Purple Rain (1984) - Jill and Jerome

Costume designer Marie France, producer Robert Cavallo, director Albert Magnoli, actors Apollonia Kotero and Jill Jones, and actor/The Time musician Jerome Benton at the Academy Event “Purple Rain” on August 29, 2016 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

[@Blahblahblah-w5g]

Jerome has such a fun loving personality! He must have got along great with Prince! You can tell Jerome,Jill and Appollonia miss him a lot!😢We all do!

[@wheres_bears1378]

The best man to set foot on stage with a mirror in history

[@Defmek82]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 Even more so, the man that invented bringing a mirror on stage.

[@janellirving4625]

Jerome is still a character!

[@nunayobiz]

The comedic chemistry between Prince and Jerome in Cherry Moon was great! A better script could have made the movie a hit.

[@pgdarling301]

Definitely a few funny scenes but I liked it.

[@christimberlake8549]

@KJ Carson: That was a great Movie. Hella Funny scenes and agreed: A better script would've made that movie even better!

[@ndeamonk24]

Yes fam...I was really into that film. You would've thought they were in a band together (they sorta were, but still)

[@christophertracy383]

Also, color would have helped 2. He did fire the director of Moon.

[@EbonyJ-rt5bb]

I loved that movie! It’s so underrated 💜💜💜💜

[@thepromiseman7745]

Jill Jones was so fine back in the 80,s early 90,s ...omg yes she was

[@demet8]

Not no more.

[@deloresannwells]

Demetrius Ford Well we all age and of she won’t look like she did when she was 18 thru 30 something

[@marceltresvant8581]

@@demet8 Man, Jill looks amazing for a woman of her age, you can't expect her to look like when she was 20 or 30. She also looks very classy.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

@@demet8some people just enjoying being nasty. It’s not a good personality trait.

[@passion4posh]

jerome hasnt aged a day.

[@ciadella1971]

Looks just like he did in Purple Rain. I think Jerome and Morris made that movie great.

[@kishikcm]

I love Jill Jones, she still has that beautiful smile!

[@dkapone]

No Doubt! Peace.

[@acceptyourownbeyourselfpro6035]

That smile and dem eyes.

[@archiejackson2315]

She is fine and everybody of Prince proteges are cool brothers

[@dwainwilson6741]

Kishi Chad Nah, not to me. She’s dried out just as all the other women such as Cat, Nona, Lisa and Wendy!!! I didn’t know Lisa and Wendy were gay!!!

[@acceptyourownbeyourselfpro6035]

@@dwainwilson6741 the lady is 60 years old. Cat and Nona still look good for their age. You thought Jill was still rocking blonde hair wearing a lacy camisole? She ain't 22 no more but a grown woman who still has a killer smile & has accomplish much after being on the music scene.

[@jeanniemarie2058]

Jill Jones sang background for Teena Marie!! Wow!!! Didn’t know that. ! So many great artists back in the day. Lady T, Rick James, Prince, Denise Matthews , Rest In Peace

[@michaelparker2678]

Jill Jones in Purple Rain reminds me of the Material Girl era Madonna from the 80s.

[@ladygemini5967]

michael parker yessss

[@damienwiley2312]

Was she the waitress at the club wit the blonde hair?

[@michaelparker2678]

@@damienwiley2312 Yes I believe so.

[@michaelparker2678]

@Tony FACTS!!!

[@jammck1399]

I thought of that too Actually it was the True Blue era look at the video.

[@princs68]

St. Paul Central High School. Had the best studio. Mint Condition and Roger Lynch Troutman Jr. R.I.P. Roger. They all would jam and record. Let's not forget Award Winning Producer Anthony Dent. There will never be another Prince. The bar has been set to high!!! Rest In Purple Paradise....❣💜❣

[@snapcrackle4077]

Everyone heard about the recording studio at St. Paul Central.

[@chuckst98]

Apples, Jill and Jerome!! Gotta Love it!!!

[@jo-lynnherbert590]

Jerome and Prince made the best team. I loved Cherry Moon and their fun in it.❤

[@gaylahuckaby1]

JJ was such a huge part of Prince's life ... she's honestly probably his best friend

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Jerome is such a gentleman. Love him. His skits with Morris and Prince were hilarious.

[@Sellassie]

Jill was hella fine in the 80s

[@danavixen6274]

Jerome still looks great!

[@lynncoffey529]

Yes, he does

[@olubukonla7352]

He pretty much looks the same.

[@chucku00]

Jerome is my spirit animal.

[@victornewman06]

Jerome's dad is famous blues musician Buster Benton

[@marianels1096]

Incorrect that's our uncle

[@jamiltyson485]

@@marianels1096 . Who is Jerome Benton's father? And is Jerome Benton your brother or cousin? 🤔

[@marianels1096]

@@jamiltyson485 jesse Benton and that's my brother

[@dwainwilson6741]

Jessica Benton So Lewis really is just a half-sibling then?!?! Man, y’all use to keep everything so private back then. Not anymore, public won’t put up with that no more!!!

[@marianels1096]

When was it ever private it needs to be none where did u here that uncle buster was his dad

[@jeffrey64]

Look at Jill, still fine as hell!

[@garfieldharrison510]

Jill liked him. I now that kind of vibe. You just vibing with someone although it appeared to be playing hard to get. Jill said somehow she ended up in Minneapolis. Prince summoned her to be there. We know what it is Jill. It's all good.

[@delanajackson5966]

Jerome is a card!!!!!!!lol Love it!!!!!!!!

[@jonboxleitner7354]

Can't think of anyone fresher than Jerome. Ultimate side-kick.

[@jeannetteduette6704]

Jill is a natural beauty. Her Black genes will ensure her youthful look with minimal skin wrinkles. The beauty of this lady is that she is not conflicted about who she is; thanks to her mother and circle of family and friends.

[@JQUICK21]

You smoking something? Her black genes? Are you wearing your glasses watching this? She looks real bad and old and possibly like not doing good and homeless to me!

[@larenabillingsley7250]

She isn’t biracial is ?

[@murphdrag2100]

I had no idea Jerome and Terry are brothers.

[@bmelove6166]

I was just thinking the same think. wow...cool

[@devinyoung4007]

duh they look alike but I would had left if they fired my brother

[@strauqq1]

duh

[@anthonyyoutubefan7567]

I had no idea either! I see the similarity, though, now. So what's the official family last name? Lewis or Benton?

[@Cameo718.]

murphdrag2100 I always knew this.. but what amazes me is that he maintained a working relationship with prince even after jam and Lewis were fired from the time.. he obviously didn't follow his brother and stayed on with prince to do purple rain the movie, the family, under the cherry moon and graffiti bridge..but still hooked up with his brother later on to work with Janet Jackson and when the time reformed for pandemonium

[@TheCheckInReport]

Jill still looking good

[@nopimpneededhere6569]

Jill Jones is one of my fave singers!

[@wacnwacn5701]

Prince always was surrounded by talented people. Minneapolis was the it those days!!!!!!. However, the first people to put Minneapolis/Minnesota on the map was Lip Sync. "Funky Town." But, Prince and the Time took it to higher levels. I am so thankful to have experienced the sounds of real band and musicians.

[@ABN6565]

That's why he liked Jill. She's was real.

[@wilbertnagtzaam6527]

Is that why she was en is bannend by Paisley

[@ABN6565]

@@wilbertnagtzaam6527 they'll said Sheila was banned. Stop reading everything they write

[@wilbertnagtzaam6527]

@@ABN6565 Both. Jill after refusing to work on a second album. E in 2009. I guess U have your wisdom by reading about this. Try 2 follow UR own advise

[@USBP464]

Jill Jones is still fly as fuq!

[@FunkyChi1d]

I love Jerome.

[@ladygemini5967]

FunkyChi1d sooo sexy

[@s.rosekhan9515]

Apolonia is was in the movie and still is Absolutely Beautiful 🙂❤

[@snatt420]

jerome didnt age,total class

[@DWIGHT697]

I got a chance to meet Jill's mom. When she came to stay in Dayton Ohio with Dontay Taylor for a few months.. who by the way produced the B-side of one of her singles. We grew up together lived together as well as played music together...

[@christhornycroft3686]

Jerome was, is and always will be the coolest valet on the planet. He almost outshines Morris Day, and Morris is a super cool guy. The last guy on that level that I've seen was Will Smith in the 90s. As a white Canadian guy, wanting to be black in the 90s was a way of life. Unfortunately, I barely reached Carlton Banks level cool. But the fact that he was black and could dance like Michael Jackson instantly made him a hell of a lot cooler than the kids I hung out with.

[@chrisutley2859]

I was at this screening & Q&A! So cool!

[@colossus112785]

Jill is still hot 😍😍😍

[@strauqq1]

Can this be longer pease!!

[@leelandglover2731]

Bobbyz Lee...Jerome Benton said terry Louis is his brother...when you come from the same mother an you have different father only means you have different father...it is his blood brother Jerome has said this a number of times..the same mother your blood siblings

[@Kearyjb]

I've been explaining that to people. We don't do" half".

[@oRuTRa45]

@@Kearyjb Exactly.

[@davidgibson7615]

It's Terry Lewis, NOT Louis

[@Dro8Mario]

I don't understand till this day why people compare prince to michael. Prince is prince michael is Mmchael. Like Patti labelle is Patti and everyone you compare her to is them. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@pauldavis1963]

Jerome!!!! Morris Day's mirror man.

[@gabrielvictoria3364]

Ahhh come on mann dont do him like that..

[@oubrioko]

Jerome: _The Time's_ roadie

[@kinglord7707]

Jill Jones is still smoking hot

[@snapcrackle4077]

The surprise performances at First Avenue were epic

[@djmylesmatisse]

I wish the moderator had asked Jerome Benton about his brother Terry Lewis and The Time with this question... Before the Purple Rain film, Prince fired your brother Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam from The Time for missing a concert date due to producing SOS band in a different city and being snowed in . When they were fired, keyboardist Monte Moir left with them. When the film Purple Rain got underway did it bother you to the point where you thought about not being involved in the movie and the band The Time because your brother was no longer in the band and new band members replaced Jimmy, Terry and Monte? Because you have to admit from a band point of view, losing Jimmy, Terry and Monte was big. Did you feel loyalty to your brother Terry in all of this and were you conflicted because of it?

[@TheOlskool4ever]

Not an appropriate question for that particular forum plus it was less than 4 months after the passing of Prince. That's a question better suited for another time. I'm glad that question wasn't asked. It takes the focus off Prince and on Jerome. The forum was about Prince

[@rodwilliams7036]

@@TheOlskool4ever right, and besides it turned out great for all involved including the fact that they got back together for the "Ice Cream Castles" LP...

[@TheOlskool4ever]

@@rodwilliams7036 I dont think Jimmy, Terry and Monte were there for Ice Cream Castles (a very underrated album, I must say). I think you're talking about the album "Pandemonium" which saw a return of the original members plus the guys who replaced them.

[@dwaynebeamon5105]

@@TheOlskool4ever no you're right they wasn't hell Morris even left after the album

[@melvinpruitt3907]

I often wondered if Jerome either writes music or plays an instrument besides hitting that one drum with that one stick 🎶🎵🎼🎸🎷🎺???

[@michelbissielou333]

Melvin Pruitt 😁😁

[@danielgery7692]

I love you Jérôme Je vous aime Jérôme. From France With love.

[@StarrSun]

I LOVE Jerome!

[@ndeamonk24]

I know it ain't right and sorta petty af, but I wanna see Jerome grab that damn mirror and do those moves.

[@darrylnelson05]

Jerome still looks the same. He's the only one that didn't play with his hair. None of that Jheri Curl mess for Jerome.

[@snowblo1]

I know I should know this, but was Jill Jones the lady that was in Purple Rain with the short blonde hair that worked at the club? I think the club was called First Avenue, Studio 52, or something like that.

[@evarene07]

snowblo1 yes

[@IloveJasonMomoa]

First Ave very fortunate I got to visit the club and get to live in Minneapolis for a short time. Wanna return back soon. Love it there

[@janellirving4625]

Jill's mom was right about Prince being a star one day.

[@alansenzaki4148]

This was years earlier (1961) i went to washburn high school where jimmy jam and terry lewis went. Prince went to bryant jr. high.

[@ilovechristmas985]

Jerome would just pop everywhere on TV. He was funny😄.

[@michaelgoing6040]

At 54 Jill Jones you're still acceptable to be romanced and loved by me young molecule fineness I'm in love with you and your smile Jill

[@KoreaMojo]

What's this young molecule fineness?

[@elderjones2555]

Yeah

[@blahblah606]

Jill 💗

[@anthonywest4173]

NICE.

[@lavery0365]

Got it, You & Prince went there....

[@christophertracy383]

I had no idea that Jill sang 4 Teena Marie!

[@lumiere7216]

Me either. I'm shook! like WOW

[@williamdouglas1360]

Jill jones & Jerome Benton

[@seanmontgomery801]

Is that Jill Jones,who was a blonde ,but now a brunette,she sure is different and beautiful.It should be Jerome and JILL??I think it should always be the man then the woman in TV shows,movies,news shows,sports,Broadway musicals,even a wedding get together.

[@angieleigh2055]

so this is approximately 4 MONTHS BEFORE HE LEFT US😪💜💜💜

[@LegacyDaughter]

You know good Jill singing down at Morris' place...what kind of noise is that? Jill: slides her thong off in the middle of the street. 🤣🤣🤣🤣Graffiti Bridge

[@Ori0n1975]

I remember in the movie Jill read Apollonia's name off of the card and said "Apollonia??" like it was a weird name.

[@spagoceo]

Oh thats her she had blonde hair at the time

[@londonblues7070]

Wow that was her???

[@TheOlskool4ever]

I wouldn't say it's weird but the name Appolonia IS unique...don't you think?

[@curtflirt2]

Lol Prince was a funny dude

[@mikeb8638]

Yeah this is fine but come on Warner Bros. Release Purple Rain Uncut version like you did with Blade Runner !

[@rumahtiga]

Marcus Miller!

[@leelandglover2731]

Jerome (tricky) Benton...

[@despayre3914]

Why is Marcus Miller there? Did he work with Prince somewhere along the line.....I can't recall. Beast of a bass player!

[@terryseviltwin]

I feel ya about the "half brother" bull shit Gerome!

[@Dro8Mario]

North community high school. Yeess! Minneapolis.

[@jeffreythompson1615]

Is Marcus Miller the panel host? He should have been in Prince’s band.

[@davidgibson7615]

Is he associate with Luther Vandross?

[@philippem4400]

the.....Jill spot.

[@beroskiwhitehead4910]

Jill in purple rain:..."Appolonia"????

[@tesswonderful4194]

What are you asking? Jill was the blonde and Apples was the co-star.

[@beroskiwhitehead4910]

@@tesswonderful4194 Appolonia???...is what jill said when she 1st saw Apollonia's name on the index card...i figured it would go over some people's heads

[@tesswonderful4194]

@@beroskiwhitehead4910 😂 Got it. Totally forgot about that. Thats the problem with print. Things get lost.

[@OnlyLoveCan38]

Who is Jill Jones?

[@pgdarling301]

She was the blonde girl in Purple Rain with short curly hair who worked at 1st Avenue. She was also in the 1999 video.

[@OnlyLoveCan38]

@@pgdarling301 Thanks for the info.

[@pgdarling301]

@@OnlyLoveCan38 no problem! She looks much different now not so much because of age but hair color.

[@lewesleyacklin1408]

@@pgdarling301 she can still get it!!!!

[@marybenton1315]

You are absolutely right Jerome father is Jesse benton

[@kiowells]

Jerome us prince fans know who you are honey! I feel like you were selling yourself short. I've been trying to find under the cherry moon for years to add to my collection. But I didn't know jimmy was your brother.

[@ronaldlane1597]

Terry Lewis is his brother.

[@sonicvasquez4673]

Did he explain how one is Lewis the other is Benton?

[@dreamyx01]

Different fathers

[@RawUndergroundMusic]

Wow, Jill is hotter now than she was 35 years ago. 🔥

[@davidgibson7615]

Do not invite Jill and The Revolution to the same party y'all

[@jaronimo1976]

Jerome hasn't aged a bit!

[@JQUICK21]

What's Appolonia's problem here when Jill Jones is speaking? WTF? How disrespectful or maybe she's Jealous of Jill's talent and Jill's nights with Prince alone!

[@RONJAE212003]

Oh so she thought Tina was better than Prince. What a joke

[@tavaresmelton5709]

who was jill in the movie pr i don't remember her was she the 1 that got dunked in the dumpster🤣🤣🤣

[@Knock15Out]

She was the bartender

[@Demarcointuit]

That was Howard Hewitts ex wife from fame

[@waynebrooks287]

U no whats funny if prince was alive he would not speak about the past he would have an album out tour in paisley park or in usa he do what he was born to do helping playing music no sitting on his ass talking about 50 years ago he problem teacher music minnesota are u listern stop talking about past prince now kick ass

[@georgedulle6601]

Damn that stage is segregated as fuck. All the whites to the left of Apollonia and all the blacks to the right. Damn.

[@tom11zz884]

Shame seeing all those once beautiful women now middle aged

[@MrValix99]

What's the shame??? They are blessed and still full of life!!!

[@evarene07]

tom11zz884 to say what???

[@tesswonderful4194]

Thst is one of THE dumbest remarks I have ever heard - and totally sexist. But I think you know that. Lol. 👎

[@wheres_bears1378]

Tess Wonderful it’s more ageist than sexist

[@tesswonderful4194]

@@wheres_bears1378 Ummm, women were singled out that it's a "shame" these beautiful WOMEN aged. Last I looked there men up there too who aged. 🤔