**Remembering Prince: A Lasting Legacy and the Impact on Jimmy Jam**
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It has been nearly a decade since the world lost the musical genius known as Prince, who passed away on April 21, 2016. His legacy continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike, including notable producer Jimmy Jam, who fondly recalls his first encounters with the artist during their school days.
Reflecting on their shared past at the Hollywood premiere of the new film “Michael,” which took place on April 20, 2026, Jimmy Jam shared his enduring memories of Prince. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him or think about what he would do in a certain situation,” the 66-year-old musician remarked, offering insight into the profound impact Prince had on his life and career.
Jimmy Jam first met Prince while they were both in junior high school, where they took a piano class together. He reminisced about a pivotal moment when their teacher decided to form a school band. “We both raised our hands,” he recalled. “I said, ‘Drums,’ and he looked at me like, ‘Drums?’ They asked Prince what he wanted to play, and he said, ‘Guitar,’ to which I thought, ‘Guitar?’”
An amusing anecdote further highlighted Prince’s remarkable talent. During a rehearsal, despite his intention to step out briefly, Jimmy Jam overheard the unmistakable rhythm of his own drums being played by none other than Prince. “At 13, I was watching this wunderkind,” he said, in awe of Prince’s early display of musical prowess. “It was just like nothing I’d ever seen before.”
Over the years, the collaboration between the two blossomed, especially as Prince ascended to stardom and formed the band The Time. This group, which included Jam, Morris Day, Jesse Johnson, and others, became a vital part of Prince’s Warner Bros. contract and served as his opening act in the early 1980s. Jam fondly recalled how Prince made their signing possible. “When we got a chance to get signed as The Time, it was every musical education we needed,” he commented, recognising Prince’s unwavering dedication to their craft.
According to Jam, Prince’s work ethic was unmatched and served as a pivotal lesson for all involved. “Nobody outworked Prince. He’d rehearse us for 12 hours, his band for six hours, and then head to the studio all night,” Jam described, noting that this immense dedication profoundly influenced his own approach to music.
Despite the tumultuous events following their time in The Time—in which Jam and his collaborator Terry Lewis were dismissed in 1983—there is no lingering resentment. Instead, Jam sees Prince’s decision as a turning point. “Prince was the one that fired us from The Time, but as my partner says, ‘He freed us,’” he explained, crediting Prince for providing them with both their initial opportunities and the independence to pursue their careers.
Looking back, Jam conveyed nothing but gratitude to the late artist. “He gave us our opportunity by bringing us into the fold, and then let us fly by separating us from it. So I thank him to this day,” he said, illustrating the respect and admiration that continues to define his memories of Prince.
As music enthusiasts reflect on the legacy of Prince, stories like that of Jimmy Jam highlight the deep connections forged through their shared passion for creativity. The talented musician’s influence on the industry remains immense, and those who had the privilege to know him or work alongside him carry his spirit forward in their work. With unflagging dedication to music and an unmatched flair for innovation, Prince’s legacy is sure to inspire for generations to come.