they all used to hang out a bit. It's business.

[@michaelkearney2186]

@@romulus_ the only reason I had that thought was when Janet went to make Control w JJam and T Lewis, I heard Joe said something like, this better not sound like no Prince record 😂

[@romulus_]

@@michaelkearney2186 Probably didn't want it to be lewd.

[@CooperAATE]

Rogers*

[@fransvanoostrom591]

Man, I absolutely love the way you analyze tracks and tell the history behind it. Thanks for all your contributions. I hope many more will follow.

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

He’s really good …I love these vids too I learn so much

[@theonecalledvino8165]

Damn! That many versions recorded? It's blowing my mind. That brother could write his little ass off.

[@integratedboxingsystem8827]

Prince got paid off this song. Own your masters and publishing.

[@Trwillis9]

EXACTLY!!!!!

[@robertdownes793]

Hmm, not sure it went down that way. He had major management and a Warners deal from the jump. So he wasn't afraid to cut investors in .Warners owned the Masters until Prince bought them much later.He also did a publishing deal later. Publishing deals aren't always a bad thing. My first publishing deal got me off the street , a car, my teeth fixed etc.

[@ZeroFcksGven]

​@@robertdownes793 how did you get your publishing deal?

[@iashakezula]

Prince was an awesome musician, I can’t still believe he is gone. Thank you for this ..

[@alexnejako777]

Chaka"s version not only features Stevie Wonder from the 80s but also samples Fingertips by Little Stevie Wonder

[@stewthebassman]

The cheering part?

[@alexnejako777]

@@stewthebassman yes

[@ebrazil67]

Additionally, this shows the genius of Prince. Music from the late 70's lasts decades.

[@user-ib1cc8mi3g]

Chaka expressing her vocals on his work was beautiful

[@dunbarf2413]

I thought it was also very cool as Chaka Khan is one of Prince's favorite vocalists.

[@liamhemmings9039]

I remember back in the 80s the guitar magazines never gave Prince any credit. Now they laud him. Tossers.

[@digitaltechnologyunion4040]

What a beautiful way to honour prince pdbass

[@ricktheexplorer]

Tears welling up every time anybody talks about Prince. He made this realm a little more bearable. I have to get over this.

[@themountainsandthesea4121]

Same

[@mykhedelic6471]

I am destroyed that he is dead. But the music lives on.

[@HanifBarnwell]

😂 he was a stone cold junky, rock n roll lifestyle choice

[@mykhedelic6471]

@@HanifBarnwell Wow, bold and judgemental of you. Here's to hoping you never overextend yourself of the field of sport or ever become injured in a car accident, wise sage and Master of Opiods, you are. A stone cold junkie. Throw any Rock n Roll at Purple Houses, lately? I, too, used to not have any real sympathy or understanding for the plight of those held by substances. But both of these things can be true: we have a responsibility to kick our dangerous addictions AND the substances we can become addicted to are incredibly powerful-- mentally, bio-chemically, emotionally, physically, ultimately even spiritually. You don't want that problem and you may not overcome it, even with vast resources, support, desire and knowledge. The shit is so intertwined and serious. The triumph is not without tragedy and the tragedy is not without triumph.

[@HanifBarnwell]

@@mykhedelic6471 yikes 😳, just listen to Private Joy about his heroin addiction or Cold Coffee & Cocaine. I don’t understand you fans that think Prince never struggled with substance abuse in the 80s and right up to his death.

[@seldonplanB-24]

@@HanifBarnwell He was given a powerful drug (fentanyl) by an unscrupulous "doctor" before the masses knew what that drug even was or how dangerous it was. In fact, it was Prince's death that brought it into the spotlight. Tom Petty was also a victim of that cursed poison. Yes, I'm calling them "victims"

[@aesthetic_mfr]

Still destroyed. It's never going away. He took music with him when he died.

[@MiddleMalcolm]

Chaka Khan's version was a perfect melding of great writing, with next level arranging and production. With that voice, how could that have NOT been a huge hit?! It was a beautiful tribute to the original Prince record, while taking a wild meshing of contemporary styles and sounds. Unforgettable, for anyone digging it at the time. 💜 I still love the original Prince record, as one of those "it's all right there" moments. All that space for others to take it to a different place. Worthy. 😊

[@hagnuj1070]

Chaka's is one of the most well crafted songs ever made. Melle Melle rapping, her soaring voice takes the cake.

[@JasonicAus]

A Jackson family member covering a Prince song? That would have made an interesting Christmas gathering in 85!

[@Hrdwch]

Waddabout 1983? kzbin.info/www/bejne/honaqamfg7iMfsk

[@Hrdwch]

also kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3bTaZyQopWSq5Y

[@JasonicAus]

​@@Hrdwch So that's why Janet became Michael's' favorite sister!

[@Hrdwch]

@@JasonicAus Yeah, that’s why Janet went after the Minneapolis sound in 1984 for her Dream Street album with Jesse Johnson (guitarist from The Time) and then in 86 with Jam and Lewis who skyrocketed her career. Fun Facts: Janet's Love Will Never Do was intended to be a duet between her and Prince, but Prince wouldn't do it. Thriller's intro was remodeled after Prince's 1999 (go listen to it). Michael asking for Prince's collaboration on Bad. Imagine hating your son so much that you have to give him the same name as your 'archenemy' (Prince) full well knowing who ppl would associate that with. Spoiler: not Michael’s granddad. Also image the resent he would have for his daughter, Paris, would he have lived long seeing her Prince tattoo. Please put the thought to rest that Michael and Prince hated each other. I understand polarization makes things look more interesting/engaging, but isn’t there enough division in this world already?!

[@JasonicAus]

@@Hrdwch just glad I’m in the same time were we can appreciate them both

[@Whos_That_Lady_Music_Show]

I had no idea that Rebbie Jackson, Mary Wells and the Pointer Sisters. That song is so timeless, and we all know that Chaka knocked it out of the park, and it was perfect timing during the early stages of Hip Hop culture (with Melle Mel). DAMN!

[@Twobarpsi]

Never knew the history of this song! This is why I love this channel! Chaka was the best version by far!

[@timothylawson3262]

Wow didn't know the Pointer Sisters did a version of this song, learned something new today.

[@cooldebt]

I don't recall that at all. Mustn't have been given much airplay compared with the Chaka Khan version which I recall was all over the radio!

[@MARKWHITE007]

I truly miss this dude. That MINI slap is still the best slap there is and he was the father of it.

[@TC-Jack]

He got that from Larry Graham. 💜

[@Below-Average_Joe]

What a great treat to see on Father’s Day! Thank you for your great work, PD!❤

[@jgutie1552]

Wow! Never knew it was covered by the Pointer Sisters, Mary Wells and Rebbie Jackson! Great analysis and history!

[@jooei2810]

Prince is a legend!

[@markdavenport2613]

Chaka Khan's version still gives me goose bumps to this day.

[@turbo7757]

Man, so refreshing to listen to an educated musician. Great job!!! Seriously, great. RIP, Prince Nelson. Thanks making the video. A worth while watch. :)

[@Del3k]

Prince said it all and I will apply it to him, " Nothing compares to you"...We still feel for you... the Artist :)

[@tonydeltablues]

Damn right! Happy birthday Prince Rogers Nelson; Chaka Khan - you are truly wonderful!

[@MizzNee796]

That song takes me back to junior high school. such great memories!

[@bootsy037]

Good ol' Jr. High School. Before they messed it up with the change to middle school. You and I are 'round the same age or close to it. When this came out in 1979, I was in the 9th grade. 1970's was the best decade ever. Glad to have met someone from back during my time.

[@MizzNee796]

@bootsy037 yes! I see your name...do you remember the Bootsy album that had the cutout Bootsy "shades" in there 😎. We want Bootsy! I was a little girl but that was my JAM! I had posters of singers and groups on my wall from Right On! Magazine! Lol 😆

[@davidwylde8426]

You just took me back to my late teens in the U.K. I loved this track and despite my love of Prince, I think the Chaka version was definitive complete with vid and cultural capture ❤

[@benmartin5417]

I love Prince’s version so much. The keyboard riff at the end of the track is so brilliant. It’s all brilliant. Happy birthday PRN. Miss you

[@giri.goyo_yt]

Appreciate this detailed and knowledgeable tribute to The Artist. So many channels try to dissect Skipper, but most fail. Your channel is a haven for music breakdowns and respectful analysis. Also that you're a POC, gives it an A+.

[@Heirpusher]

Prince og acoustic version wins. That guitar sounds like a full band.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

This was edutaining! Chaka's version was in heavy rotation on MTV back when I was a kid. Captivated with the visual and sound! Oh Prince! There might be something about Gemini's(I'm one)..

[@allemander]

Plural words don’t use apostrophes. Geminis*

[@ziggysmalls9329]

I dig the Pointer sisters version a lot

[@libertynow]

Great job again. Thanks for bringing high quality analysis to the Soul/ R&B/Jazz cross pollinations of the past. There is not enough of these videos out there to enjoy. ( more Grover W. please).

[@kyushujet]

I just played this song in the car (Chaka’s version), out of the blue, for no reason. It still holds up! I had no idea this was a Prince song.

[@paul1153]

I had the Chaka Khan version on a 12" extended play here in Australia. Never realised it was written by Prince.

[@tekglitch4484]

I love your breakdowns of Iconic tunes Paul! Please continue making these awesome videos!

[@michaelbujanda8785]

What a wonderful tribute to a musical genius known as Prince!!!!😊😃😀🙂❤👍

[@tracibillington8025]

I enjoy when you compare & differentiate versions of the same song. 😊

[@reginaldbrown8012]

The music lives on. Rest in power purple one🤘🏿🕺🏽

[@wcole1385]

Great coverage, thank you!

[@paulsanders1]

Two things, if you haven't already analyzed Forget-me-nots, I hope you do, the bass is spectacular! Also Paul, I so appreciate your enthusiasm as well as your deep dives musically and stylistically. As soon as you said, "The Crusaders" I had to pull up Those Southern Nights and I still favor the first and last tracks, such a good band. That album came out when I was 13 when I was playing bass in jazz band, oh the memories, thanks Paul!

[@BlackBroadwayLady]

I never knew that there were so many different versions of this song that were sung by so many different vocalist.

[@nairbrleltub]

You are such an awesome teacher!

[@rgordon2691]

Damn! This was a Great Breakdown and Analogy Of This Great Song, by a True Genius...and Me being a Huge Prince fan, even I never realized so many People have covered This Song...Wow!

[@DCronk-qc6sn]

Still the best analysis on the net. Bravo, Professor.

[@daddraws4714]

Once again a brilliant video. Well done!

[@AlexandreBeckao]

Obrigado Professor, por fazer meu domingo muito, muito mais feliz!!! Vida longa ao Príncipe dos Príncipes!!!

[@tomarmadiyer2698]

Prince did all the instruments, three vocal tracks, and did the whole recording in a single 4 minute take.

[@bastianflimm825]

thank you man, for this smooth journey of that song! What a pleasure!

[@k2thah286]

Be very proud of the detail you put into this channel. Keep it going. ✌️

[@Prince.Prince1999]

Wow you taught me a lot. I never knew the pointer sisters covered this nor rebe jackson as well as the others except chaka of course. You made a point about the arrangement staying close to how prince did it. I wonder if that is on condition of prince's approval. We know how protective he was about lending out his songs. This was a great video thanks.

[@markkraft6719]

Dude, I love this commentary! Thank you!

[@treed873]

Nailed it! Great run down!

[@jovanreid6782]

The footage of Prince making that funny face in the beginning of the video LMAO 😂

[@JGBoccella]

This was great Paul!

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

Another incredible video! Thank You!

[@strauqq1]

This was pretty amazing. Thank you so much brotha

[@GHEDIXON]

Great enjoyable analysis!

[@trufnk]

Love your videos, thank you for this one! Love PRN.

[@jimmynibbs6746]

Excellent explanation!!! 👏

[@tonytec59vmix]

great coverage you went in thank you

[@ten3353]

thank you for this brilliant break-down. so much detail, information, and your bass skills 🙏🏼🏅

[@taosophymusic]

I had NO idea anyone other than Chaka covered this Prince tune. Kudos!!

[@MauriceBoone-jm2xu]

Didn't even know he wrote it. And I pride myself in knowing such things

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Great editing!

[@christopherbee7223]

So awsome my man!

[@stevaneee]

Wonderful 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Happy Birthday Prince🎉🎉

[@dr.garynelson4687]

Wow, another Master Class in a song and bass line that I had forgotten about. Great post, as always!

[@mikeloshak6772]

The fade out on the original Prince version though! Those straight ahead drums, the rising sus4 synth chords and the bass popping underneath - pure musical magic/genius/heaven!

[@4EverLearning757]

Great video!

[@KevinAgot]

Absolutely loved the history and breakdown. Subbed!

[@luvh8tr]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 ❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you! This was great!

[@stephanleo]

Thank you Paul, you read my mind. I thought a lot about Prince lately.

[@JohnMiller123]

Great job, Brother!

[@scottgregory6129]

Wow, so much stuff I didn't know! I really enjoy everything I've seen from you, keep up the great work...

[@jerrytaliercio9087]

Great video ❣️🎶

[@PhilippeSHOCKMatthews]

I love this breakdown of the legendary Prince. Great job!

[@jameslong9921]

Great breakdown

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

This is a very good analysis!

[@speedchopperbass]

Excellent video as always Paul my man

[@lesal.1373]

Great piece on I Feel For You, thank you!

[@pucchilovetheme8368]

Awesome!!!!!!

[@darryltripp5258]

Bravo sir! A great job as usual. I never knew so many artists covered this song,

[@b.rodclark334]

Thank you for this Paul! I definitely owe it to myself to listen to all these other versions I've never heard of, let alone even known of besides The Pointer Sisters which I've known of but never heard; well, thank God for KZbin... and thank you, Mr. Nelson!💜

[@LloydMajor]

Awesome and, thanks for the post!

[@filmnoirincolor]

you’re a great youtuber, man

[@macronencer]

A delicious video! Prince was an extraordinary genius.

[@skybendu]

Great lesson, man! Thanks for opening up that bag and sharing the wealth of your wisdom. I am excited to explore some of these new2me avenues and can't believe all the versions of this tune between prince and chaka❤

[@jamesb2894]

Andrew Gouche on the bass of this is amazing if you ever get to hear it.

[@rekindle]

Absolutely! He's an awesome bassist

[@The-KP]

Miss the Prince, what a king. Great video and channel, love the analysis and research!

[@Liebertt]

Great video, man!