Overview
- His family said he died suddenly on Friday evening, Nov. 21, and no cause of death has been disclosed.
- A Chicago-born, Minneapolis-raised multi-instrumentalist, he was the original and only drummer for Prince’s band the Time.
- As a producer, he helped craft hits including Janet Jackson’s 1990 No. 1 Black Cat and worked with New Edition and Alexander O’Neal.
- He appeared in Prince’s films Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge and performed at the Grammys, including a 2008 set with Rihanna.
- Sheila E., Susannah Melvoin and Morris Day led tributes honoring his musicianship, mentorship and leadership in founding the Minneapolis Sound Museum.